Valuing the existing. Defining a procedure for a low-impact renovation; a case study on a typical apartment building built in the 1960’s in Geneva

Shifting “From Eco-anxiety to deep adaptation” has been the driving force behind the project “Valuing the existing”. This work focuses on understanding the nature of architecture in a future where there is less pollution and less harm caused by the construction industry. The role of the architect is defined as the binding agent, the decipherer as well as the story-teller. Focusing on the importance of collective intelligence by uniting the skills of various construction workers, the architect first evaluates and then models the technicalities into a synthesised project proposition. Simultaneously, by encouraging society to embrace being surrounded by aesthetics based on effectiveness rather than beauty, the architect is part of a movement that is forming new living narratives. No new buildings are built nor existing ones are demolished in a reality where maintenance and sustainability are normalised. The procedure an architect shall follow to renovate a characteristic apartment building is established by focusing on a typical apartment building from the 1960’s, situated in Onex in Geneva as a case study. The major issue to be addressed is insulating the non-insulated dwellings, so as to manage to upgrade them to today’s standards. The project demonstrates how an architect shall shape the design process through the choice and prioritisation of bio-based materials which effectively reduce CO2 emissions in construction. The intervention takes place with the criteria of allowing for the tenants to stay in their apartments.