Theory of Building in Existing Structures

In the context of the building turnaround, the question of a different basic concept of design-related architectural theory also arises fundamentally. For several centuries, this has tended to be thought of and conceived from the perspective of new construction, as can be seen from Vitruvius' Ten Books on Architecture (ca. 30 BC) to the fee regulations for architects (HOAI).

However, if we follow the thesis that a large part of the future built environment already exists and that we now have to deal less with questions of new construction and more with questions of reuse, appropriation, conversion, further construction, etc., the questions for architectural theory also change. A theory of the existing building is then required. In the summer semester of 2025, Samuel Korn, Philipp Oswalt and Alexander Stumm will develop a new architectural theory of the existing building stock in a series of approximately 12 lectures at the University of Kassel.

Researchers: Samuel Korn, Philipp Oswalt, Alexander Stumm