The City Palimpsest as a Think-Tank for Sustainable Development

摘要

The architecture of the past has always been a source of knowledge on various aspects of sustainable architecture. This paper looks into the way in which buildings, as well as their components and materials, were reduced, reused, repaired and recycled in the architecture of the past, even though this was mainly due to the lack of economic resources and technical means. The main aim of the paper is to learn from past practices that concerned the end of the life-cycle of buildings. This knowledge of the past can help formulate a think-tank and inspiration that can be applied to the present situation, where the on-going economic and environmental crisis makes the generalized application of the 4Rs of sustainable building an imperative.