HOW TO UNDARSTAND ADAPTATIVE REUSE?

Abstract

Adaptive reuse, rehabilitation and redevelopment are currently presented as ways of physically intervening in cultural heritage this by recycling old abandoned structures. These disciplines are in fashion and are having a significant boost in architecture magazines in some countries, mainly in
the United States of America. What relationship do these new practices have with the previous versions on reuse and rehabilitation from the 70's and 80's developed in Italy? What future do these disciplines have in a world in which economic policies should change, to prevent the deterioration of the planet? The history of reuse that is closely related to the history of the human being is analyzed, the current situation of cultural heritage is reviewed, determining its current role in relation to neoliberal policies and globalization, and its relationship with less favored social groups, seeking with this, establish if these conservation practices are just a fashion or if they really contain theoretical arguments to remain in the future.