Fjällens Rörelsearv: movement heritage of the Swedish mountains

Abstract

The fjäll*-landscapes are debated areas in Sweden. Within these districts there are varying interests by different actors. The goal is, according to Naturvårdsverket and Länsstyrelsen (2018), to preserve fjällen the way that it is. If one looks at how humans have used the landscape historically, it is defined by movement. The remnants from humans are in general small, and usually in shapes of trails and paths. These traces do not make much impact on nature. (KTH 2015) Groups with different interests in fjällen have managed to co-exist without too many conflicts; samis, reindeers, small scale tourism and researchers have all used the area without leaving anything but “discrete monuments’ ’. These monuments are what is presented as the movement heritage. (KTH 2015) One can be inspired by this sustainable way of using the mountain landscape. By promoting the movement heritage, preservation and care of the area might increase. (KTH 2015) This thesis explores how architecture can contribute to do so through mapping of the situation in the mountains, art studies, literature studies and exploration of movement, nature and culture. The graphic material in this thesis can give a deeper understanding of the term movement heritage as well as showing the historical and natural values of the mountain landscapes. An architectural addition could help to promote important spaces found within the movement heritage and thereby contribute to give ideas of how to use the landscape in a sustainable and respectful way. The design proposal is an infrastructural element that provides safety, visibility of the path and efficiency in a functional and aesthetically pleasing way. At the same time it enhances cultural aspects and natural effects through architectural elements and spatial effects. The ”augmented trail” is a segment of a walking path and is enhanced by the, in fjällen, commonly used footbridge plank.