Ruins To Riches: Adaption and Conservation

Abstract

Architecture endures and withholds the philosophy of the societal movement that created them. History itself will always survive, but the physical elements that pertain history, like most things, are temporal. Decay is inevitable and how we react to it is important, if left to ruins, the connection between character and historic importance begins to blur. To maintain the important historic values within architecture, and the archaeological sites they lie on, we need to invoke reactive approaches to adapt these structures to become compatible with their ever-changing surroundings and societies. The key idea of conservation; to manage and retain not only the physical structures that remain but prevent the loss of character and overall genius loci of a place. The Warkworth Cement Works lie, dilapidated in a pile of rubble, overgrown vegetation and confined to a fence-line, slowly crumbling into the memory of our past. This initiates the question of ‘how can architecture provide a holistic approach to retain an existing structure but increase its worth to a community?’ This thesis will provide an analysis of the past, the existing and a possible approach and concept of an adaptive reuse strategy. Taking into account all aspects of sustainability while creating and staging an experience that is in line with the use change. The aim to not only preserve its worth, but to investigate enhancement opportunities and entice sustained social involvement. In the modern age, augmented realisation of the potential surrounding our existing built environment emerges, proven by the economic, social and environmental benefits associated with adaptive reuse projects. The quality of our built environment is essential to any developing city as it directly corresponds to the quality of life within that area. Regeneration of culturally important structures enhances local economic activity associated with tourism benefits. Furthermore communities benefit psychologically from retaining their cultural heritage and environmental advantages take place by reusing existing materials and structures to house new activities. This thesis attempts to apply the ‘experience economy’ philosophy while reflecting the ingrained unique cultural identity by reconstructing an inactive element using architecture.