Umbaukultur - Für eine Architektur des Veränderns (Expanded and Revised)

Conversion, adaptation, reuse – these architectural practices are as old as architecture itself. However, once the construction industry became industrialized and modern architecture flourished in the early twentieth century, the architecture of conversion fell into oblivion. Demolition and new buildings were suddenly the order of the day.

Today, things have changed. The construction industry has become an environmental liability, and while new buildings continue to be erected regardless, more and more older buildings are being abandoned, in particular department stores, churches, and offices. Frequently, these are single structures, but sometimes the future of entire neighborhoods or inner-city areas is at stake.