Weathering the Storm
Climate Change and the Preservation of Bryggen's Wooden Heritage
R.C. Reser (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Y.B.C. van Mil – Mentor (TU Delft - History, Form & Aesthetics)
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Abstract
This thesis examines the impact of climate change on Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bergen, Norway, renowned for its medieval timber architecture and subterranean archaeological deposits. As sea levels rise and precipitation intensifies, both the wooden buildings and the organic materials preserved below ground are increasingly threatened. The study explores Bergen’s identity as a “city of weather,” where climate has historically shaped both the built environment and cultural resilience. It evaluates current preservation efforts, such as groundwater stabilisation, drainage reforms, and timber conservation, and identifies their limitations under future climate scenarios. The thesis proposes a hybrid preservation model based on international case studies, including Venice’s MOSE barriers, Hadrian’s Wall geotextile interventions, and microbial treatments from Polish wooden churches. This model integrates local measures with globally informed strategies, emphasising the need for proactive, interdisciplinary, and adaptive approaches to heritage preservation in a rapidly changing climate.