REWRITING THE SCRIPT: On How to Approach Adaptive Reuse of Culturally Significant Buildings Through the Transformation of an Obsolete Elementary School into Housing

Abstract

In recent years, the closure of elementary schools has become increasingly prevalent in Sweden. Establishing a discourse on what should happen with the new multitude of obsolete buildings that have gone from functioning to vacant. Societal changes change how we use buildings, which buildings are needed, and which are not, and it is often complicated to adapt existing structures to societal needs; however, in an age defined by the climate crisis and resource scarcity, adaptive reuse is no longer one option but an ethical imperative. This thesis investigates how respect for buildings with cultural significance can be balanced with the need for transformation through the adaptive reuse of an obsolete elementary school into housing, assuming the building will not return to its original educational function. The School complex in question, Igelboda Skola, located in Nacka, Stockholm, was shut down in June 2025 and has since been completely emptied. The methods used involve literature studies on preservation, adaptive reuse, and change of buildings over time. Preservation ideology was used to formulate a design manifesto that aims to care for the heritage values within the buildings, while the adaptive reuse discourse was used to identify strategies for the transformation. This resulted in adopting the methods of restoring, reusing, reinventing, and readjusting. In addition, archival material was studied, and the building was documented through photography during multiple site visits, including one extensive visit within the main building. The project demonstrates how adaptive reuse can be applied in a hypothetical transformation of Igelboda Skola. It seeks a balanced approach that preserves the existing fabric and cares for its historical layers, while implementing the architectural interventions necessary to achieve a functional programmatic transformation. It showcases one approach to reimagine obsolete architecture through aesthetic care and contextual sensitivity. Overall, this research suggests that buildings are dynamic, shaped by time, use, and change, and that there’s inherent value in this reality. As an increasing number of buildings face obsolescence, architectural practices must refine their methodologies in order to articulate a defensible position against unnecessary demolition. This project contributes with one example on how to translate an existing architectural language by listening to it and re-writing it.