Sequences; Adding New Layers and Preserving Existing Values in the Transformation of a Church Building

Sammanfattning

Sequences. That is, in many ways, what this projecthas focused on. Sequences in the sense of spatialexperiences, where different rooms are linked together,but also sequences of events and histories unfoldingover time within a building.The specific case examined in this thesis is thetransformation of the former Smyrnakyrkan inGothenburg. One motivation for focusing on thetransformation of an existing building lies in thechallenges our society is currently facing. Today,the Western world faces the challenge of managinga large and often outdated building stock. Buildingsthat no longer fulfil a function or meet contemporaryrequirements are often at risk of demolition. As a result,layers of history and traces of previous generations maydisappear if they are not actively preserved.To safeguard the values embedded within existingstructures, while also promoting sustainabledevelopment, this thesis investigates how architecturalqualities within an existing building can become aresource rather than a limitation in the transformationprocess. In doing so, the project also contributesto the broader discourse on adaptive reuse and thetransformation of existing architecture.The research uses a Research by Design approach,focusing on the transformation of the former churchbuilding into a hotel and event facility. Within theproject, the hotel and restaurant programme functions asa framework through which the building’s architecturalqualities and limitations can be tested. One of the centralchallenges has been how to make efficient use of the largeopen spaces that once formed the church interior.By converting the main church hall into two separatespaces, while still maintaining a sense of openness andspatial volume, the project proposes a building that is bothmore usable and more efficient. At the same time, thearchitectural qualities and underlying design principles ofthe original structure are preserved and further developedthrough the study of original drawings and referenceprojects. In this way, the building can continue to evolvewhile remaining anchored in its history. Previous sequencescan be preserved, while new ones are added as the nextchapter of the building is written.Lastly, the research highlights both the challenges andopportunities involved in transforming existing buildings.Achieving a sustainable and efficient transformationoften requires extensive adaptations, raising questionsregarding feasibility. At the same time, older buildingsfrequently possess qualities of detailing, materiality, andcraftsmanship that are rarely achieved in contemporaryconstruction. By developing a deeper understandingof these qualities, existing architecture can become avaluable resource for future development rather than anobstacle to change.