Riksintressets roll En studie av ombyggnaden av rådhuskvarteret inom riksintresset ”Centrala Kristianstad”

Abstract

The city of Kristianstad was built in the 17th century as a strong military centre. It has over the centuries evolved to a place of industry and now a city of modern commerce. The city centre of the town is appointed the title of cultural environment of national interest because of its well preserved city plan from the 17th century. This appointment also lifts the city’s 19th century architectural style, a Christian IV inspired new renaissance style, the city’s place in the ”water realm” and its different substantiations of the city’s evolution. This kind of marking means that changes in buildings and landscape should be done with the outmost consideration for the remnants of this cultural environment. The marking also stands for the townships commitment to a sustainable building ethic. In the middle of this lies the old city hall. Part of a larger block, it stands for a part of the town history as a strong administrative residence. The town hall and the other building in the block (formally apartments) are stated in the style of new renaissance. The building has now undergone a huge renovation leaving only the facade as a reminder of its former use. How much is too much when reshaping old building to new need in this kind of cultural landscape, is it preservation or simply just renovations? It is important to understand how the marking cultural environment of national interest has helped shape this building. In today’s fast changing cities is it possible to merge preservation and functionality.