A shed, a dock and a boat : a design proposal for a harbor in Bohuslän with focus on cultural heritage

Abstract: This thesis presents a design proposal for a new harbor in Bohuslän.The area holds high historical and aesthetic values. The project site has been proposed by the municipality for the development of a new harbor, to meet increasing demand for mooring in the area. The study aims to design a harbor that fits in with the existing building style of the area while the wishes of the residents are taken into account. The formulated research questions in this study have the objective of addressing three areas: the components of Bohuslän's cultural heritage, the integration of heritage-aspects of design, and the integration of the needs and desires of the residents into the design. The theoretical foundation of this thesis is rooted in a modern perspective of heritage studies that emphasizes the cultural aspect of heritage. While it is associated with present-day heritage studies, this study recognizes the significance of tangible structures in cultural heritage and their role in shaping cultural identity and values. The project discusses the importance of considering the history and cultural heritage of an area in development projects. It highlights the maritime heritage of Bohuslän and how it has shaped the architecture of traditional fishing communities. The project also discusses the historical importance of harbors and sheds and their significance as heritage markers. Incorporating cultural heritage into landscape architecture is crucial for safeguarding a community's cultural identity and values. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the landscape but also enhances its social importance for present and future generations. The project was divided into three phases: pre-design, design, and post-design. In the pre-design phase, a document review of the Översiktsplan 2030 (overview plan) was done to gain an understanding of the municipality's plans for Västbacken. The pre-design phase also included a concise history review and a survey to understand the cultural and environmental heritage and values of the target area, while site visits were conducted to observe and analyze the study site. The design process involved sketching various ideas and conceptual designs based on information gathered from the pre-design phase. In the last phase, the post-design phase, the project was evaluated and discussed. The final design proposal includes a harbor consisting of wooden docks, fisherman sheds, and a boardwalk connecting everything. The harbor consists of three boat docks, with spaces for around 20-25 boats of different sizes, and two docks for recreation and swimming. The sheds can be adapted for different purposes, such as storage, saunas, or a kiosk. The new harbor is divided into two areas, a swimming- and recreational area with extra wide docks and a large number of places to sit, and a boat area. The design incorporates the wishes of the residents of the area, including storage sheds, mooring spaces for guests, and a kayak dock.