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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM46789
Volume:
9 |
5 |
May 2025
Pages:
1-15
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Architecture
IPS Academy
Student, School of Architecture,
IPS Academy
With the rapid pace of urbanization driven by the need to meet ever-evolving infrastructural demands, construction industry often relies on materials like concrete to deliver large scale developments quickly and efficiently. However, their extensive use significantly contributes to the global carbon footprint. While much attention has been given to the environmental impact of active construction, the consequences of unutilized or abandoned buildings often go overlooked. These structures, rendered obsolete due to their inability to adapt to current occupational, economic, and social requirements, continue to burden the environment without serving any functional purpose. This paper explores the implications of such unutilized buildings and emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable strategies, such as façade retrofitting, to reintegrate them into the urban fabric.
KEYWORDS
The revitalization of abandoned buildings through façade retrofitting presents a compelling opportunity to blend architectural heritage with contemporary environmental and aesthetic goals. This research highlights how façade interventions—whether through selective replacement, overcladding, or complete enhancement—can transform underutilized structures into sustainable, functional, and culturally relevant spaces. It also explores the integration of different technologies, modified into conventional façade systems. This research demonstrates that a well-considered façade retrofit can do much more than improve energy performance. Projects like the Trifolium Creative Hub illustrate how façade enhancement, when grounded in principles of reuse and material honesty, can foster inclusive public spaces and creative economies. In contrast, the KfW retrofit reveals how even highly functional upgrades—such as overcladding for thermal performance—can be integrated in a way that respects urban fabric while supporting healthier indoor environments for occupants. Even in the case of the Tri-Tessellate Building, the façade strategy offers insights into how geometry, material gradients, and passive design increases the efficiency of the building. Façade retrofitting of abandoned buildings offers more than just a technical solution to urban blight—it serves as a catalyst for architectural renewal and social revitalization. By reactivating forgotten structures, façade interventions not only extend the life of buildings but also reinvigorate neighbourhoods, encourage community engagement, and promote cultural continuity in evolving urban landscapes.
1. The Influence of WWII on Post-War Architecture https://www.usahistorytimeline.com/pages/the-influence-of-wwii-on-post-war-architecture.php 2. Moore, D. (2021) “After the Games: Abandoned, decaying Olympic venues around the world” https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/sports/olympics/2021/07/22/abandoned-olympic-venues-around-world/8063114002/ 3. http://facaderetrofit.org/ 4. Batra, Z., Hajdukiewicz, M., Keane, M., Goggins, J. (2016) “Façade modernisation for retrofitting existing buildings to achieve nearly zero energy buildings: Beyond their Limits” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305872493_Facade_modernisation_for_retrofitting_existing_buil dings_to_achieve_nearly_zero_energy_buildings_Beyond_their_Limits 5. Shah, J. (2020) “Giving Buildings a New Lease of Life”https://wfmmedia.com/facade-retrofitting-giving-buildings-a-new-lease-of-life/ 6. Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building Façade Renovation https://www.thorntontomasetti.com/project/anthony-j-celebrezze-federal-building-facade-renovation 7. Building a Double Wall (2011)https://www.bdcnetwork.com/home/article/55147249/building-a-double-wall 8. A landmark building renovation project for Hong Konghttps://www.arup.com/projects/china-resources-building-green-retrofit/ 9. Konis, K., Selkowitz, S. (2017) “Innovative Daylighting System” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317138390_Innovative_Daylighting_Systems 10. Zirlewagen, M. (2018) “KfW Campus in Frankfurt” https://www.kfw.de/stories/history-of-kfw/anniversary-bockenheimer-warte
Publication Date
5/27/2025
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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