Blodomloppet. Ett förslag på hållbar stadsutveckling. Förändringsprocesser och bevarandets samhällsbildande funktion

This thesis on the sustainable urban development has the intent to discuss the conservator’s position in alteration of the built environment. An essential component of the thesis consists of a case study in the form of an entry in an open architectural competition for the development of Furuset, an urban residential area in Norway. The thesis’ discussion is based on two approaches to change and socio-economic transformations, considered being dominant within the heritage theory and practice: the production of ideas and great narratives and conservation as an instrumental tool. Conservation as part of the production of ideas is discussed from the perceived societal need of a cohesive narrative and how this is often achieved with the formal writing of history. Discussion of the instrumental capabilities of conservation practice is based on 1970s idea of cultural heritage, focusing on traditional preservation of single monuments, versus the idea of Integrated Conservation incorporating a larger socio-political process. The thesis discusses the two conservation strategies and their respective problems as well as function in the forming of society. The qualitative case study examines to which extent the two strategies can be combined in a more dynamic way to manage change, without it being necessary to restricting preservation actions to only instrumental functions, nor to limit the production of ideas of conservatism and essentialism. The essay concludes with a discussion of the case study results