1.3. Heritagisation Process

We cannot, it is not easy to demolish these important buildings and then we are going to construct a new set of image because it is to play with the peoples emotions peoples belonging.

Demolishing historical buildings isn't straightforward due to the emotional and cultural significance they hold for the people. When these buildings are destroyed, it can deeply affect the community's sense of identity and belonging. Changing or relocating these sites requires sensitivity and care.

Imagine a family home that has been passed down through generations. Just as it's hard for a family to leave a home filled with memories, communities find it difficult to let go of buildings that represent their history and identity.

You have these 3 are the major stakeholders of the Kiruna: one is the railway, the other one is the LKAB state-owned mining company, and the other one is the Kiruna Kommun to serve the people.

In Kiruna, three key stakeholders play a significant role in the heritagisation process: the railway service, LKAB (a mining company), and Kiruna Kommun (the municipal government). Each has its own influence and interest in how heritage is managed and preserved amidst the changes.

Think of this situation like a school project where three groups (students) are working together but have different goals. Each group needs to collaborate to ensure that their interests are balanced, just as these stakeholders must work together for the community's well-being.

A lot of documents a lot of heritage board there is lot of documents coming in Kiruna councils country administrative board, and LKAB and a lot of consultants which are developing all the reports.

Numerous reports and documents are produced by various authorities involved in the heritagisation process. These documents aim to clarify the status of heritage buildings and formulate strategies for their conservation and potential relocation.

Consider a group project where all team members need to submit their research findings. The collective reports help everyone understand the main points and decide how to approach the project's goals, similar to how these documents guide decision-making around heritage.

In 1984... the heritagisation have actually referred to various aspects; one is the addition of new heritage because when they came to know that yes the Kiruna is going to move further.

The heritagisation process in Kiruna began officially in 1984 with a conservation plan that recognized existing heritage and introduced new elements as the town faced the necessity to relocate. This historical context is crucial as it provides a structure for understanding how heritage is acknowledged and preserved during these changes.

Similar to how a city might recognize a new park as a historical site due to the community's strong connection to it, Kiruna's process involves acknowledging not only historical buildings but also creating ways to express new heritage linked to the changing environment.

Reaffirmation of already designated heritage... rejection of previously designated heritage.

Within the heritagisation process, reaffirmation of designated heritage means confirming the importance of existing buildings, while rejection might occur when certain sites are no longer deemed significant due to new developments or perspectives. This dynamic ensures that the heritage remains relevant to the community's changing identity.

Think of it like a wardrobe clean-out where you decide to keep certain clothes that fit your current style while letting go of items you no longer wear. This reflects how a community assesses its heritage and decides what to retain or update.

There has been a lot of the controversial aspects of how this particular culture has going to be taken into account in the move process.

The move process in Kiruna is complex and controversial due to various stakeholders' differing views on cultural heritage. This situation creates challenges in decision-making as they navigate financial, emotional, and practical considerations regarding heritage preservation.

Imagine a family trying to decide on a vacation destination; each member has different preferences, leading to debates. Similarly, the stakeholders must negotiate their priorities to conduct successful heritage management amidst relocation.

I would like to emphasise on 3 important aspects one is heritagisation, re-heritagisation and de-heritagisation.

The heritagisation process includes three phases: heritagisation (the initial recognition and preservation of heritage), re-heritagisation (updating or reaffirming the significance of certain structures), and de-heritagisation (removing or disregarding some heritage elements). Each phase reflects the town's evolution and the community's changing relationship with its heritage.

Similar to how a garden evolves over time—planting (heritagisation), pruning or relocating plants (re-heritagisation), and sometimes removing those that no longer thrive (de-heritagisation)—the heritagisation process helps communities adapt and evolve their identity.

Decision makers come onto the board looking at the financial cost how much it is going to cost to move that Kiruna Church or the Town Hall.

Financial considerations are critical in the relocation of heritage buildings. Decision makers must evaluate the costs associated with moving important structures like Kiruna Church, taking into account the financial resources available and the feasibility of preserving these heritage sites during the transition.

Think of this like buying a new car where you weigh the purchase price against your budget. Similarly, the city evaluates the financial investment needed to relocate heritage buildings while determining what is feasible.

There has been complexities in the spatial planning practice and theory.

Spatial planning for relocating Kiruna presents numerous challenges, including the relationship between stakeholders and the physical environment itself. The various interests of LKAB, Kiruna Kommun, and local communities complicate planning efforts, as they must all be considered to ensure a successful outcome.

Consider building a new neighborhood while ensuring everyone has access to community services like parks and schools. It's challenging to find the right balance, similar to how planners must consider multiple interests in Kiruna's spatial strategy.

The real problem is let us say in another 10 years they have invested a huge amount of money in the relocation...

Future uncertainties pose a significant challenge for Kiruna's heritage management. If investments are made and circumstances change—like the mining operations ceasing—how will this affect the community and their heritage? These uncertainties create anxiety about budget planning and the viability of future heritage initiatives.

This scenario is like planning for retirement savings. If you invest significantly but later find you can't sustain that investment due to unexpected life events, it creates stress. Similarly, Kiruna faces uncertainties that may impact its heritage preservation efforts.

What I really appreciate in this process is Sweden unlike in many countries in South America...

The Kiruna heritagisation process is notable for its consideration of community and environment during relocations—a contrast to practices seen in other countries where relocations might prioritize financial compensation over the community's heritage needs. This thoughtful approach enhances the credibility of heritage management.

Imagine a conservation group carefully relocating an endangered species rather than just moving them to a new area without regard. Kiruna’s efforts reflect a similar commitment to ensuring that the community's cultural and ecological needs are respected.

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