As Found. Experiments in Preservation - London

What are the social benefits of architecture that focuses on the transformation of existing buildings? As Found. Experiments in Preservation dives into eight experimental projects to show the enormous potential of a built-up region like Flanders. On the occasion of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Flanders Architecture Institute is organising this exhibition in collaboration with the Delegation of Flanders (Embassy of Belgium) in the United Kingdom and the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK. From 9 February to 19 April at the 12 Star Gallery in London.

It is no news that there is hardly any room for new constructions in Flanders. And yet the urge to use up extra space or to raze buildings and put up something new in their place is entrenched. Architecture in Flanders and Brussels, however, demonstrates a unique position in dealing with the existing built environment. The exhibition ‘As Found’ proves this. Seven experimental approaches to transformation architecture and eight Belgian reference projects show that the existing arsenal of buildings in Flanders offers a range of possibilities. The exhibition looks not only at the end result, but above all at the design process and the sometimes very different parties involved. Each project is illustrated on the basis of preliminary studies, drawings and photos. With this exhibition, the Flanders Architecture Institute wants to inspire architects, policymakers, users, funders and clients to tread new paths in dealing with our existing patrimony.