Unloved Buildings: Ideas For Reuse And Transformation Of Late 20Th-Century Architecture

Many buildings from the late 20th century no longer meet today's cultural, economic, and technical requirements. Yet, in times of climate change, global instability, and massive urbanisation, we cannot afford to waste what has already been built. Many of these structures fall outside traditional preservation efforts-they are too new for historic reverence, too unfashionable for contemporary appreciation, and too problematic for straightforward renovation. In short: they are unloved. It is no longer the act of building new that represents progress. Being truly progressive in the 21st century means to tread as lightly as possible on the planet. Thus, the unloved buildings should be the subject of an urgent discourse on the necessary transformation not only in legislation and technology, but also in the ethos of the architectural profession. The book Unloved Buildings contributes to the cultivation of a methodology and language that pays significantly more attention to what already exists-both on a material level and in terms of its identity and social value. It offers a comprehensive-though not exhaustive-account of reuse and transformation in recent Western architectural culture. Through eight projects by the Danish British architectural firm GXN as case studies, conversations with practitioners, and research, the volume outlines a new practice that will become increasingly relevant in the near future: understanding how and by what means we can extend the lifespan of buildings. AUTHORS: Lasse Lind is a partner and head of consultancy with Copenhagen- and London-based architecture firm GXN. Daniele Belleri is a partner and director of curatorial projects with architecture and design firm Carlo Ratti Associati in Turin. Candela De Bortoli is an architect developing communications strategies with Copenhagen- and London-based architecture firm GXN, where Kåre Stokholm Poulsgaard is a partner and head of innovation. SELLING POINTS: . The most comprehensive account to date on reuse and transformation of existing buildings in Western architectural culture since 2015 . Contributes to the cultivation of a method and a language paying much greater attention to late 20th-century buildings that fall outside traditional preservation efforts . Outlines a new practice to understand how and by what means we can extend the lifespan of buildings . Combines case studies, conversations with practitioners, and research findings . In times of climate change, global instability, and massive urbanisation, reuse and transformation of existing buildings are of key importance 280 colour, 20 b/w illustrations