New reports on increasing incentives for transformation of buildings

Can existing buildings be transformed instead of being demolished and replaced with new construction? In the practice-based research project Transformation – RE:purpose, three interdisciplinary teams explored the question through case studies of existing buildings. The results are now being presented.

Demolition and new construction have dominated the building sector in recent decades, resulting in extensive material consumption and significant carbon emissions.

In three separate reports, the teams behind Transformation – RE:purpose present proposals for how three different buildings in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Umeå could instead be transformed for new uses. The reports also include policy proposals aimed at reducing barriers and increasing incentives for transformation.

In addition, ArkDes, together with the project’s expert advisors, presents a fourth report containing 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 and prioritised within the built environment sector.

Together, the reports demonstrate how innovative design approaches can contribute to policy development and support the transition within the construction and real estate sectors.

Transformation – RE:purpose is a collaboration between ArkDes, Boverket ↗, Riksantikvarieämbetet ↗ and Fastighetsägarna ↗, funded by Vinnova ↗.