29 April, 2010 16:20

Architectural visions for the Bergman Center

Download as pdf (text in Swedish:
A Dream
Heaven and Sea
Camera
Karst

This January, The Fårö Bergman Center Foundation invited four Swedish architect bureaus to present their proposals for the reconstruction of the old Fårö school. The two buildings that comprise the school, and are to be rebuilt into an attractive Bergman center, are situated in the middle of the island by the main road, right next to Fårö church – where Ingmar Bergman is buried.

The school is surrounded by the landscape and the people that were so dear to the director. The proximity to the sea and Fårö’s distinctive nature should be vital components in the shaping of a Bergman center.

The challenge was defined thus: to turn Fårö and its surroundings into an attractive destination and an international meeting place for Bergman fans, and others with an interest in film and culture.

The assignment also called for a creative and environmentally sustainable approach, not just in terms of constructing the buildings but also regarding the use of energy sources, composting, the use of rainwater and other climate friendly solutions.

The school, which was donated by the municipality of Gotland, will, among other things, house a permanent exhibition and thematic exhibitions, a cinema, a café, an audio listening room and a library, as well as the Bergman Week headquarters. To turn the loveliest schoolyard in Sweden into a “cinematographic park” featuring various attractions, was also part of the assignment.

The architect bureaus in question, AIX Arkitekter, Marge Arkitekter, Tham & Videgård Arkitekter and Visby Arkitektgrupp, have now handed in their proposals. The rules stipulate that the proposals are presented anonymously. They have instead been marked with an accompanying motto to be found next to each proposal at the exhibition.

The jury, consisting of Ann Lindegren Westerman, Albatross Team, Hans Göransson, Zuez Arkitekter, Carin Johanson, City Architect, Visby, Stefan Johansson, Head of Technical Services at Swedish Travelling Exhibitions / Riksutställningar and Jannike Åhlund, Head of Operation, Fårö Bergman Center, will now assess and form an opinion of the different proposals.

The winner will be presented on May 20 at a seminar at Filmhuset in Stockholm. Ingvar Carlsson, Chairman of the Fårö Bergman Center Foundation, will present the award to the winning proposal, which will then be described by the bureau in question. All proposals will be visible in the lobby of Filmhuset.

In connection with the publication of the winning proposal, AIS will arrange an architecture seminar with three interesting lecturers.
• Danish architect and professor on loan, Helle Juul, will talk about architecture and ethical city planning.
• Mats Björs, CEO at Byggherrarna, will talk about the role of the constructor in societal development.
• City Commissioner Kristina Alvendal will talk about urban planning monopoly as an instrument.

Moderator: Ulrika Franke, CEO, Tyréns. The seminar starts at 4 PM at Filmhuset, Borgvägen 5. After a break at 5.30 PM the winning Bergman Center proposal will be announced.