Moderna kyrkor. Reflektioner kring ett övertaligt kulturarv

Abstract

Churches are seen as one of Sweden's most valuable cultural heritage. They bear witness to a living tradition and gives us knowledge of society at large and therefore people's lives at different times. These buildings possesses a high value, which is shared by the vast majority, and they are protected by law. The concept of modern churches is in this essay the churches built after 1940, which is not covered by law. The older churches has therefore a cultural and historical value which the modern churches lack. About 600 churches are built after the year of 1940 and the total number of churches in the country is 3400. A case study shows three modern churches in northern Sweden, each facing redundancy. Church redundancy is a current concept and the distinction in the law makes the modern churches easier to modify and sell. When the assemblies need to save money the modern churches are often the first to be discussed. The essay culminates in a discussion of the aesthetic value and age value.