Repurposing the unwanted : 300 temporary apartments in Marievik

Abstract: A 1980’s office block is threatened with demolition, leaving space for high-end housing in a local suburban area to Stockholm. Through presenting decision-makers with a choice and demanding action, I suggest a new future for this unwanted architecture.  The 32.000 sq m building is turned into 300 temporary rental apartments, following a strong structural logic to keep investment low. The found structure is used as a tool for contrasting the mainstream housing development of today, caring for urban diversity, ecology and coexistence.  The thesis project investigates if and how the repurposing of structures not meant for residential use into apartments can be a tool to challenge accelerating segregation. I present a design proposal for the 300 flats and additional functions, and discuss if the qualities of the spaces achieved can have any effect on diversity in the area and the norms of conventional building and the idea of the home. Tentatively, I suggest that the use of existing buildings conceived to be out of date and on the bottom of their market value development, can be a method to make the city more diverse. The role and resources of the architect student make this option possible.