Upcycling : Reuse and Repurposing as a Design Principle in Architecture

New approaches in architecture reveal a trend towards “upcycling”. Yet the history of building has also always been a history of recycled and upcycled building materials and components, as well as of building knowledge and styles. Comprehending buildings as part of a process of social change poses a challenge to our modern concept of unambiguity, seclusion, and authorship in architecture. This volume explores the potential of historical concepts of upcycling, and confronts them with new developments in architectural and building practice. Rather than a matter of idealism, recycling and upcycling present an argument for economy and the quality of structure and design.