Studio: Matter Space Structure, Out of Context
Year: 2021
Location: Gothenburg
Type: Speculative
This speculative study delves into the relation to, and use of context, expanding on its connotations and our preconceived notions. It seeks to discover techniques that engage in a dialogue with the inherent qualities of context, designing in resonance with both past and future, situation and speculation.
The project finds its beginnings in the cemetery—a space imbued with and shaped by a sense of melancholy. These places, though somber, serve as a quiet refuge for the city's inhabitants, offering moments of grief and contemplation, and also opportunities for daily recreation. The melancholy that pervades such spaces, while heavy and complex, can, at times, transform into a source of comfort.
By speculating on the ways in which these melancholy-laden spaces can be re-interpreted, the project seeks to introduce a new dimension of melancholy, thereby probing the essence and experience of melancholy itself.
Through the mapping of various cemeteries in Gothenburg, a conceptual toolbox emerges, guiding the re-interpretation of melancholy into a contemplative space within Änggårdsbergen. This approach invites a deeper exploration of how melancholy can be re-imagined and re-experienced within the landscape, opening new avenues for understanding the phenomenon.
Year: 2021
Location: Gothenburg
Type: Speculative
This speculative study delves into the relation to, and use of context, expanding on its connotations and our preconceived notions. It seeks to discover techniques that engage in a dialogue with the inherent qualities of context, designing in resonance with both past and future, situation and speculation.
The project finds its beginnings in the cemetery—a space imbued with and shaped by a sense of melancholy. These places, though somber, serve as a quiet refuge for the city's inhabitants, offering moments of grief and contemplation, and also opportunities for daily recreation. The melancholy that pervades such spaces, while heavy and complex, can, at times, transform into a source of comfort.
By speculating on the ways in which these melancholy-laden spaces can be re-interpreted, the project seeks to introduce a new dimension of melancholy, thereby probing the essence and experience of melancholy itself.
Through the mapping of various cemeteries in Gothenburg, a conceptual toolbox emerges, guiding the re-interpretation of melancholy into a contemplative space within Änggårdsbergen. This approach invites a deeper exploration of how melancholy can be re-imagined and re-experienced within the landscape, opening new avenues for understanding the phenomenon.
Even in the ancient world, melancholy was not viewed purely as a negative. In fact, the term originates from the field of medicine, and was considered a vital component of the body together with three other so called “humours”. The four humours together needed to remain in balance in order for the body to remain in good health, meaning melancholy in moderation was considered a necessity. In contemporary thought, many still recognize that melancholy is not something to be entirely resisted or eradicated. Rather, there is a growing understanding that, at times, embracing melancholy can deepen our sense of presence, offering a more nuanced engagement with the world around us.
The selected site is situated atop Änggårdsbergen in Gothenburg, a location that shares many parallels with the cemetery, yet differs in its expression of melancholy. This distinction has guided the project's evolution, centering on a quest to discover and cultivate a sense of melancholy by identifying, accentuating, and integrating these elements into the landscape.
![The four humours]()
The selected site is situated atop Änggårdsbergen in Gothenburg, a location that shares many parallels with the cemetery, yet differs in its expression of melancholy. This distinction has guided the project's evolution, centering on a quest to discover and cultivate a sense of melancholy by identifying, accentuating, and integrating these elements into the landscape.
The volume is imagined as fully reflective and creates the illusion of the landscape extending into it, sometimes almost melting into its surroundings. Just as melancholy, it is both endless and obscure.
The plan is based on the duality of the intimate and collective nature of a cemetery. The connecting staircase acts as a passage through the building similar to the gravel paths, creating a neutral space for observers to pass the mourners.
The private room has a directed view towards the sky and the collective room is directed toward the field of heather, emphasizing the concept of time and mass. The movement up and down through the building embodies the contradition of feeling both resistance and ease.
The plan is based on the duality of the intimate and collective nature of a cemetery. The connecting staircase acts as a passage through the building similar to the gravel paths, creating a neutral space for observers to pass the mourners.
The private room has a directed view towards the sky and the collective room is directed toward the field of heather, emphasizing the concept of time and mass. The movement up and down through the building embodies the contradition of feeling both resistance and ease.
