Thesis Synopsis Re - Using the Un - Used
Understanding 19th and 20th centuries of Restoration, Preservation, Conservation and Adaptive Reuse Undergraduate Thesis by: Shaily Parikh Guided by: Supriya Kukreja Faculty of Design, CEPT University Starting with the idea of studying the origin and emergence of the Building Reuse theories and practices, this theoretical thesis aims to study 19th and 20th century theories of Building Reuse of Theorists Eugene Viollet-Le-Duc, John Ruskin, Willaim Morris, Camillo Boito, Alois Riegl and Cesare Brandi. A significant Evolution is seen throughout the chronology of these Theories which is analysed in the thesis and the study focuses on how Adaptive reuse has emerged from these theories which is still not a theory in its own but viewed with the lense of practical approaches. The four approaches - Typological, Technical, Programmatic and Strategic are identified by different architects and theorists and the study has attempted to view and analyse these approaches with illustrative projects and example for an in-depth study. The structurization and methodology of the Thesis is as follows: Chapter - 1: Explanation This chapter introduces the primary terms which are used in the Thesis - Restoration, Preservation, Conservation and Adaptive Reuse. The definitions and meaning of the terms are discussed with supporting examples for a better understanding. Chapter - 2: Elaboration After understanding the terms, they are studied in this chapter through 19th and 20th century theories about Restoration and Conservation movements that lead to the emergence of Adaptive Reuse. A framework is developed from these theories to study similarities and differences in the theories all together. The chapter aslo analyses the chronology of the Evolution from these theories to understand the effects and changes over the time and compare the 19th century theories with 20th century. Chapter - 3: Investigation In this chapter, different Approaches that have been evolved by the theories are identified and analysed to get a wholistic idea. Four main approaches to deal with an unused building have been discussed based on the sources and literature found. The study is supported by Adaptive Reuse projects and their design measures for the Building Reuse. The chapter also shows evolution of these strategies in the 20th century and opens a scope for a detailed research on each of these approach for future study. Chapter - 4: Manifestation As a conclusion to the thesis, this chapter discusses the findings and inferences drawn from the theories and practices and hence concludes the relevance of the practical approaches. A suggestion of a fifth user based approach is made after analysing the approaches from an Interior view. May this study add to the current literature of Building Reuse and Adaptive Reuse such that it can bring more and more awareness towards protection and reuse of old and unused buildings.