Rune Museum - A Modern Cultural Landmark
(About)
Client:
Self-initiated Concept
Industry:
Architecture / Cultural Heritage / Experience Design
Role:
Experience Designer, Concept Architect, Research Lead
Duration:
Ongoing
Client:
Self-initiated Concept
Industry:
Architecture / Cultural Heritage / Experience Design
Role:
Experience Designer, Concept Architect, Research Lead
Duration:
Ongoing
Client:
Self-initiated Concept
Industry:
Architecture / Cultural Heritage / Experience Design
Role:
Experience Designer, Concept Architect, Research Lead
Duration:
Ongoing
(Process)
(01)
Overview
The Rune Museum reimagines how Viking heritage can be experienced — not as static history, but as a living design story rooted in place and identity. Situated near Morgongåva station, the proposed site combines accessibility with a strong visual connection to the town’s natural surroundings and its existing runestone park. Architecturally, the museum is inspired by the form of a Viking longhouse, yet expressed through modern Scandinavian lines — a structure of charred wood, glass, and stone. The building opens toward the landscape through large panoramic windows that connect the indoors with the surrounding forest and light. The layout is designed to guide visitors through distinct zones: - Ground Floor: entry hall, interactive exhibitions, café with local pastries and crafts, and a museum shop featuring regional products and rune-inspired design items. - Upper Floor: a multi-use hall that can be rented for events, lectures, school visits, or art workshops — making the building financially sustainable and socially integrated. The outdoor courtyard features replicas of local runestones and links directly to the nearby forest path — connecting the museum to the larger Rune Trail experience.
(01)
Overview
The Rune Museum reimagines how Viking heritage can be experienced — not as static history, but as a living design story rooted in place and identity. Situated near Morgongåva station, the proposed site combines accessibility with a strong visual connection to the town’s natural surroundings and its existing runestone park. Architecturally, the museum is inspired by the form of a Viking longhouse, yet expressed through modern Scandinavian lines — a structure of charred wood, glass, and stone. The building opens toward the landscape through large panoramic windows that connect the indoors with the surrounding forest and light. The layout is designed to guide visitors through distinct zones: - Ground Floor: entry hall, interactive exhibitions, café with local pastries and crafts, and a museum shop featuring regional products and rune-inspired design items. - Upper Floor: a multi-use hall that can be rented for events, lectures, school visits, or art workshops — making the building financially sustainable and socially integrated. The outdoor courtyard features replicas of local runestones and links directly to the nearby forest path — connecting the museum to the larger Rune Trail experience.
(01)
Overview
The Rune Museum reimagines how Viking heritage can be experienced — not as static history, but as a living design story rooted in place and identity. Situated near Morgongåva station, the proposed site combines accessibility with a strong visual connection to the town’s natural surroundings and its existing runestone park. Architecturally, the museum is inspired by the form of a Viking longhouse, yet expressed through modern Scandinavian lines — a structure of charred wood, glass, and stone. The building opens toward the landscape through large panoramic windows that connect the indoors with the surrounding forest and light. The layout is designed to guide visitors through distinct zones: - Ground Floor: entry hall, interactive exhibitions, café with local pastries and crafts, and a museum shop featuring regional products and rune-inspired design items. - Upper Floor: a multi-use hall that can be rented for events, lectures, school visits, or art workshops — making the building financially sustainable and socially integrated. The outdoor courtyard features replicas of local runestones and links directly to the nearby forest path — connecting the museum to the larger Rune Trail experience.
(02)
Challenge
Although Uppland has one of the world’s highest densities of runestones, few places allow visitors to experience them in a truly interactive or emotional way. Traditional museums often rely on text-heavy panels and static displays, which struggle to engage broader audiences, especially younger generations. The challenge was to envision a new type of cultural space — one that bridges education, architecture, and digital experience without turning heritage into spectacle. It needed to respect authenticity while using design tools like light, sound, and storytelling to awaken curiosity. Morgongåva, a small but growing town, also posed practical questions: Could such a project sustain itself economically? Could it attract visitors from nearby Uppsala while also serving as a local gathering point for residents, schools, and community events? The project therefore sought to balance three pillars: 1. Cultural storytelling — honoring local history and Viking heritage. 2. Community relevance — creating a space that serves daily life, not just tourism. 3. Design innovation — merging architecture, sustainability, and interaction.
