det tomma arvet
year: 2020, thesis project
semester: 10
To read the full thesis in Swedish, click here.
abstract
An optimal solution regarding reactivation of an empty cultural heritage does not exist. I am investigating the possibility of creating a model that, with few or no resources, can be applied to an abandoned and empty heritage.
I chose to apply my model to the old observatory next to Lund’s city park. It is a 19th century building that has been emptied and in some sense forgotten since the astronomers left the building in 2002. Several attempts to reactivate the observatory have been made, but none has succeeded. The observatory is heavily regulated as a protected building along with its park and the other buildings that share its address. In August 2019, a formal request was sent from the municipality of Lund to the National Property Board of Sweden to acquire the property.
By applying my model to the observatory in Lund I have been investigating different outcomes, both possible and impossible. Everything from demolition to a typical restoration have been considered, as well as all the possible scenarios in between. What would the observatory look like if it was left as is? Would it eventually break down as a ruin or would it be demolished before that? How small or few do the efforts need to be to be able to recreate an attraction to the astronomical and scientific site that the observatory and its park once were, and to some extent still are today. Would it be enough with a new lighting installation for the building and perhaps some kind of display or does its protective status need to be reduced or lifted to enable an accessible and safe building?
model
In scale 1:100 the Observatory took form in a simple, white cardboard. Standard sized light diods were installed to add another dimension to the empty heritage.
Thanks to Karl Moritz for support and installation of lights.