Rural potential; a study in sustainable rural placemaking

Abstract

The rapid urbanization of rural areas is a threat to the diversity of local communities. Cities are growing, and current planning strategies aim to turn rural areas into urban ones. New developments are placed in the rural landscape, and they are becoming more standardized in their architectural expression, resulting in a less diverse built environment. The thesis means to explore the thesis question ‘How can sustainable development reinforce a rural area’s identity through placemaking and adaptive reuse?’ The purpose is to present a nuanced alternative to current planning strategies regarding large scale development and growth in rural areas through theory related to placemaking and adaptive reuse. The aim is to show representation in rural planning strategies, challenge the urban norm, as well as realize the potential of rural areas as something in its own right. The thesis had a qualitative research approach using qualitative methods in order to give an interpretation of the research collected and an understanding of the project site. It has been a design-oriented process inspired by transition design and the research was done for design. The process has been divided into five phases. Theoretical framework and context, inspiration, exploration, final proposal and reflection. The methods used have been researching case studies, holding interviews, a literature review, a photo study, a survey, a stakeholder map, sketching, 3D modeling and transition design. The literary review and background looks into rural areas and place attachment in rural areas, the historical development of rural areas since the 1800s and the regional planning practice. The geographical limitation given for the project is the community of Anneberg. An area with rural characteristics within the metropolitan region of Gothenburg. Anneberg that has been recognized by the municipality of Kungsbacka as a place with the potential for new development. The concept is based on what is needed in order to create a new meeting place in Anneberg looking at Adaptive Reuse, Accessibility & linkages, Sociability, Comfort & image and Uses & activities. The final design proposal consists of a sorting center, a reuse center, a recycling station, a hiking station, a workshop and a visitor center. The success of the project is dependent upon multiple stakeholders coming together and creating a place for the community of Anneberg. The discussion focuses on the possibility of small scale development using transition design as a method to catalyze societal change toward a more sustainable future and challenge standardized solutions for rural development.