Circular construction is currently one of the most discussed topics in architecture – and rightly so: especially the re-use of whole building parts proves to be a very effective way to save large quantities of natural resources and to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions during construction.

Interesting findings on this are shown in our latest publication «Bauteile wiederverwenden. Ein Kompendium zum zirkulären Bauen» (Park Books 2021; english version expected in fall 2022).

This year’s summer school «Palazzo Re-Use» focuses on the architectural potential of re-use: for once we leave the setting of temporary/subversive transformation processes as inherent comfort zone of re-use and apply it in an inner-city ensemble.

With real used materials at hand we develop façades for an urban building as we construct mock-ups 1:1. In the process we deal with current controversies on design and construction with re-used elements: It is about «genius loci» and «genius partis», about design control and the coincidence of finding, about outdated and well-tried, about precision and tolerances, about imperfection and patina.

We are looking forward to hands-on work, mind-opening field trips and intense architectural debates with many international guests.