Report: RE:purpose Turitzhuset

What values risk being lost when existing buildings are primarily assessed through technical and economic parameters? This question was at the centre of Team Nya värden i det gamlas’ work exploring how innovative design approaches can support the transformation of existing buildings, as part of the practice-based research project Transformation – RE:purpose.

Through an open call, three interdisciplinary teams were selected to explore possible ways of supporting the transition within the construction and real estate sectors towards increased management and transformation of existing buildings.

Team Nya värden i det gamla focused on Turitzhuset in Gothenburg. The work was based on a critique of how buildings are often reduced to technical and economic parameters. Instead, the team approached history as an active resource and emphasised the architect’s role in understanding and communicating the potential of existing buildings.

In the report, the team presents transformation proposals that build on reactivating and highlighting the building’s existing qualities. The work also emphasises the importance of integrating architectural analysis early in urban development processes and of broadening decision-making beyond purely economic values. It demonstrates how history can function as both a resource and a driving force in shaping future built environments.

The work was carried out within the practice-based research project Transformation – RE:purpose, a collaboration between ArkDes, Boverket ↗, Riksantikvarieämbetet ↗ and Fastighetsägarna ↗, funded by Vinnova ↗.