Published 14.11
Student life, friendship and love have flourished in the corridors of Parentesen in Lund for over 60 years.
This is where Viggo Mogensen’s parents fell in love in the 90s. Today he himself lives in the same house. But now he could be one of the last.
– I feel sad for my little sister and all future students, says Viggo Mogensen.
Since 1964, the accommodation has been a home for thousands of students from different cities and countries.
But if AF Bostäder’s plans come true, the roughly 300 student rooms distributed over 16 corridors may soon be replaced by student apartments.
– It is sad to see, it came without warning, says Viggo Mogensen.
And he is not the only one affected by the construction plans.
“It would be a blow to Lund’s entire student world”
“The parenthesis is the reason why you study in Lund”
“It’s basically a UNESCO World Heritage Site”
So read the comments in the petition to preserve the Parentheses, which at the time of writing has more than 1,600 signatures.
“It is my dream to experience what my parents and brother have told me about,” writes Saga Mogensen, Viggo’s younger sister in the petition.
Fell in love in the corridors
The annual brännball tournament, the legendary parties and strong community are some of the things the students highlight as distinctive for the well-known student accommodation.
– I know people who live in other student corridors in Lund and days can go by without seeing them. Parran is unique in its community, says Viggo.
He chose the accommodation following the praise of his parents, whose love story began in the corridors in 1992.
Viggo’s father Johan Mogensen sees the rebuilding plans as a step in the wrong direction.
– In a time where more young people live alone, corridor accommodation is a very good thing, you are never alone. The social aspect is especially important in such a formative part of life. In addition, corridors are a good way to offer student accommodation with slightly lower rent.
“Old and in need of renovation”
He also believes that the fact that you live in a corridor with 20 other people can benefit democracy.
– Not all corridors are as big as Parentesen. You meet different people from all over the world, with different backgrounds, interests and personalities, says Johan Mogensen.
But Henrik Krantz, CEO of AF Bostäder, does not share the image of Parentesen as something unique.
– It is one of our student housing areas. The building is old and in great need of a thorough renovation. However, no final decision has been made to convert the corridors into apartments, he says.
“Wants a kitchen”
He also believes that many students prefer a more private accommodation than what corridor life offers.
– The majority do not want to share the kitchen and shower with others, says Henrik Krantz.
Johan Mogensen thinks that the debate about corridor housing is often oversimplified.
– If you ask people what they prefer, many choose what they already know. But then you may not be aware of the other benefits, he says.
Henrik Krantz does not see the great commitment to preserving Parentesen as a corridor residence as decisive for the decision.
– I understood that many would react, but it is not a vote.
