Jeffry Burchard explores in his essay the
opportunity found by extending the life and purpose of viable existing buildings , that have shaped our cities. Arguing that we have an abundant supply of buildings , the author proposes four essential steps to transform existing buildings.
Existing buildings are full of risk and opportunity. That risk can be revealed in physical or functional deterioration and even eventual failure. In some cases, this failure is devastating, as we have just witnessed with the tragic condo tower collapse in Surfside, Florida. But there’s also immense opportunity found by extending the life and purpose of viable existing buildings, as they are uniquely positioned to engage our cultural values, memories, and aspirations.