Diplomprosjekt
Høst 2024
Institutt for arkitektur
This project explores the adaptive reuse of a deteriorating farmstead in Farsjø, Sannidal, transforming it into a center for traditional crafts in Kragerø´s rural landscape.
The farm, once active in woodworking, smithing, and wool processing, reflects the deep history of Norwegian craftsmanship. Now decaying, its structures serve as a testament to rural Norway’s architectural heritage and the cultural shifts of modern agriculture. By restoring these spaces, the project revives their function, fostering a dialogue between the past and present.
Plans include the rehabilitation of the barn for workshops and the addition of a smithy, complementing the crafts that once defined the site. A residency program invites artisans to live and work on-site, offering educational programs in collaboration with Den Kulturelle Skolesekken, thereby connecting schools and communities with traditional crafts.
Positioned within the serene rural environment, the farm’s transformation includes the adaptive reuse of existing buildings and the introduction of new structures to support its revitalized purpose. The barn will be repurposed for workshops, while a newly constructed smithy will provide space for metalworking activities. Additional infrastructure will enhance functionality, creating a balanced setting that accommodates both craft education and community engagement.
Like the crafts it seeks to preserve, the project acknowledges the tension between decay and renewal. Through this transformation, Sørgården becomes a living archive of Norwegian craftsmanship, architecture, and rural culture, attempting to preserve and celebrate local heritage.
Arja Stylianou Korsnes / arja.korsnes@gmail.com
