SHIFT - The Future of Adaptive Reuse

This was followed by thematic sessions and dynamic roundtables around three main topics: Urban Metabolism, Material Intelligence and Architectural Activism.

• Urban Metabolism sees cities as ecosystems with cyclical resource flows. Combining this with circular economy principles, adaptive reuse minimizes waste, reuses materials, and promotes adaptable, resilient designs, fostering sustainable and innovative architecture.

• Material Intelligence emphasizes reusing sustainable, durable materials to minimize waste and maximize efficiency. In adaptive reuse, it upgrades existing materials for modern use, promoting conscious designs with locally sourced, recyclable options.

• Architectural Activism leverages design to address social and environmental challenges, fostering inclusive communities. In adaptive reuse, it reimagines spaces through participatory design, tackling issues like affordability and sustainability while prioritizing cultural relevance and social impact.

The roundtables were kicked-off by three main keynote speeches and then opened up to a palimpsest of guests hosted by Matteo Arietti, Park Associati’s Head of Innovation. Each dialogue sparked meaningful conversations on environmental stewardship and innovation around the main subjects chosen as the drivers.

Thanks to a tone-setting speech by Frederic Chartier, cofounder of Chartier Dalix, urban metabolism emerged as a transformative concept during the roundtable, reframing cities as dynamic, interconnected systems. 3XN’s Laura Wagner explored how Adaptive Reuse can embody these principles, acting as a tool to close resource loops and create sustainable urban ecosystems. Duarte Ramalho Fontes from Masslab delved into practical strategies for fostering a circular economy in urban projects. Examples included incorporating reclaimed materials, modular construction techniques, and designs that prioritize disassembly. Gustav Dusing stressed the accent on how these approaches, fostered with design for disassembly, not only reduce waste but also challenge conventional architectural paradigms, merging resource efficiency with innovation. He highlighted how adaptive reuse projects provide opportunities to experiment with these strategies, testing new ways to balance historical preservation and innovation. The group acknowledged significant challenges to implementing urban metabolism principles, particularly in dense urban environments. Navigating the complexities of existing infrastructures, regulatory constraints, and competing priorities can hinder progress. Despite these hurdles, the conversation emphasized the potential for Adaptive Reuse to bridge these divides, offering solutions that respect the past while embracing a sustainable future.

The conversation framed Material Intelligence as a nuanced approach that integrates sustainability, functionality, and local context. According to Francisco Fonseca from Oficina Pedrez, by prioritizing innovative material use, architects can push the boundaries of traditional construction practices while addressing the pressing need for ecological balance. Samuel Kalika from Critical Concrete highlighted the role of local material sourcing, noting how it supports regional economies while reducing the environmental impact of transportation. Repurposed materials, such as second-hand glass coming from 6:AM’s Francesco Palù, demonstrated how to transform discarded resources into architectural opportunities, fostering creativity while minimizing waste. A recurring theme of Krear’s José Rui Pinto was the balance between material functionality, process engineering and environmental impact. Panelists discussed the trade-offs involved, emphasizing that careful evaluation of material choices is key to achieving both structural integrity and ecological sustainability. The discussion also addressed the systemic changes needed to scale material intelligence across the industry. Collaborative practices among architects, engineers, and material specialists are essential for driving innovation and expanding the scope and scale. Policies promoting circularity, such as material passports and incentives for reuse, were identified as critical tools for embedding material intelligence into mainstream construction practices.

Architectural Activism emerged as a powerful theme with main keynote speaker Mireia Luzgarra from TAKK framing architecture as an essential tool for addressing social and environmental challenges. Both Rúben Teodoro from Colectivo Warehouse and Ana Jara from Arteria emphasized that adaptive reuse goes beyond technical solutions, becoming a platform for advocacy and systemic change. Architects described their role as one of deep responsibility, acting as mediators between the immediate needs of communities and the broader imperatives of sustainability and equity. Projects were highlighted where adaptive reuse directly addressed social inequities, transforming neglected spaces into inclusive environments that fostered accessibility and community cohesion. Especially from Associates Martina Salvaneschi’s contribution it was clear that architects should delve in a serious commitment to engaging local communities and territories. Ethics formed another critical dimension of the discussion. Panelists reflected on how adaptive reuse challenges architects to balance stakeholder demands with enduring environmental goals. They stressed the importance of transparency, collaboration, and maintaining a long-term perspective to ensure that projects contribute to ecological and social resilience.

Complementing this seminar, the installation Traces, the result of a self-build workshop led by Park Associati, explores the potential of reusing second-hand materials to create new possibilities for expression. Positioned in the entrance plaza of Casa da Arquitectura, it transforms recovered materials into new, accessible public space.

Shift and Traces capture Park Associati’s commitment to responsible architecture with transformative potential.