Hybrid atmospheres; crafting a sustainable cultural centre for Lindholmen

Abstract

Today, the planetary ecosystem faces significant pressure from human activities, in large part due to the impacts of the built environment. Likewise, this built environment offers fewer and fewer qualified spaces and engaging atmospheres essential for human well-being. Integrating this dual challenge highlights a gap in the building design process. This thesis explores the integration of the atmospheric experience of space with sustainable design in creating a cultural center in Sweden. It focuses on utilizing natural resources, such as natural light and wood, to create sensory atmospheres while incorporating environmentally friendly processes. This approach centers on a parking lot along the riverbank of Lindholmen in Gothenburg, a site historically degraded by a century of shipyard operations but now presenting a unique opportunity for recovery. Its strategic position offers the opportunity for a cultural public building, connecting a sequence of art exhibitions along the Älv riverbank. The intervention is a vibrant place that recovers nature and symbolizes the historical creative industry through exhibition spaces, such as a permanent exhibition for Hasselblad. The building also functions as a viewpoint. Its southern exposure on the waterfront minimizes obstacles to appreciating Gothenburg while harnessing solar resources. This combination further enhances the inspiring atmosphere and the potential for sustainable development. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of phenomenological and restorative architecture, this research examines spatial configurations that involve the experiential quality of space and recovering of the existing area. The methodology integrates research for design and research by design through a fluid iteration of two phases and their corresponding methods. Research on design approach is included in the final stage as a reflection on the design process. Ultimately, this thesis aims to expand the knowledge of the design process by exploring the relationship between atmospheric qualities of the space and sustainability in designing a public cultural center. It also contributes to the restoration of an environmentally degraded area, fostering an integrated approach to sustainable design and transformation.