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DWELLING WITH PLACES OF POWER
Research and upcoming project within the InSitu program of (Un)Common Spaces
Produced by ØIT (Østfold Internasjonale Teater).
Exploring the material flows of Fredrikstad and surroundings, focusing on extraction related to the Sarpsfossen hydroelectric facilities and the production powered by it, as well as the quarrying industry of the area. Researching notions of how to dwell in and with these places and bear witness to the dynamics unfolding here.
Research in Skolt Pukkeverk and Rødshue, May 2022
Photograper: Andreas Strand Renberg
The Sarpsfossen hydroelectric facilities
As the waterfall began to provide reliable electricity, it set the stage for the industrialization of the rest of Norway.
The earliest documentation of harnessing the power of the waterfall for mill use was during city founder Olav Haraldson’s time in the 13th century.
However, it wasn’t until 1899 that the excess power (for carbide production) became repurposed for electricity.
The power output ultimately led to both Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad to have electricity since the turn of the 20th century.
The hydroelectric facilities and the industry that is running on the power provided has colonized the banks of the river Glomma and blocked any access to the river and the waterfall for approximately 1 kilometer of the river from the fall.
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