Adaptive Reuse as Social Practice for Collective Interiors

︎ As Found: International Colloquium om Adaptive Reuse,
      Flanders Architecture Institute and Hasselt University,
      5-7 September 2023



This paper positions adaptive reuse as a social practice integral to fostering community connections within urban landscapes. It challenges the notion that architecture's impact is confined to physical alterations, asserting that sites themselves play a profound role in shaping perceptions of identity. Beyond this premise, the study explores innovative concepts that leverage existing structures to create social impact, providing platforms for community engagement with spatial production and collective memory.

The concept of "collective Interiors" is introduced, advocating for ‘architectural’ decisions that mirror community choices over individual preferences. KilburnLab, an interdisciplinary research initiative by Middlesex University's Interiors Programmes in collaboration with local interested parties, exemplifies this approach. Through active participation, KilburnLab empowers communities to envision futures to repurpose neglected spaces.
Navigating the nuanced landscape of urban regeneration, the paper recognizes the intricacies of balancing positive revitalization with safeguards against gentrification. It underscores the necessity for comprehensive approaches that carefully evaluate the benefits of urban renewal against potential risks of displacement and cultural homogenization