Multivocality of space in heavy water tourism

Heritage sites are dynamic, evolving spaces shaped by competing perspectives, as demonstrated in the Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site. This study reveals that the heritagisation process involves multiple stakeholders—antiquarians, architects, and tourism entrepreneurs—who redefine and stage these sites as tourist attractions. Using Lefebvre's 'multivocality of space' framework, the research analyzes spatial sequences in the Heavy Water Cellar Museum (opened 2022) to uncover divergent viewpoints on presenting Rjukan’s WWII history and industrial legacy. The findings highlight how heritage tourism, particularly 'heavy water tourism,' is constructed through layered narratives, offering a spatial lens to understand the complexities of World Heritage Site development.

Strömberg, P. (2025). Multivocality of space in heavy water tourism. Multivocality in World Heritage, 92–107. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003496786-7