ANVÄNDANDET AV HISTORISKA FÖREBILDER FÖR GESTALTNING AV NY BEBYGGELSE En undersökning av olika perspektiv ur den samtida gestaltningsdebatten

Abstract

In this study arguments for and against the usage of historical references in new built architecture within the contemporary Swedish architectural debate are analysed. Special attention is paid to arguments containing the commonly used expression classical architecture as well as the term pastiche. The essay further investigates whether the different parties meet in the arguments and what differentiates them. The results show that there are different perceptions on what the term classical architecture means. The current contemporary modernism is often in the debate seen as the complete opposite to classicism and classical architecture, where the latter is often highlighted as more valuable appearance-wise. The term classical architecture can connote the classical doctrine from the 15th century, based on the antique greek architectural orders. It can also be defined as architecture from the turn of the 19th to the 20th century with its stylistic orientations such as jugendstil and neoclassicism, as well as the Swedish style nationalromantik. Another perception is that the term classical style equals anything built before the rise of the early modernism in the late 1920s. Aspects such as local building traditions can also affect how new buildings with historical references are defined, by integrating local materials already used in the existing older buildings in the cityscape. Arguments occur that one should be allowed to model buildings with historical references without being criticized, which often happens. Others argue that from now on all new buildings should be designed with historical references, also arguing that contemporary architecture has taken too much space in the cityscape. A critique is stressed on both the debate itself but also on existing buildings with historical references, arguing that it isn’t the exterior of the building that matters, but the interior and the intentions behind the architectural design of a building, as well as good quality materials and a need to look forward and be creative. Pastiche is in the debate seen as the act of copying another style or an already existing building, and is mainly used in the negative sense of the word. Arguments are also stressed that politicians use the main publics’ wish for more buildings with historical references in an ingratiating way to win popularity without actually caring about architecture. The different parties in the debate have issues finding a middle ground, since all parties feel that they themselves should decide how new buildings should be designed, aswell as and who gets to decide the appearance. However they agree on that quality materials as well as connecting the architectural design to the area it’s being built in is important for the result of how the building will be perceived regardless if the building is designed with or without historical references.