Modernization
Adaptations of existing buildings are architectural challenges that require special skills and approaches to the profession. It is here that architects face not only the client, legal, planning or technical conditions - inherent in any newly constructed building, but also fundamental questions about the limits of their own invention, respect for the original design, limitation of their ego and fantasy. However, there are studios that have not only specialized in creative "modernization" of existing buildings, but which transform conditions perceived by many architects as limitations and a threat to their own invention into outstanding, award-winning works.
Clear evidence that adaptation is the future of architecture can be seen in the last two editions of the Mies van der Rohe Prize. In 2017, for the first time, the prize was awarded not to a completely new realization, but to an aesthetically restrained, but functionally and on an urban scale incredibly important redevelopment of a housing estate in Amsterdam - the DeFlat Kleiburg project by XVW architectuur and NL Architects. This was a significant signal, not only because of the type of project that addressed the existing structure, but also the architecture itself.
Here it was, after several editions of awards for public buildings, architectural icons(the Szczecin Philharmonic in 2015, Harpa in 2013 or the Oslo Opera House in 2009), the background architecture - and at the same time that most important residential function in everyday life - was finally recognized. This trend was confirmed by the award results last year. French office Lacaton Vassal received the award for its spectacular redevelopment of the Grand Parc estate in Bordeaux.
Lacaton & Vassal's Grand Parc Bordeaux, winner of 2019 EU Mies Award
By adding outdoor structures housing winter gardens with balconies to the existing typical large slab blocks, the quality of life for residents and the technical performance of the buildings was significantly increased. The changes made gave residents more daylight, living space and views. Small windows were replaced with large glazed sliding doors opening onto the winter gardens. All electrical installations and staircases were modernized, along with the reconstruction of elevator shafts. New entrance lobbies were realized on the first floor and outdoor green spaces were refreshed.
The redevelopment of the Grand Parc estate in Bordeaux
Photo: Philippe Ruault © Lacaton Vassal
Although the redevelopment consumed twice the budget usually provided for the revitalization of apartment blocks, it was still three times cheaper than demolishing the existing 1950s blocks and building a new estate in their place, taking into account environmental costs. Nor did the redevelopment affect rents. The estate's authors emphasize that the luxurious conditions offered by contemporary designed "ecological" skyscrapers were achieved on an ordinary estate by using very simple, quick-to-implement, economical and sustainable solutions.
In order to shorten the time of onerous work for residents (who remained in their apartments throughout the reconstruction process), prefabricated modules were used, which are a kind of scaffolding attached to the existing structure. The prefabricated elements - bays and columns - were transported to the construction site and assembled using cranes, and the only element performed on site was the foundation. Replacement of the existing windows also involved the removal of asbestos-containing insulation elements, the removal of the lintels made it possible to install sliding doors to full floor height, and the conservatories have additional sliding polycarbonate doors.
The redevelopment of the Grand Parc estate in Bordeaux
© Lacaton Vassal
Thermal and solar comfort is provided by metallic curtains installed in each apartment. The technology used and the organization of the work made it possible to achieve high labor productivity - the expansion of one apartment took an average of two weeks.
