Let the building speak to you

摘要

Refurbishment needs knowledge of the craft of construction, history of materials and of investigative appraisal for success. It requires different techniques from the design of new structures. Conservation and refurbishment for extended use is an essential component of sustainable development since rejuvenation of existing building stock brings new, extended socio-economic use without incurring substantial additional embodied energy. Successful refurbishment is the result of understanding how the building really works, and normally requires re-engineering of the internal environment. Sound appraisal also needs a plan for safe and healthy investigation, and expert knowledge management. Four case studies appear at the end of the paper.