The Pedagogies of Re-Use

"This is an excellent collection of essays, brought together by two of the most influential voices on the reuse of buildings. It is sure to make a significant contribution to the crucial shift from new-build (which is almost all based on a mindset of extractivism) towards the regenerative possibilities of refurbishment."

Michael Pawlyn, architect and systems thinker. Co-initiator of Architects Declare and co-author of Flourish: Design Paradigms for Our Planetary Emergency

"The Pedagies of Re-Use is an essay - or to be more precise sixteen engaging essays - that explore the potential for new models of architecture that respond to the essential need for Re-use to reshape what teach and what we do. The book is the product of a teaching programme run by The International School of Reconstruction which was set up during Covid. In that sense it is the product of two crises - climate change and covid.

But in the inspirational and informed hands of Baker-Brown and Brooker the design 'essays' focus on the investigation of what needs to be done and how it can best be done. In that sense the book is the exciting story of how architecture and construction must adapt and can adapt. It is both important work an optimistic guide - and an essential read."

Simon Allford, Executive Director and Head of Design Studio, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

"There’s no sense in educating architects, engineers, or any built environment practitioners for the 20th century vision of cities or the construction industry. And yet, too often, that’s exactly what’s still happening. If we’re to break the cycle of perpetuating an extractive, linear economy that we quite literally cannot sustain, then it’s imperative that we change education: of young people new into our sector, and of us all. It’s fantastic to see this explicit attempt to unpick exactly what skills we need to transition to a world where creating human habitats is not done at the expense of a planet that supports all life."

Smith Mordak, Chief Executive, UK Green Building Council

"The Pedagogies of Re-Use by Duncan Baker-Brown and Graeme Brooker et al, advocates for transformative building practices, opposing extractivist methods and promoting the sustainable circulation of reclaimed building elements. It proposes a global approach for remaking cities to reduce energy, water, and natural resource use by the adaptive re-use of existing buildings. Baker-Brown challenges conventional construction methodology, making it essential reading for those reshaping cities responsibly. This book particularly resonates with me in Vancouver, where rapid growth over the past two decades has led to the systematic demolition and disposal of timber homes, historic buildings, commercial structures, and raw earth."

Alan Davies, Architect AIBC, MRAIC, RIBA, Vancouver BC

"Duncan Baker-Brown and Graeme Brooker have curated a wonderful collection of essays advocating for the urgent need to shift from new-build construction to regenerative refurbishment. This book emerges at a time when our educational frameworks and building culture in architectural and construction practices is found lacking; As the climate crisis intensifies, it is evident that current training does not equip practitioners with the necessary tools to respond effectively to the compounded effects of environmental degradation. This book critically investigates the current situation and provides alternative models & practical solutions, emphasizing the adaptive re-use of existing buildings, which will constitute 80% of our infrastructure in the next 50 years. This work provides indispensable insights for reshaping our cities responsibly amidst climate change and rapid urban growth. The Pedagogies of Re-Use may very well be the most useful book you will read this year."

Brigitte Clements, Strategic Lead at ACAN and Director of LOKI Architecture + Development