Wastespace

[Summary of the book containing this chapter:] The history of design has traditionally been a story of new ideas, new theories and, above all, new construction. However, today, the developed world is on the cusp of a new era. The financial crisis, the sustainability movement and the conservation agenda are all leading to ever more alterations of existing buildings - and ever fewer new build projects. This new condition will have major consequences for all those involved in the design of the built environment both now, and in the future. In one regard, the simple economics of new build is bringing into question the need, indeed the desirability, of constructing from scratch. From a sustainable perspective the same picture can be seen to be forming, at least in certain contexts. The material resources involved in new-build make it an option ecologically detrimental and damaging when compared with renovation. Both these issues sit alongside a now deep rooted heritage agenda in Europe and, increasingly, in the Americas, Africa and Asia. Invariably, the arguments put forward from this perspective discourage new build when it involves the destruction of existing valued building stock. These issues, that will invariably alter the nature of the profession form the basis of Reinventing Architecture and Interiors a book that challenges the standard view on the relationship between interiors and architecture. Written by international experts it is fully illustrated with contemporary examples. It is an important addition to the literature of architecture and interiors today.