Our shared built environment consists of different values, such as knowledge-, experience- and usage-based values. If known and understood, they can be used as a tool to read a building or a place. By conducting a value-based reading of architecture we can discover existing aspects that are worthy to retain and can showcase our built environment as an immense resource of knowledge that can teach us about a larger historical context. It can also uncover experiential values, and if encountered they can tell us about significant qualities deserving of safe keeping. If we focus on our built environment through a pair of adaption-goggles, a value-based reading can guide us towards future ideas and opportunities of usage, letting our built environment live and evolve. Therefore, values need to be found and understood. They need to be presentedin a visible and knowledge-forming way to point to their importance for a place’s rich narrative.

Today´s value assessment processes consist primarily of written analyses of a limited selection of buildings: structures that have been labelled, listed or documented as important for our built heritage. What is not valued enough today, however, are the other buildings that have not reached that level or status of cultural importance. This means that many buildings are demolished without being evaluated, including buildings that already belong to a context and place. We believe all buildings facing demolition should be value assessed beforehand, and through our method of valuation, will allow for a more thorough understanding of what might be lost.