In a time when existing monuments and buildings are in the line of fire, on one hand demanded demolished and on another asked to be preserved, there is a pressing need to discuss the premises upon which our disciplines operate. We know that we have to reorient towards the reuse of what already exist, we need to rethink our methods, working techniques and terminology, and we need to raise the question of how we evaluate our cultural heritage. This elective course aims to interrogate the theoretical and conceptual frameworks used (historically and contemporarily) to approach the preservation and reuse of objects, buildings, cities, and landscapes.

Different categories of value permeate our culture, and are prescriptive for the ways in which society perceives its material framework. A heritage object’s importance, worth, or usefulness is subject to fluctuating opinions and practices, as is its mere status as a ‘preservation-worthy’ object. But what, exactly, are the values that prompt the preservation of a monument, regulate its reuse, and allows for its continued existence? Where are these values grounded, and by whom are they defined? How do we value and sustain the integrity of what is already there in ways that allow for imaginative reuse?

Value is an abstract term with a myriad of denominations. This seminar examines the multiple aspects of “value” that each, in its way, condition the preservation, use, longevity and estimation of monuments and material heritage.

Drawing from a diverse pool of canonical, experimental, academic, poetic, speculative, contemporary, and historical texts, the students were assigned readings relating to the week’s topic for discussion. Each student had a case study (building) to be scrutinized throughout the semester. This formed the basis for student-led discussions, informed by the predefined topic, the assigned readings, and the set case study.