Living with the ocean; reimagining coastal communities through regenerative design

Abstract

The thesis investigates how architecture can reconnect humans and the ocean, and how to align our way of life with the ocean’s cycles to propose a regenerative model for sustainable coastal development. Drawing from personal connections to the West Coast of Sweden, the study reflects on how traditional ways of life, once rooted in symbiotic practices and a deep care for the ocean, have been replaced by excessive lifestyles, unhealthy tourism and alienation. The loss of respect and knowledge about our local ecosystems has led to ecological degradation which highlights the need for a societal change. The aim of the thesis is to investigate how architecture can be used as a tool for reimagination and foster a healthier relationship between humans and the ocean. The theoretical foundation is based on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), a field of knowledge on Indigenous cultures and practices developed by communities through direct interaction with their environment and a holistic worldview. By identifying key aspects of TEK, a framework of design strategies is formed, providing an ecocentric perspective that emphasize interdependence and symbiotic relationships with nature. Located on the island of Tjörn on Sweden’s west coast, the project works with the region’s rich maritime heritage and identity. The design proposal consists of a marine learning and living cluster designed to promote knowledge exchange, restore degraded ecosystems and strengthen community ties. The architecture explores how relationships with the ocean are formed and how multisensory design principles can facilitate interactions with the marine environment. By integrating marine biobased materials, the sensory experience is enhanced while also offering a path toward a more resilient built environment that utilizes local renewable resources. A system of self-sufficient principles based on the ocean are adopted to operate the building, and transformed into a set of experiential design features to support learning. The thesis concludes that architecture can play a meaningful role in redefining how coastal areas are inhabited, not only by reducing environmental impact but by reshaping cultural narratives around the ocean. The project does not offer a universal solution, but a contextspecific model that encourages further exploration of how the built environment can engage with marine systems in a more informed and responsible way.