A case study of industrial heritage buildings at the Rjukan and Notodden site in Norway

Abstract

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) site of Rjukan and Notodden in Norway consists of unique industrial heritage values because of its architecture and engineering from the first decades of the twentieth century. During this period, construction technology experienced speedy developments in Norway, and many different building systems influenced the construction industry. Today, the preserved site with 24 selected industrial buildings offers great insight into the diversity of industrial heritage but bears also substantial conservation challenges. This presents a unique research opportunity, and this case study, which is part of a larger research project, aims to establish an overview of industrial building systems and architecture. The study revealed that industrial and high-rise structures have many commonalities despite very different architectural expressions and functions. Progression from craft-driven to prefabricated mass construction was not an isolated incident but a result of global industrialisation. This affected construction technology and influenced the evolution of both building typologies. Studying and analysing how case buildings resist loads and how that relates to system development helps understand the industrial heritage of this site. Through findings, this research intends to support heritage conservation schemes where practising architects, engineers and contractors can apply them for forthcoming project work.