Adjacent to AF-borgen stands the Aspegrenska building, with roots in 19th-century student life. AF Bostäder is now embarking on a historic renovation, recreating the original accommodation at Aspegrenska. Students with an interest in culture will have the opportunity to experience an unplugged and authentic student life, entirely free from modern conveniences.
AF Bostäder’s strategy for cultural sustainability aims to preserve, promote and further develop culture and cultural heritage, for example by highlighting cultural history.
“The Aspegrenska building was designed by Hans Westman and completed in 1946, but the original and considerably simpler student barracks that once stood on the site were built as early as 1840,” says Henrik Krantz, CEO of AF Bostäder. “That is the living environment we want to recreate.”
The new, or rather the old, Aspegrenska will accommodate 17 students. Each resident will have a private sleeping chamber with a small stove for heating, a sofa bed, simple wooden furnishings for work and storage, as well as three candle holders, an oil lamp, a quill pen and ink.
"This time, we are going all exclusive," says Henrik Krantz. "Students will move in empty-handed, and we will ensure the full experience. Candles, matches and paraffin for the right atmosphere are included, as well as straw-filled pillows and mattresses. We recommend, not least because the bed is historically short, a semi-upright sleeping position. Washing and toilet facilities are located in the courtyard, along with water from a well, wood for chopping as needed, and the possibility to borrow a carrier pigeon."
To ensure the most authentic experience possible, AF Bostäder has delved deep into historical records for period-accurate details.
"At Aspegrenska, cooking will take place communally over a wood-fired stove in the main hall, which also serves as a social space," says Henrik Krantz. "This is where, among other things, the induction ceremony for new residents will be held. Tailcoats and evening gowns are, of course, mandatory."
"In the main hall, the house inspector will organise entertainments such as regular recitations of Latin texts and Sunday dinners featuring porridge, herring, student choir singing and drinking songs, but also character-building activities such as oral examinations in Latin and French," says Henrik Krantz. "The inspector will also oversee academic performance at Aspegrenska. Computers and mobile phones are prohibited on the premises, and to encourage good conduct and a collective spirit, all residents must be home by 10 pm. Before bedtime, residents are encouraged to entertain one another with piano playing, poetry and dramatic monologues."
"It is well established that cultural stimulation plays an important role in our wellbeing. It is our hope that Aspegrenska will attract historically minded students who wish to try life in the 19th century, disconnect and live without services such as electricity, hot water and broadband. We are delighted to safeguard cultural values of historical importance to student life in Lund, while also launching more sustainable student housing in a prime location within Lund’s cultural quarter. May the Aspegrenska building once again brim with renewed historic life and bring true, unadulterated joy to the students of Lund," says Henrik Krantz.
Applications open on 1 April, with priority given to students fluent in Latin.