Resource awareness is more important today than ever before. We’re at a point where climate change is a massive problem and the fight for resources is leading to conflict in various parts of the world. We need to change to do things better, especially in terms of architecture and construction. Moving away from a throwaway culture and making conservation, reuse, recycling, and transformation the norm will have a great impact. It could lead to better homes, commercial architecture, and much more.
The issue
Easily the biggest flaw with construction is short-term thinking. Typically, we build and then tear down and replace in the future. However, that produces a huge amount of waste, including concrete, steel, brick, and wood. This kind of culture is inefficient, unsustainable, and really damaging to the environment.
Changing perspectives
What we need to do to improve construction and architecture is to change how people perceive resources and buildings. Most crucially, we need to end the idea that newer is better. A shiny new building doesn’t have to be more attractive than renovating what we already have. It is all about perception.
One thing people definitely need to embrace is that conservation, reuse, and recycling can bring a new, unique type of beauty. What do new buildings and materials typically lack? A story and signs of the history. That is exactly what you get if you retain older buildings and materials. All those little signs of ageing and wear are actually beautiful because they tell stories.
Creativity
A key thing that can help us move away from a throwaway culture is to be more creative. Whether it is homes, commercial architecture, or other buildings, creativity can give them new life or save resources for other applications.
The scope for conservation, reuse, and recycling is huge. Almost everything can retain some value, whether it is concrete, timber, steel, wiring, plumbing components, and also furnishings and clothing.
One of the most interesting recent examples of reuse is Thoravej 29 in Copenhagen. The building is from the 1960s and was originally a factory. However, it has been transformed to create a new hub for the community, including workspace, studios, exhibition space, and meeting places. An interesting detail is sections of the old concrete flooring were cut away and now serve as stairs. Amazingly, the building retains 95% of the original materials.
Creative designs can accomplish almost anything, especially with modern technology. A current building could become something completely different instead of being demolished and lost forever.
The reuse approach can be even better for busy urban areas. Demolition here can be really disruptive in terms of noise and traffic. There can be health and safety risks. Reuse would prevent much of this, even if there needs to be wholesale changes within the structure.
Talk to us about commercial architecture
Coffey Architects is passionate about culture and delivering amazing buildings. We have plenty of experience with reuse and renovation, including in a commercial setting. Clients can therefore work with us to create unique, beautiful properties.
So, if you need some help with commercial architecture, housing and homes, or anything else, speak to us. You can give us any kind of brief, including challenges like retaining as much of an original structure as possible.