The Potential of Form: How to Transform Existing Buildings in Postfunctional Europe

By Elena Guidetti

How can we explore adaptations of old buildings from a fresh, postfunctional perspective? Exploring the concept of transformative potential, this book shows how the repurposing of existing buildings uncovers untapped possibilities that go beyond traditional categories. Analyzing several European examples in depth, it asks how architectural designs change over time and what this means for sustainability and preserving heritage. Drawings illustrate how architectural forms interact with their functions and environmental effects, providing a dynamic exploration of adaptive reuse. The Potential of Form suggests that adapting buildings involves balancing their design interventions, their consistency across time, and the latent energy embedded in their architectural form.

Explores new methods for repurposing old buildings, using an innovative framework

Presents detailed case studies of adaptive reuse in European architecture (i.e. Bourse de Commerce, Elbphilharmonie, Duperr Playground, Vitali Sheds, PC Caritas, Alv oles)

Richly illustrated with drawings by the author

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3986121706
• ISBN13: 9783986121709
• Release Date: May 2025
• Publisher: Jovis Verlag
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.6" x 9.4"