The site of this thesis is located in the coastal city of Gävle, 2 hours north of Stockholm and has since its origins played a significant role in the history of Swedish trade and shipping. 

The Alderholmen district, located in the central parts of the city, was originally an island with Lillån in the north and Gavleån in the south and developed into a trading and shipping centre during the 17th century. In the early 18th century, the booming iron production in Gästrikland led to significant iron shipping from Gävle.

During the 20th century, Alderholmen’s importance for shipping declined and several warehouses were therefore converted into industrial and office spaces. 

In recent decades, the warehouses have been in a state of neglect due to the decreasing need for office space and a disagreement between the city office and some of the property owners about what should happen to the site. 

This project aims to explore architectural stratagies focused on repurposing existing structures and revitalizing dormant spaces with great historic value. The vast waste of resources that are a reality today leaves no room for demolition even for historically, socially and structurally uncared for buildings. If the buildings such as the warehouses of Gävle are in a state of questionable integrity, where will the demolition frency stop?

The project is based on two phases. The first being a site survey were a laserscanner was utilized in order to produce the basis for drawings. The second phase being the proposal phase. Being strict with these two phases has allowed me to learn new methods of site inventory and how to relate to sensitive structures and environments.