Sammendrag
The packing houses in Kjøpmannsgata, “Traders street” in the city of Trondheim, Norway, are acknowledged as part of the city`s significant heritage. Lined along the river with the medieval cathedral as backdrop, the row of buildings is one of the most photographed views in the city. The package houses are remnants of the traditional function of the river harbour, which provided a sheltered landing for boats and was a premise for the origin of the city one thousand years ago. After the medieval packing houses succumbed to a big city fire in 1681 the row was rebuilt. The packing houses standing today are of varying age, the oldest late 17th century, the newest modern buildings with replica facades rebuilt after fire. Although this row of buildings is a beloved historic city view, the impression of the row that it is neglected, with buildings which are partly abandoned. A municipal project has set out to restore and revitalize the area, with the purpose of both to save the built heritage and bring more activity to the area. At the same time, a new zoning plan is under way, which will determine the future use of the buildings. The topic explored here deals with the question of the relationship between valuation, treatment and use of vernacular heritage in an urban setting. Through the chosen case of Trader´s Street the following questions will be discussed: how is the historic vernacular understood and valued by the different stakeholders? What values are at risk when heritage buildings are transformed and commodified, and what tools can be used to activate heritage in an urban setting without compromising these values?
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