Organizers: Federica Goffi, Mariana Esponda, Mario Santana
The conference “(From) ADAPTIVE REUSE (to) ADAPTIVE ARCHITECTURE” was held at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University, from May 20 to May 22, 2026. The conference opened with an introduction by Federica Goffi, who presented the conference theme and established the central focus of the event. Rather than viewing adaptive reuse as simply repurposing existing buildings, the conference proposed a broader understanding of adaptive architecture as an approach that embraces flexibility, resilience, and continuous transformation. The opening emphasized that architecture should respond to evolving social, cultural, and environmental challenges while preserving the value of existing built environments.
The first session, “From the Pedagogy of the New to a Pedagogy of Adaptability,” explored how architectural education can evolve to address contemporary challenges better. In Radical Repair: Reorienting Architectural Pedagogy through Adaptive Making, Jhono Bennett, Zachary Fluker, and Maxwell Mutanda argued that architecture schools should move beyond prioritizing new construction and instead teach students to engage in repair, restoration, and adaptive interventions. They presented repair as both a practical and creative design strategy that encourages resource efficiency, sustainability, and stronger community connections. The presentation suggested that future architects should develop the skills needed to work with existing buildings and materials, fostering more environmentally responsible design practices.
The second session, “From a Use Culture (Functionalism) to a Culture of Conversion,” examined how buildings can be transformed to meet changing social, cultural, and functional needs. María Patricia Farfán Sopo, Julián Ruiz, Tomas Bolaños Silva, and Lina Escudero discussed Indigenous architecture in Toribío, Colombia, highlighting how traditional construction methods embody cultural memory, local knowledge, and sustainable practices. Their presentation emphasized that adaptive architecture should build upon Indigenous traditions rather than replace them. Maria Tavares then focused on low-income housing in Portugal, advocating for housing designs that are flexible and capable of adapting to changing family structures and economic conditions over time. She argued that adaptable housing can improve affordability, extend building lifespans, and reduce environmental impacts.
Yolana Lemos explored the adaptive reuse of Angola’s colonial-era cinemas, demonstrating how these buildings can be transformed into spaces that acknowledge colonial histories while supporting new cultural narratives. By preserving material heritage and reinterpreting historical spaces, adaptive reuse can contribute to processes of decolonization and collective memory. Tanjina Khan concluded the session by challenging the traditional concept of fixed building functions. She argued that mixed-use and adaptable urban architecture allows buildings to respond more effectively to changing community needs, increasing both social and environmental resilience while making more efficient use of urban space.
The conference concluded with the keynote address, “Adaptation as Remembrance: Indigenous Frameworks for a Living Architecture,” delivered by Wanda Dalla Costa and introduced by Ron Miller. Dalla Costa presented adaptation as an act of remembrance rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, where architecture is understood as a living relationship among people, culture, and the land. She emphasized that sustainable architecture extends beyond technological innovation and requires respect for Indigenous ways of knowing, cultural continuity, and environmental stewardship. Her keynote reinforced the conference’s overarching message that adaptability is not only a technical design strategy but also a cultural, social, and ecological practice that promotes resilience, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability. The conference proceedings are available on YouTube and can be accessed through the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEd8ghCV5t0&list=PLUpr8on0dVi-2sOYcB5FHr_At358V0XGm
