Raumtakt becomes a member of the SIA specialist group for the preservation of buildings
Like Raumtakt, the SIA specialist group for the preservation of buildings (FEB) is committed to ensuring that buildings are not simply demolished but rethought.
Although a rethink is taking place, buildings are still being demolished too quickly and replaced with new buildings. This is ecologically questionable, but also socially. The main reason for demolition is that it is the easiest solution for builders and planners. The decision is often made due to a lack of knowledge.
The SIA specialist group for the preservation of buildings (FEB) would like to counteract this. The specialist group documents examples of buildings from the second half of the 20th century that have been converted or repurposed in recent years.
In this way, FEB wants to show that existing buildings can be rethought without flattening them. There are numerous examples of this in Switzerland alone. Old buildings can be renovated and converted to a level equivalent to that of new buildings.
Less is more
Measures should also lead to a different use of space and reduce the need for living space instead of increasing it. The aim is to avoid additional construction. In addition, the promotion of recyclability in construction and demolition should further improve the overall balance. In addition, buildings must be planned in a climate-resilient manner in order to be prepared for extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain and heat.
The SIA specialist group for the preservation of buildings has been in existence for 30 years and its members are mainly architects, construction and specialist engineers, but also planners and homeowners. In short: an interdisciplinary platform whose members deal with the preservation of buildings.
This includes various measures such as renovation, conversion, partial replacement or even extensions to existing buildings. A key component of these efforts is to ensure that long-term preservation is also planned for any new buildings. The FEB also endeavors to ensure training and further education and to find best practices.
The Zurich-based architecture firm Raumtakt shares this conviction and has therefore been a member of the FEB for several months. This makes Raumtakt one of around 150 individual members and around 50 collective members. According to the trade association, this is not enough. The lobby for prestigious new buildings is still much bigger in Switzerland. The FEB would therefore like to see even more members to represent its interests.
Links:
Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects Specialist Group for the Conservation of Buildings
Upheaval instead of demolition - Living in existing buildings from 1945-2000
Building within planetary boundaries - TEC21
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Text: David Torcasso, Torcasso Media
© Photos - Photo credits: RAUMTAKT GmbH
