Spolia revisited and extended: The potential for contemporary architecture

Abstract

In the fields of archaeology, art history and history, spolia have traditionally been studied as phenomena of the past. Today, the reuse of salvaged construction components and materials is primarily justified by its economic and ecological benefits, while its architectural and experiential qualities are much less discussed, if at all. Therefore, this article has two focuses, one more conceptual, and the other, more practical. Firstly, the article suggests extending the concept of spolia to contemporary architecture and discusses the usefulness of the concept in evaluating experiential values in contemporary constructions that make use of reclaimed parts. Secondly, it evaluates the potential of spoliation as a modern design tool in search of a more complex and historicity-based architectural expression. This potential is examined by defining the requirements for the extended concept and through analyzing examples of contemporary design. Although the main focus of this article is on contemporary architecture based on old building components, the topic also has obvious implications for heritage management.

Learning from the secondary: Rethinking architectural conservation through ‘barn architecture’

“…Many farm buildings have been rendered useless in rural areas faced with depopulation and the modernisation of agriculture (Verhoeve et al, 2012). These buildings may not have high economic or heritage value but can be a meaningful source for an alternative perspective on history (see Kuisma, 2019; Lange, 2008). Likewise, their nostalgic feel, aesthetics and tectonic characters are valued (Walsh, 2020).…”

“…Reuse and reinterpretation are both vernacular and future-oriented practices. While reuse was a conventional practice in vernacular construction, it was somewhat concealed rather than emphasised (Kalakoski and Huuhka, 2018). This characteristic disconnects traditional reuse from contemporary one, highlighting the contrast between the new and the old as seen in the raised roof and plywood interior in Persson's summerhouse at Nannberga.…”

“…Farm buildings are not initially intended to impress, and their simple and functional shapes tolerate alterations and reinterpretations. Despite their modesty, they withhold handmade details and patina of age, which offer contemporary architects a welcome opportunity to practice decoration and engage with nostalgia (Kalakoski and Huuhka, 2018; Figure 8).…”

Traces of disappearing heritage: upcycling of wooden vessels preserved in the vernacular architecture of a large river valley in Central Europe

“…The local/traditional recycling has some characteristics of the idea of sustainability (unknowingly), and preceded or even inspired the current architecture trends (Kiaček, 2021). This practice is at a border between a phenomenon of symbolic significance – spolia (Kalakoski and Huuhka, 2018: 193) – and actions characterised by pragmatism and economic rationalism (Frangipane, 2016).…”

Building conservation and the circular economy: a theoretical consideration

“…While positive takes on spoliation as ecological and cultural adaptation, preservation and translation have increasingly emerged (e.g. Brandenburg, 2011;Esch, 2011;Hansen, 2003;Kalakoski & Huuhka, 2018), the fact that many prominent researchers in the field still portray the target of their research as a 'parasitic' activity at best does send a message.…”