Furniture and Spatial Design/Interior Architecture

hmkommedal@gmail.com

Eldemelde

How to create an inclusive meeting place in the town centre where diversity can flourish and people can experience a shared sense of well-being through cultural and sensory spatial experiences

What problem did you want to find a solution to?

‘Eldemelde’ is a project that refuses to accept the deserted streets and market square in Leirvik town centre on the island of Stord. ‘Eldemelde’ wants to inspire those in charge to create and adapt the town centre as a place for people – including children.

What has inspired you?

People’s place and identity, everyday life, story and future are my inspiration for this project.
The sensory aspects of the human experience, town life seen from a child's perspective, the island of Stord on the west coast of Norway and the ocean have all been important sources of inspiration for design choices in the project.

What is the result?

‘Eldemelde’ will create a vibrant town centre by linking everyday life with town life. This unifying approach will make ‘Eldemelde’ the new backbone of the town centre: an open connection between the sea and the mountains, between identity and history, and a vertical pointer to a sustainable future. ‘Eldemelde’ reinforces its axis with high walls, extends the market square and gives it better views, more light and air, and establishes contact between the landscape and surrounding life.
‘Eldemelde’ represents the town’s diversity and gives people options to choose from.


Here, within the walls of ‘Eldemelde’ there are sensory landscapes that facilitate shared activities, a cup of coffee, simple food, exhibitions, somewhere to tell the good stories or read about the place with an attentive child sitting on your lap.

Who will benefit most from this project?

‘Eldemelde’ takes the young generation seriously and invites them to live, grow up and enjoy themselves in the heart of Leirvik town centre. ‘Eldemelde’ will be an asset for life on Stord and for what has already been established in the community, and the project wants to cooperate closely with people, organisations, enterprises, schools and institutions. Through trust and active and sustainable measures and local commitment, this project can run itself. ‘Eldemelde’ will facilitate an inclusive and pleasant town centre for the people of Stord.