Pilar's Group (3 & 6)

This week’s article addresses the retrofitting challenge that lies ahead. Retrofitting is an intriguing and
vital field for architects, offering numerous opportunities for various reasons:

1. Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: Retrofitting existing buildings to make them

more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly is a critical aspect of addressing climate
change.
2. Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Many historic and culturally significant buildings require
renovation and retrofitting to preserve their architectural and historical value. Architects can
help maintain the character and integrity of these structures while making them functional for
contemporary needs.
3. Adaptive Reuse: Adaptive reuse involves converting older buildings for new purposes.
Architects can creatively repurpose industrial buildings, warehouses, or even old
churches into modern living spaces, offices, or cultural centers. – most interesting point
4. Economic Viability: Architects can help maximize the potential of existing structures, saving
resources and money.
5. Urban Revitalization: By breathing new life into old structures, architects contribute to the
rejuvenation of urban areas, attracting businesses and residents to underutilized or blighted
neighborhoods.
6. Technical and Design Challenges: Architects are presented with opportunities to demonstrate
their problem-solving skills and creativity.
7. Sustainable Building Materials: Architects can explore innovative building materials and
techniques when retrofitting, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
8. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work: Retrofitting often requires collaboration with
engineers, preservationists, and other specialists. Architects have the chance to work within
interdisciplinary teams, expanding their knowledge and fostering innovative solutions.
9. Community Engagement: Retrofitting projects often involve input from local communities
and stakeholders.
10. Long-Term Impact: Retrofitting has a lasting impact on the built environment. Architects who
work on retrofitting projects contribute to the improvement and sustainability of the urban and
architectural landscape, leaving a legacy that benefits both current and future generations.

Have you ever thought about these points before? Which point do you think is the most important or
maybe interesting for you? Is retrofitting something you are interested? Do you think it can be an
opportunity for you? Do you know about any other retrofit successful project? Is there any retrofit
project that you like? Other articles that can inspire your reflection about retrofit:

https://www.archdaily.com/975347/8-stories-of-architects-embracing-refurbishment-and-adaptive-
reuse?ad_campaign=normal-tag

https://www.arup.com/perspectives/the-race-to-retrofit-uk-homes

NVR #5
Converting older buildings for new purposes is the first point I felt interested in when reading this
week’s NVR prompts.

‘Why are we trying to build so many new homes, when we don’t yet have a system that funds the
repair and upgrade of our existing ones properly?’ Chloe Phelps article.

https://www.dezeen.com/2020/12/22/sarah-wigglesworth-stock-orchard-street-house-london/
- Example above I enjoy, retrofitted house in London

https://www.dezeen.com/2020/06/16/nordest-arquitectura-architects-studio-offices-barn-
conversion-spain/
- Barn into simplistic contemporary office space