Report: RE:purpose

How can existing buildings be transformed and developed instead of being demolished and replaced with new construction? In the practice-based research project Transformation – RE:purpose, three teams explored the question through case studies of existing properties. The report presents 14 policy proposals aimed at increasing incentives for transformation.

Through an open call, three teams were selected to explore possible ways of supporting the transition within the construction and real estate sectors towards more sustainable management and transformation of existing buildings. Each team worked with a case study in Gothenburg, Stockholm or Umeå. The work included inventories and analyses of the buildings’ conditions, followed by the development of transformation and management proposals. As part of the project, the teams also identified barriers and proposed possible policy changes.

In the report, ArkDes together with the project’s expert advisors present 14 further developed policy proposals based on the teams’ work. The report shows that transformation is not only about technology and construction, but also about how values are defined, prioritised and negotiated over time. It serves as a basis for the continued development of methods and practices within the construction and real estate sectors.

Transformation – RE:purpose is led by ArkDes in collaboration with Boverket ↗, Riksantikvarieämbetet ↗ and Fastighetsägarna Sverige ↗, and is funded by Vinnova ↗. The project builds on insights from Boverket’s project Idéverkstad Omvandling ↗.