När tågen slutat gå : förvandling av övergiven räls till publikt promenad- och parkstråk

Abstract: Abandoned and unused railway structures often possess great potential if they are reclaimed and reused for new purposes. The thesis focuses on the global trend of restoring and revitalizing these areas, converting them into park areas, rail trails and green corridors in the city landscape, while preserving their ecological, social, esthetic and historic values. These rail areas were often abandoned when industries moved out from the cities, either to industrial areas or abroad. The use of railways for transporting industrial goods was also replaced to a large extent my motorized road vehicles in the mid 20th century, leaving the rails under-utilized. Because of their location and intrinsic values, they can be reused for important functions, such as green areas in the city environment, providing space for recreational activities and exercise and social meetings and interactions. I have closely investigated the three park areas High Line in New York, Promenade Plantée in Paris and Schöneberger Südgelände in Berlin, which have all gone through this transformation in recent years. I have summarized my conclusions in three key concepts to consider: design for social values, preserve the architectural history, and leave room for future evolution. The final part of my work is a design program for an abandoned railways area in Stockholm: Eriksdal railway area. I picked this area since it has aspects of all the values mentioned above, and it has especially received attention for the citizens’ initiative to use the area for urban gardening, art projects, night club activities, and more. The architectural environment is also interesting, with it’s unused industrial structures, monumental bridges, and wild wastelands. The main concepts in the design program is therefore: preserve structures, urban gardening for all, and flexible spaces. The conclusion is that a conscious reclaiming of railway areas can lead the city into the future while preserving the historical values!