Journal

Brewery Proposal Earned a Scholarship

This year's building conservation scholarship goes to Johan Björck, an architecture student at Lund University of Technology. Johan's interest in historic preservation was sparked during his thesis project, where he created a proposal for how the old steam power plant belonging to Yllefabriken in Marieholm could be converted into a brewery. We met Johan for a conversation.

Photo caption: Johan Björck inside the steam plant that served as the basis for his architecture thesis.

We arranged to meet outside the steam plant in Marieholm, which was the focus of Johan's thesis project.

"The reason I chose this particular building is its potential and the fact that it's so beautiful. The interior is divided into two sections. One is a hall that almost feels like a basilica. That's where the brewery is intended to be located. The other part, with lower ceiling height, could house a pub."

A role model Johan had during his work was the brewery Omnipollo in Sundbyberg, which also occupies a similar type of space. On the theoretical side, he drew inspiration from sociologists Robert D. Putnam and Ray Oldenburg.

"It's their concept of the third place that interests me. In other words, somewhere that is neither work nor home, but a place where people meet."

Johan brought along Rikard Forshufvud, who owns the entire area. They both agree that society needs to become better at making use of the industrial buildings that still exist around the country.

"Just think of how much carbon dioxide is stored in them," Johan says.

He believes that much of what architects will work with in the future will involve reuse and transformation of existing buildings.

"I think that's really fun, and it suits me perfectly."

Part of the scholarship is participation in the Building Preservation Association's preservation camp. Johan chose Forsvik Bruk.

"I could use some practical experience in building conservation. We have an old property in Höör that we're renovating," he says with a smile.

We raise a glass of beer and wish Johan the best of luck in his future career and with his preservation work!