Extending cultural heritage; the revitalization of a disused industrial building in Mölndal

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the demand for technological advancement continues to shape how we live and think. With each new innovation setting fresh standards, it becomes increasingly important to acknowledge and preserve heritage buildings. These structures are more than just remnants of the past—they are vital carriers of cultural identity, providing future generations with a foundation to build upon. Moreover, the preservation of cultural heritage buildings takes on new urgency in the fight against climate change. Demolishing old structures and constructing new ones is a wasteful and unsustainable use of resources. This thesis explores how a cultural heritage building can be seamlessly integrated into a modern urban context. The focus is a disused industrial building in Forsåker, Mölndal, once part of a historic paper mill that operated for over 300 years and played a significant role in shaping the community’s identity. With plans to transform the former mill area into a new district, the industrial buildings are slated for preservation and adaptation to meet contemporary needs. This thesis proposes how the building can be revitalized to honor its cultural heritage while aligning with the vision for the district’s future. Guided by planning regulations and archival drawings from the mill area, this thesis examines how spatiality, materials, and environmental considerations can be utilized to unlock the building’s potential and create new architectural qualities.