A transformation of Thordéns ladugård

Abstract

Over centuries, the barn has become an integral part of the Swedish landscape and our built cultural heritage. Due to rationalization of the agricultural sector in recent years, many barns have become obsolete and been left to decay. One such barn is Thordéns Ladugård, located on the outskirts of Uddevalla and currently functioning as winter storage for boats. The aim of this thesis project was to investigate the transformation possibilities for this abundant building stock through a transformation proposal of Thordéns Ladugård. The questions guiding the thesis were: How can Thordéns Ladugård be transformed, using the intervention strategy of aemulatio, to accomodate new uses and prolong its lifespan? How can the concept of genius loci be used as a method to determine the character of the building and as a basis for new interventions? The project consisted of an inventory- and a design phase, with adaptive reuse theory and analyzed reference projects laying a theoretical framework for the investigation. The building, its history and its context was analyzed to determine the genius loci of the building and how new interventions could relate to the existing structure. Using the intervention strategy of aemulatio, the design proposal expands upon the existing qualities of the barn to create a multi-use program of independent functions; a ceramics workshop and gallery as year round functions, as well as an event venue fit for the summer months. The new interventions aim to reimagine the traces of human interraction by working with the existing structure and the qualities that define the barn. This approach was materialized through varying interior climate zones, situational adaptations and dynamic interior communications. The transformation proposal contributes to the reference bank of adaptive reuse projects within the typology. It showcases strategies of embracing unconventional properties and making them an integrated part of the design. The project is a response to the rationalization of not only the agricultural sector, but the building sector as a whole. Choosing to embrace imperfection and build upon it can create unique architectural experiences while preserving our built cultural heritage