We love revisiting buildings. Who doesn't? Those weathered boards, that clever extension, the reality of bikes and bins and breakout spaces - it's the stuff of life. While they're standing (and we hope it's for a long time) buildings aren't ever really finished. Fundamental to architecture is how people use buildings and feel about them. There are important questions, too, about how structures stand up to scrutiny and can adapt for the future. So it has been fascinating to see what's worked (and what's been less successful) in our special revisit issue of the AJ. Central to this has been the honesty and support of architects who have shared personal learnings from, and memories of, stand-out projects which have stood the test of time. Our thanks to them. Many of the projects we feature in the following pages were significant firsts - for communities, for sites, and for sustainable approaches. A taster: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios' Ron Nkomba talks candidly on page 72 about the reality of revisiting and retrofitting an office building FCBStudios designed nearly 30 years ago for BRE - from how to best repurpose carpet tiles to the reality of using material passports. Over the decades there's been a move from cellular to open-plan working and now, with the adoption of hybrid working, there's a whole new approach to take on board. Testing is ongoing, as it should be, but Nkomba's point about good design will resonate for all: if you get the basics right, then a building should be able to accommodate changes for years to come.
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