Architectural reuse is a strategy that offers an alternative to the wild overbuilding of the last fourteen years and the depletion of natural resources. Although adaptive reuse or recycling materials in new creations is an independent approach to architecture and the existing fabric since the XXth century, the context of the new millennium has brought new issues. Following the recent global economic crisis and the increasing environmental awareness, new processes of architectural reuse involving sustainability, the use of green and recycled materials and a more socially engaged and participative process must be developed.
What kind of new strategies and approach emerge from addressing those issues in architectural reuse? Reusing the existing fabric could offer new perspectives for creating jobs, saving money, and protect the environment. But in a broader picture, can it also offer new social and political models, oriented towards a bottom-up or transversal vision rather than one imposed by politics and institutions?
Proposals can be case studies oriented, present realized works or be methodological and/or theoretical in focus. Papers focusing on realised works or projects that address issues of the XXI century should have a strong methodological base and may treat: adaptive reuse of existing buildings (such as industrial heritage), process or technique of reuse or re-development of parts of urban structures (restoration for purely scientific purposes will not be covered).
The deadline for submission is April 30, 2015.
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