Architectural exaptation is a concept in architecture and urban design that involves repurposing buildings, structures, or architectural elements for new uses that differ significantly from their original intended purpose. This practice extends beyond mere adaptation, as it involves a transformative process where the original functions are replaced or augmented by entirely new ones. It's a concept that embraces flexibility, creativity, and innovation in the use of architectural spaces and structures. The term "exaptation," originally coined by paleontologists Stephen J. Gould and

Elisabeth Vrba Elisabeth S. Vrba (born 17 May 1942) is a paleontologist at Yale University who developed the turnover-pulse hypothesis. Education Vrba earned her Ph.D. in Zoology and Palaeontology at the University of Cape Town, in 1974. Vrba studied zoology ...

, is borrowed from evolutionary biology. It describes how certain features, evolved for a specific function, can be repurposed or co-opted for a different function. In architectural terms, this can be seen when buildings or their parts, designed for a specific purpose, find new life serving a completely different need. This phenomenon is manifested through two primary mechanisms: functional shift and functional co-optation (referred to as exaptation by Telmo Pievani). Architectural exaptation is an interdisciplinary concept that connects the fields of

architecture Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing building ...

and

archaeology Archaeology or archeology is the scientific study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of artifacts, architecture, biofacts or ecofacts, sites, and cultural landscap ...

. Architectural exaptation challenges traditional views in design and architecture that emphasize a deterministic approach where form strictly follows function. Instead, it highlights the adaptability and potential for innovation in existing structures. This concept is especially relevant in contemporary discussions about sustainability, as it promotes the reuse and creative repurposing of existing architectural resources. Examples of architectural exaptation can range from the conversion of industrial buildings into cultural or residential spaces, to the creative reuse of minor architectural elements within a larger structure. Iconic examples include the

Tate Modern Tate Modern is an art gallery located in London. It houses the United Kingdom's national collection of international modern and contemporary art, and forms part of the Tate group together with Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives. It is ...

in London, which transformed from a power station into a modern art gallery, the

High Line The High Line is a elevated park, elevated linear park, greenway (landscape), greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the West Side (Manhattan), west side of Manhattan in New York City. The High Line's ...

in New York City, an elevated railway turned into an urban park,

Ponte Vecchio The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge", ) is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy. The only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during the Second World War, it is noted for the shops bui ...

in Florence,

Plaza de Toros de las Arenas Plaza de toros de las Arenas was a bullring in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Over the years it featured numerous musical artists, including Carlos Santana and Paco de Lucia in 1977. It opened on June 29, 1900, and its last bullfight was held on J ...

in Barcelona, and Temporary appropriations of public spaces exemplify this adaptability. Architectural exaptation is not just about physical transformation; it also encompasses a philosophical shift in how we perceive the built environment. It advocates for a more fluid, imaginative approach to design, where the potential for a building or space is not limited to its original function. This concept encourages architects, urban planners, and designers to think beyond conventional boundaries and explore the multifaceted potential of the built environment.

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{{reflist Architectural terminology Architectural elements