Title

Author(s)

Magnus Reffs Kramhøft, Line Kjær Frederiksen

Affiliation

The Royal Danish Academy

DOI

https://doi.org/10.65686/HOHR6458

Keywords

Value Assessment, Building Adaptation, Obsolescence

PP

540-547

How to Cite

Reffs Kramhøft, Magnus, Line Kjær Frederiksen. “Finding Relevance in the Overlooked A Case Study into the Value Assessment of Younger Obsolete Buildings.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Adaptive Reuse. Volume 1, edited by Andrea Crudeli, Francesca Molle, and Emanuele Carrai, 540–547. Firenze: STH Press, 2026.

Abstract

This paper examines how value is identified and interpreted in existing buildings, particularly those considered worthless by formal preservation standards. The research critically examines the inherent values of Nauticon, a 1990s office building in Copenhagen, Denmark, currently at risk of demolition. While older historical buildings are recognized for their cultural significance, more recent buildings are often overlooked. This paper calls for reimagining these formally less valuable buildings as important assets for sustainable development and diverse architectural responses. The paper draws on a graduate course at The Royal Danish Academy, as a case study to analyze approaches for engaging with late twentieth-century building. The theoretical framework encompasses circular sustainability, adaptive reuse, and tectonics. Through these topics the paper address climate science and ecological implications, cultural and material significance, and the necessity of deep understanding of construction to identify building values and propose thoughtful interventions. Over twelve weeks, thirty-one graduate architecture students conducted analyses and proposed design solutions, challenging dominant value narratives and proposing alternative futures. Findings reveal that existing value frameworks insufficiently accommodate young historic buildings like Nauticon nor address sustainable and ethical imperatives. The study advocates for new value systems emphasizing continuous circular adaptation strategies, and ecological responsibility when engaging with overlooked everyday architecture.

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.