Developing abandoned buildings : Design proposals that contribute to rural development and social sustainability

Sweden's population is constantly growing and so are the larger cities. Meanwhile thousands of buildings in the countryside are unused and forgotten. Recent world events have resulted in more opportunities for remote work, enabling more freedom in choosing where to live.The aim of this study is to exemplify how the change of an abandoned building can contribute to social sustainability and development of rural areas. The suggestions presented in the report should be applicable in accordance with current regulations, such as Plan- och bygglagen. Therefore a presentation of relevant laws is included in the study.The exemplification in this study is presented in the form of a design for a repurposed school-building in a small society near Älmhult. The design allows the space to be used for public activities and greenery. This is in accordance with theories and answers from interviews, which were conducted with a selection of people relevant to the subject, regarding how to make rural areas more attractive