Homage to home: an architectural investigation at Stora Stenbrottet in the Kinnekulle region

Abstract

“Architecture is the very mirror of life. You only have to cast your eyes on buildings to feel the presence of the past, the spirit of a place; they are the reflection of society." - I. M. Pei - In this thesis, I return to my home region on Kinnekulle in order to explore how the design of a public building can connect to and enhance the experience of a place and the cultural history of a region. Through a research by design approach the thesis aims to investigate traditional stone- and timber building techniques from the area of Kinnekulle and explore how they could be translated into the typology of a modern visitors center and through this contribute to the knowledge on using stone and timber as a building material in an architectural project. The thesis engages with theory on architectural regionalism, tectonics and materiality and through studies on site, in models, sketches and drawings results in a two-part visitor center at the large quarry on Kinnekulle. One part tells the narrative of stone — its durability, strength and timelessness. The other part tells the tale of wood — its lightness and warmth. Through this the thesis aims to pay homage to two contrasting materials — to a place — and to the cultural heritage of Kinnekulle.