Rural Revitalization
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Architecture and urban design (MPARC), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Istemo Tjernström, Grim
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Old farm buildings throughout Sweden represent a great example
of built heritage, as quintessential with the traditional image of
Sweden as meatballs and long winters. This heritage consists of
thousands of buildings across the country, but with a relatively recent
shift in the typology of agriculture, many of these farms face
future decay and disrepair if not given a new purpose.
Meanwhile, there is a clear trend emerging which states that young
people now more than before are looking to leave cities to find a
new home in the countryside, partially the consequence of rising
house prices and burnout in cities.
This thesis explores the possibility for these beautiful old farms to
be transformed into small scale social communities, giving young
families a realistic alternative to urban life.
The communities are inhabited by multiple families, each either
renting an apartment or owning a private home with their own
garden, with land, equipment, and vehicles being shared between
them.
Existing buildings are renovated and repurposed into a variety
of new functions. Through exercises and references, I identify
some of the best visual and technical qualities in barns that can be
utilized.
The resulting proposal consists of a repurposed large barn with
space for commercial venues and multiple apartments, supplemented
with four large private homes for growing families.
The new developments take special care to respect their surroundings
and the historical architectural traditions in the region.
While the thesis presents a tangible proposal, the concept is
designed to be generic enough to be easily applicable across the
country on farms of different sizes and styles.