RE : REIMAGINE RETROFIT REUSE

Adaptive reuse of derelict buildings has been widely recognised as a key strategy for regeneration; it is not only sustainable, but also integral to reinforcing the identity of an area. Although adaptive reuse is advocated by most experts, in reality it is not a popular option with most owners in India.

The Indian context is complex, faced with challenges for the preservation of industrial heritage which are distinct from European models.

The institutional mechanisms, planning and financial systems as well as the high degree of urbanisation and tremendous pressures of redevelopment have led to a unique Indian approach to adaptive reuse. In the current context, when sites are valued for the real estate value of the land, their redevelopment allows the erasure of not only an important link in the history and memory of the city, but also the loss of an opportunity to create a new public place.

The project aims to create a dialogue for knowledge exchange between Dutch and Indian partners on the subject of adaptive reuse of every day heritage.