Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Landscape architecture involves designing with dynamism and change, either due to
natural processes such as weather, growth of vegetation and seasonal changes or due to
human impacts. There is however a tendency to focus on form rather than processes.
Too often the representation of landscape architecture becomes static as it represents
the space at one chosen time rather than visualising time, processes and flux. The aim
of this master thesis is to explore the subject of designing a shifting landscape through
a design proposal for the Minecity park in Kiruna. Kiruna, a small mining city in the
north of Sweden, is going through vast changes as the underground mining for iron
ore has forced a relocation of the city centre. The concept of the Minecity park is an
attempt to create a green buffer zone between the city and the mine, as well as an
effort to turn the demolished city centre into an attractive part of the urban life in
Kiruna.
The design proposal is based on fieldwork conducted in Kiruna in September 2012
and February 2013. The proposal stretches from year 2013 to year 2033 as it covers
the area affected by the mining at today’s level. However the future of Kiruna is very
uncertain since it is surrounded by rich findings of iron ore, hence the design includes
strategies for how to handle the transformation.
Besides from the subject of designing and representing shifting landscapes, issues
regarding space, place identity as well as the meaning of nature have been important.
Spaces comprise different modes of creation wherein the lived space is as important
as the actual appearance of the space. Identity, nostalgia and lived memories are often
linked to buildings and spaces and these sights may contribute to the creation of a
collective identity. In the case of Kiruna, where the transformation changes these
structures and impact on the lived space, efforts must be made in order to maintain or
to reformulate the cultural heritage of the landscape.