Title

Author(s)

Trayana Kovacheva

Affiliation

Politecnico di Milano

DOI

https://doi.org/10.65686/YDZU1899

Keywords

Liberty Architecture, Prospects, Identity

PP

532-539

How to Cite

Kovacheva, Trayana. “Reinventing Liberty Adaptive Reuse and the Contemporary Life of Early Modern Architecture.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Adaptive Reuse. Volume 1, edited by Andrea Crudeli, Francesca Molle, and Emanuele Carrai, 532–539. Firenze: STH Press, 2026.

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of reusing early 20th-century architecture in Genoa, with a focus on buildings designed in Liberty style. Originally conceived to embody the values and functions of a rising bourgeois society—residences, financial institutions, and leisure facilities—these structures are increasingly being reinterpreted to meet the demands of contemporary urban life. Through selected case studies—including the Palazzo della Nuova Borsa, now partially repurposed for cultural events; Hotel Miramare by Gino Coppedè, which currently hosts both residential units and a casino; and the Castello Mackenzie, a former private villa transformed into an auction house—the paper examines how adaptive reuse navigates the balance between historical significance and functional transformation. The widespread shift from residential to office use along Via XX Settembre further illustrates how architectural forms are reshaped by evolving social habits and economic models. These examples show that adaptive reuse is not merely about repurposing space, but also about negotiating identity. While it enables buildings to survive and remain active in contemporary contexts, it also entails risks of compromise. Functional changes—such as the conversion of residential units into offices—often require spatial reconfigurations that alter the original architectural layout and social meaning of interiors. Likewise, the treatment of exterior surfaces—especially in privately owned buildings not subject to mandatory protection—can lead to uncontrolled or inappropriate restoration, threatening the material and aesthetic integrity of the façade.
Understanding original construction materials and techniques is crucial for effective adaptive reuse. These buildings often incorporate distinctive materials and artisanal methods that demand specific expertise for appropriate preservation. Inappropriate interventions—such as using incompatible materials or neglecting traditional construction—can lead to deterioration and loss of historical value. Thorough material analysis and research are therefore essential to develop conservation strategies that respect heritage while supporting contemporary adaptation.

Edited by
Andrea Crudeli
Francesca Molle
Emanuele Carrai

Publisher
STH Press, Firenze

ISBN Paperback – 9791281661141
ISBN Ebook – 9791281661158
DOI – https://doi.org/10.65686/SISY7263

Year
2026

Proceedings of
International Conference on Adaptive Reuse
hosted by The University of Pisa, Italy
15-19 September 2025, at the Gispoteca di Arte Antica dell’Università di Pisa.