CRADLE Book: Redevelopment

Building within the existing fabric has become one of the central challenges of architecture in the 21st century. In the face of limited resources, increasing demands for climate protection, and a growing awareness of the value of existing building stock, the further development of existing structures is gaining ever greater importance. Through refurbishment, conversion, extension, and adaptation, buildings can be preserved, updated to meet new requirements, and made fit for future generations. A responsible approach to existing buildings conserves resources, reduces CO₂ emissions, and at the same time preserves the identity and history of a place. Existing structures are no longer seen as constraints but as opportunities: their spatial, structural, and cultural qualities provide the foundation for innovative architectural solutions that connect the past with the future.