Behind the Skene

MASTER’S PROJECT
LUND UNIVERSITY
TUTOR: ANDREEA MARCU

PROJECT PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 2020: https://www.koozarch.com

Behind the Skene is located in the centre of the university town Lund in the south of Sweden. Lund was described as a sleepy academic town by famous Swedish poet, and former Lund resident, Esaias Tegnér.  This still feels true today - this project aims to revive Lund and showcase the city’s extraordinary achievements.

Historically, the city of Lund has been the site of several overlapping and conflicting territories:  student, artist, scientist, civilian, and farmer.  Archaeological studies have also shown that central Lund was formerly surrounded by a moat which played an important symbolic role as the point where two different worlds met: Town and Countryside.

In today’s Lund, these divisions can still be seen and felt: between students and civilians, the old and young, and in the city’s architecture. Over the past few decades, Lund has become significantly more international and is now home to the two largest research facilities in Sweden.  However, the ‘Science Village’, situated in the North-East of Lund, is secluded from the rest of city.  Territorial space continues to be apparent. 

The proposal is made up of three components: The Building (two subterranean floors), The Skene, and The Wild Garden.  These elements are made up of a collection of theatres and exhibition spaces as well as an open-air museum, each inviting and allowing visitors to participate as both actors and spectators.  The project looks to bring together all demographics and would exist as a communal space in which to share experiences.  

Behind the Skene provides space for public and community activity.  It proposes to be a showcase of Lund’s past, present, and future and aims to bring together all of Lund’s citizens and be a site for shared encounters.