Building with Narratives: Towards a Meaningful Reuse of Architectural Fragments

Abstract

There is a widespread awareness that materials are finite and that there is an urgent need for alternative, more durable ways of building. This contribution explores the reuse of architectural fragments, including valuable materials, in new designs; i.e. to reconfigure. By doing this, it emphasizes not only ecological benefits, but also the transfer of meaning and intangible values. The objective of this study is to develop a novel conceptual framework that explores this potential for regenerative architecture for both practitioners and scholars. While the reuse of architectural fragments and materials has been extensively discussed from an ecological perspective, this contribution studies the potential of reconfiguration from a different perspective, i.e. the transfer of layers of meaning from one place or time segment to another. This is achieved by classifying the examples that are derived from an in-depth literature review into three categories based on the reconfiguration of their material. This study challenges the perception of existing building fragments regarded as 'waste,' and instead strives towards a valuable shaped environment and social impact. Ultimately, beyond these ecological and participatory aspects, it emphasises a regenerative character at a conceptual level, as an approach centred on meaning.