(02)
Challenge
Although Uppland has one of the world’s highest densities of runestones, few places allow visitors to experience them in a truly interactive or emotional way. Traditional museums often rely on text-heavy panels and static displays, which struggle to engage broader audiences, especially younger generations. The challenge was to envision a new type of cultural space — one that bridges education, architecture, and digital experience without turning heritage into spectacle. It needed to respect authenticity while using design tools like light, sound, and storytelling to awaken curiosity. Morgongåva, a small but growing town, also posed practical questions: Could such a project sustain itself economically? Could it attract visitors from nearby Uppsala while also serving as a local gathering point for residents, schools, and community events? The project therefore sought to balance three pillars: 1. Cultural storytelling — honoring local history and Viking heritage. 2. Community relevance — creating a space that serves daily life, not just tourism. 3. Design innovation — merging architecture, sustainability, and interaction.
(02)
Challenge
Although Uppland has one of the world’s highest densities of runestones, few places allow visitors to experience them in a truly interactive or emotional way. Traditional museums often rely on text-heavy panels and static displays, which struggle to engage broader audiences, especially younger generations. The challenge was to envision a new type of cultural space — one that bridges education, architecture, and digital experience without turning heritage into spectacle. It needed to respect authenticity while using design tools like light, sound, and storytelling to awaken curiosity. Morgongåva, a small but growing town, also posed practical questions: Could such a project sustain itself economically? Could it attract visitors from nearby Uppsala while also serving as a local gathering point for residents, schools, and community events? The project therefore sought to balance three pillars: 1. Cultural storytelling — honoring local history and Viking heritage. 2. Community relevance — creating a space that serves daily life, not just tourism. 3. Design innovation — merging architecture, sustainability, and interaction.
(03)
Solution
The Rune Museum concept proposes a hybrid cultural space — part museum, part café, part community venue — designed to be alive throughout the year. 🏗️ Architecture & Materials - Two floors (approx. 500–600 m²). - Constructed primarily in Nordic pine, charred timber cladding, Corten steel, and glass. - Passive heating and LED lighting integrated for sustainability. - Natural daylight is central — filtered through tall windows that echo the verticality of forest trees. 🧭 Interior Experience - The interior design follows a flow of discovery: - Exhibition Hall: Interactive displays with AR and LED-lit rune replicas, showing glowing inscriptions that translate into audio and animation when scanned via QR codes. - Story Zone: Ambient sound design of wind, stone, and whispers from Norse sagas create an immersive emotional atmosphere. - Workshop Corner: Dedicated area for school visits and creative activities — rune carving, digital storytelling, and history education sessions. - Café & Shop: A warm, social core of the building, featuring regional food, locally roasted coffee, and rune-themed artisanal products. 🌿 Upper Floor - Multi-use hall for rent: can host small conferences, lectures, art exhibits, or private events. - Seasonal exhibitions that showcase contemporary artists interpreting Viking symbolism through modern mediums — creating dialogue between past and present. - Equipped with modular furniture, acoustic panels, and hybrid AV setups for flexible use. 🔦 Outdoor Integration - A courtyard of reconstructed runestones, benches, and subtle LED path lighting. - Direct access to the Rune Trail, a forest loop with glowing rune replicas and accessible paths. - Opportunities for evening tours, seasonal events, and nature-heritage walks. Every element — from the lighting to the signage — follows the same core aesthetic: Nordic calm, modern simplicity, and a sense of timeless wonder.
(03)
Solution
The Rune Museum concept proposes a hybrid cultural space — part museum, part café, part community venue — designed to be alive throughout the year. 🏗️ Architecture & Materials - Two floors (approx. 500–600 m²). - Constructed primarily in Nordic pine, charred timber cladding, Corten steel, and glass. - Passive heating and LED lighting integrated for sustainability. - Natural daylight is central — filtered through tall windows that echo the verticality of forest trees. 🧭 Interior Experience - The interior design follows a flow of discovery: - Exhibition Hall: Interactive displays with AR and LED-lit rune replicas, showing glowing inscriptions that translate into audio and animation when scanned via QR codes. - Story Zone: Ambient sound design of wind, stone, and whispers from Norse sagas create an immersive emotional atmosphere. - Workshop Corner: Dedicated area for school visits and creative activities — rune carving, digital storytelling, and history education sessions. - Café & Shop: A warm, social core of the building, featuring regional food, locally roasted coffee, and rune-themed artisanal products. 🌿 Upper Floor - Multi-use hall for rent: can host small conferences, lectures, art exhibits, or private events. - Seasonal exhibitions that showcase contemporary artists interpreting Viking symbolism through modern mediums — creating dialogue between past and present. - Equipped with modular furniture, acoustic panels, and hybrid AV setups for flexible use. 🔦 Outdoor Integration - A courtyard of reconstructed runestones, benches, and subtle LED path lighting. - Direct access to the Rune Trail, a forest loop with glowing rune replicas and accessible paths. - Opportunities for evening tours, seasonal events, and nature-heritage walks. Every element — from the lighting to the signage — follows the same core aesthetic: Nordic calm, modern simplicity, and a sense of timeless wonder.
