Hoken: a transformation guided by the identities of Varberg
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Publicerad
2022
Författare
Schultz, Alida
Wik, Tove
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
When a place is facing transformation, a balancing
act arises between preserving and renewing. What
might be seen as a valuation of physical objects
to be either kept or removed, is also a selection of
memories to bring into the future. As architects, we
have a responsibility to understand the place and
not let norms guide these decisions at the expense
of local, everyday qualities experienced by the users.
An understanding of the unique atmosphere is
crucial to consider in a place’s development, as it is
closely associated with the feeling of belonging and
identification.
The thesis focuses on a part of a development
area in Varberg that is currently in transition. The
harbour that shaped the town, will be replaced by
a new urban-influenced city district, Västerport.
Hoken, a pier located at the interface between the
old Varberg and the upcoming neighbourhood,
is included in the transition but its future is still
uncertain. This is the starting point of the thesis.
The aim is to explore methods for capturing and
conveying place identity, with collages as a narrative
design tool, and to use the guiding narrative as the
main driver for a transformation proposal. The thesis
is mainly driven by a research-by-design method,
supported by literature studies to frame the
theoretical approach. During the process we aim
to understand the site with a phenomenological
mindset, which puts emphasis on capturing not
only physical characteristics, but also making
intangible aspects visible. By drawing in layers,
physical objects can be supplemented with activity
and strengthened by an emphasised feeling. One
by one, the collages create scenes. Together, they
tell the story of Varberg.
The result of the thesis can be divided into two parts,
the architectural proposal and the methodology
behind it. The captured place identity guides the
transformation process, in order to protect the
attachment between the people and the place. The
outcome is a transformation proposal for Hoken,
into a new public space, that allows for Varbergs
unique atmosphere to flourish despite times of
urban renewal.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Transformation, Place identity, Tangible and intangible heritage, Narrative thinking, Collage