Gåsebäck // 
re:charged

The history of the industrial area on the south side of Helsingborg is a story about a bustling and vibrant area where people worked, socialized and spent a lot of their time. With modernization and changing social focus the area was left behind, destined to become the dirty worker for the new urbanization happening in the rest of Helsingborg. Gåsebäck has been a home to many marginalized groups, such as elderly that come there to socialize, children that go to the elementary school, homeless people, refugees and outcasts and now the people of this historical space have claimed it back and refuse to be secondary any longer. With their history and punk attitude, the area is becoming a place for people again.

It is more sustainable making an industrial area more humanistic and nature friendly. Because of the existing users of the area it is important to have inviting public spaces. These spaces should hold on to the spirit of the place but in order to make it more welcoming it’s needed to soften it up with greenery and light.

By preserving the essential buildings and keeping the rough industrial spirit of the neighborhoods, and adding softer, natural elements this design creates a balanced place that has a sense of belonging and is multi functional to welcome all people, free of charge, to simply be, relax, play or to see other people.

Gåsebäck is a rough gemstone that is not for everyone. By adding softer elements like water, greenery and light the area will be more attractive and inviting but still in connection with it’s roots. With my design I’m hoping to build a network for community, life and industry where people can be them self, alone or together without feeling isolated.