a+t 64 - 2ndHAND Series: Lending Character

The second volume of a+t magazine’s 2ndHAND series, Lending Character, explores the adaptive reuse and renovation of unremarkable mid-twentieth-century buildings. Often overlooked, these structures are architectural “Biff Lomans”: ordinary buildings whose lack of strong character enables them to accommodate new programmes, changing uses and future transformations. Through reuse, they gain a second chance, extending their relevance and lifespan. Rather than establishing a new formal coherence, the featured projects share an approach articulated through a decalogue. This ten-point code of behaviour prioritises processes over form, logistics over composition, transformation over permanence, and experience over appearance, unlocking the potential of existing buildings