RE 14: Study of Architectural Solutions Against Obsolescence
Samanci, Ezgi (2023)
Samanci, Ezgi
2023
Arkkitehdin tutkinto-ohjelma - Master's Programme in Architecture
Rakennetun ympäristön tiedekunta - Faculty of Built Environment
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2023-11-22
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202310279198
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202310279198
Tiivistelmä
The development of the concept of sustainability in the built environment has contributed to increasing the standards and quality of new buildings. However, the increased standards have caused existing buildings to rapidly fall into disuse, often resulting in demolition. A significant number of buildings are currently getting demolished without any vital threats, although it would be possible, albeit not common, to reuse such buildings. The first part of the thesis examines the causes of obsolescence in detail. The second part of the thesis proposes solutions against obsolescence affecting Mannerheimintie 14 building, based on the results of the research shown in Part 1 of the thesis. Mannerheimintie 14 in Helsinki, that was decided to be demolished in 2022, was chosen as a case study to explore solutions to extend the building’s lifespan. Main reasons for building obsolescence in Mannerheimintie 14 are mainly social obsolescence and functional obsolescence, because the concept of ‘office’ has changed since the 1960’s, when the building was originally constructed. My alternative design, named ‘RE 14’, proposes modern office- and commercial spaces in the building to overcome the building’s obsolescence, that initially led to the decision to demolish the building. The thesis aims to point out the misconceptions linked to reusing existing buildings and to prove that reusing is not only possible but also sensible in most cases. Reusing a building has economic, social, and environmental benefits that cannot be disregarded easily, and it should become a more common practice if sustainability in the construction sector is to be achieved.