(03)
Solution
The Rune Museum concept proposes a hybrid cultural space — part museum, part café, part community venue — designed to be alive throughout the year. 🏗️ Architecture & Materials - Two floors (approx. 500–600 m²). - Constructed primarily in Nordic pine, charred timber cladding, Corten steel, and glass. - Passive heating and LED lighting integrated for sustainability. - Natural daylight is central — filtered through tall windows that echo the verticality of forest trees. 🧭 Interior Experience - The interior design follows a flow of discovery: - Exhibition Hall: Interactive displays with AR and LED-lit rune replicas, showing glowing inscriptions that translate into audio and animation when scanned via QR codes. - Story Zone: Ambient sound design of wind, stone, and whispers from Norse sagas create an immersive emotional atmosphere. - Workshop Corner: Dedicated area for school visits and creative activities — rune carving, digital storytelling, and history education sessions. - Café & Shop: A warm, social core of the building, featuring regional food, locally roasted coffee, and rune-themed artisanal products. 🌿 Upper Floor - Multi-use hall for rent: can host small conferences, lectures, art exhibits, or private events. - Seasonal exhibitions that showcase contemporary artists interpreting Viking symbolism through modern mediums — creating dialogue between past and present. - Equipped with modular furniture, acoustic panels, and hybrid AV setups for flexible use. 🔦 Outdoor Integration - A courtyard of reconstructed runestones, benches, and subtle LED path lighting. - Direct access to the Rune Trail, a forest loop with glowing rune replicas and accessible paths. - Opportunities for evening tours, seasonal events, and nature-heritage walks. Every element — from the lighting to the signage — follows the same core aesthetic: Nordic calm, modern simplicity, and a sense of timeless wonder.
(04)
Result & Conclusion
The Rune Museum project demonstrates how experience design and architecture can converge to make history feel alive and inclusive. More than a museum, it is envisioned as a cultural ecosystem — one that strengthens local identity, stimulates tourism, and creates daily social value. If realized, the Rune Museum could serve multiple audiences: - Locals enjoying the café and events. - Schools visiting for interactive workshops. - Tourists exploring the Rune Trail and surrounding heritage sites. - Artists and researchers using the space for exhibitions and talks. Economically, the multi-function model (museum + café + rentable hall) supports sustainability while reinforcing the museum’s role as a living community space. Culturally, it bridges ancient craftsmanship with digital storytelling — proving that heritage can evolve, not fade. Ultimately, Rune Museum redefines how small towns can express cultural ambition — turning history into light, space, and shared experience.
(04)
Result & Conclusion
The Rune Museum project demonstrates how experience design and architecture can converge to make history feel alive and inclusive. More than a museum, it is envisioned as a cultural ecosystem — one that strengthens local identity, stimulates tourism, and creates daily social value. If realized, the Rune Museum could serve multiple audiences: - Locals enjoying the café and events. - Schools visiting for interactive workshops. - Tourists exploring the Rune Trail and surrounding heritage sites. - Artists and researchers using the space for exhibitions and talks. Economically, the multi-function model (museum + café + rentable hall) supports sustainability while reinforcing the museum’s role as a living community space. Culturally, it bridges ancient craftsmanship with digital storytelling — proving that heritage can evolve, not fade. Ultimately, Rune Museum redefines how small towns can express cultural ambition — turning history into light, space, and shared experience.
(04)
Result & Conclusion
The Rune Museum project demonstrates how experience design and architecture can converge to make history feel alive and inclusive. More than a museum, it is envisioned as a cultural ecosystem — one that strengthens local identity, stimulates tourism, and creates daily social value. If realized, the Rune Museum could serve multiple audiences: - Locals enjoying the café and events. - Schools visiting for interactive workshops. - Tourists exploring the Rune Trail and surrounding heritage sites. - Artists and researchers using the space for exhibitions and talks. Economically, the multi-function model (museum + café + rentable hall) supports sustainability while reinforcing the museum’s role as a living community space. Culturally, it bridges ancient craftsmanship with digital storytelling — proving that heritage can evolve, not fade. Ultimately, Rune Museum redefines how small towns can express cultural ambition — turning history into light, space, and shared experience.
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