Sustainable Urban Development by Anne Juel Andersen & Erik Møller
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n recent years Aalborg has undergone a considerable change. It has been based on the guiding principles on sustainable urban development as laid out by the Aalborg Commitments. Industry along the harbour front and in central urban areas has moved away and resulted in large urban areas becoming prime spots for regeneration. The development from industrial city to a city characterized by knowledge and culture has gone hand in hand with Aalborg University’s expansion to around 14,000 students. The new waterfront plays a central role in the transformation of Aalborg from industrial city to experience and knowledge city. One of the aims of this transformation is to link recreation, education and culture in the harbour area that runs adjacent to the centre of Aalborg. This includes institutions such as Nordkraft, the city’s former power station, which has been converted into a centre for culture and leisure, where art, sport, music, theatre, film and restaurants are all combined under one roof, the Utzon Center, an international exhibition and knowledge centre, and in 2013 the House of Music. In the central harbour front project, cultural heritage has been taken as a starting point – historical traces are used in a new context with new functions and new connections in the city. The actual harbour front area as a transition area between the city and the water was, as opposed to the urban regeneration between the bridges, seen as an important asset which had to be maintained, albeit with new content. Creating a raw, maritime environment with historical traces was emphasized. As an example, the railway tracks were reused
in the paving as guiding elements for the disabled and to organize furniture such as benches and garbage containers. The harbour quay and bollards are also intact – though steps have been cut into the quay in order to provide a place for people to sit. Furthermore, there has recently been established a harbour bath along with Photo: Bibi Weismann several other areas for leiRegenerated harbour front area Jomfru Ane sure and sports activities. Parken, Central Harbour front of Aalborg An important aspect of the design has been not to blur, but to emphasize, the maritime and industrial atmosphere. Owing to the regeneration of the harbour front and a range of urban spaces and building projects in the city centre, the city centre is currently expanding to the North-East, and new patterns of movement and green connections are being created. This marks a comprehensive reconstruction of the city centre and central harbour areas.
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PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE by Eglė Juozapavičiūtė
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hen a number of European countries turned stable and powerThe homestead was renovated by funding from European Economful, Lithuania in 1991 had to take its first steps toward independic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanism. This spring Agluoency. Main purpose of that time was to transnenai ethnographical homestead will open up for form and adopt existing basis for successful all lovers of cultural heritage and tourists. development of a new state and to ensure a Another renovated homestead is located in one better tomorrow for future generations. of the most beautiful areas in Klaipėda District Klaipėda District is making great efforts to Dreverna village. It was also renovated from the retain the old Lithuanian heritage. Having funds of Norwegian Financial Mechanism. In the a strong moral basis from the past, one end of XIX century Dreverna village was famous is able to move forward into the future. for its boat builder and fisherman Jonas Gizas. Klaipėda District understands it and pays He was the best manufacturer of Curonian boats special attention to restoration and presKurenas. Kurenas is the old Curonian fishermen ervation of ethnographic homestead. boat, produced in the 12th century. It was up to 10 Jonas Gizas homestead Agluonenai village is one of the few still m long and 3 m wide. The main purpose of these remaining examples of Lithuania’s Minor boats was fishing, but they were also used in the wooden architecture. It is a typical small farm in the Klaipėda Region. lagoon for the logistical purposes. In 1983, Agluonenai barn theatre was settled in the homestead. Since The museum and the tourist information centre was established in then the festival of Lithuanian barn theatres has been organized in the homestead in 2010. Agluonenai homestead every summer. More than 20 plays were Eglė Juozapavičiūtė shown in the barn and more than 100 villagers took part in these MORE E-mail: e.juozapaviciute@klaipedos-r.lt plays for over 27 years. 16
BCB 1/2011