Written by Zeynep Yılmaztürk - Editor: Anastasia Eginoglou
This article is a reflective response to two articles from Cobe Notes - Urban Repair by Simon Sjökvist and Wake the Sleeping Giants by Jacob Blak. Both authors explore urban development and construction practices within the context of the Anthropocene, emphasizing the importance of transformative architecture through the principles of “repairing” and “reusing.” Sjökvist, drawing on the work of Tsing, argues that the construction industry has significantly exacerbated socio-environmental challenges. Consequently, the demolition of abandoned structures to make way for new developments is no longer a viable or sustainable approach. In alignment with this perspective, Blak underscores the critical role of adaptive reuse strategies in reclaiming underutilized spaces and revitalizing them into dynamic, functional places.
The environmental and economic consequences of demolition are undeniable. Demolition generates substantial waste, depletes valuable resources, and contributes to the unsustainable consumption of materials. Beyond these tangible impacts, however, lies a profound socio-cultural dimension. Consider, for instance, the experience of waking up one day to find that the familiar streets and buildings you traverse daily have been irrevocably altered. The landmarks that once guided you are gone, replaced by unfamiliar structures, leaving you disoriented and estranged from your surroundings. While this scenario may seem exaggerated – as such transformations typically occur incrementally over time – it encapsulates the reality we face. The gradual erosion of the built environment through successive demolitions and reconstructions subtly reshapes our urban landscapes, often without immediate notice. One building is demolished and replaced, followed by another, months later, and yet another in due course. Over time, the cumulative effect of these changes becomes undeniable.
The built environment is not merely a collection of functional physical structures: it is also a repository of memories and cultural significance. These memories allow individuals to forge meaningful ties to their cities, nurturing a sense of belonging and shaping their identity. Moreover, these memories are not solely personal: they often encompass collective experiences, shaped through shared practices and interactions within these spaces. Over time, the familiarity of a neighbourhood, the rhythm of daily life, and the subtle changes that unfold contribute to a collective identity deeply tied to the physical fabric of the city. In this way, the built environment transcends its physical form, evolving into a place imbued with meaning and identity. This transformation is not a static outcome of construction but rather a dynamic, dialogical process between people and their urban surroundings. The city, in turn, shapes its inhabitants, influencing how they move, interact, and perceive the world around them. This reciprocal relationship ensures that the built environment is never inert - it lives through the stories, emotions, and histories of those who inhabit it.
When a building is demolished, it is not merely a physical structure that is lost. With each demolition, we risk unraveling the subtle threads of memory and identity that bind communities to their urban environments. While the impact of a single demolition may appear negligible, the cumulative effect over time is profound. As such, while the financial and environmental implications of current construction practices are often highlighted, the socio-cultural consequences must not be overlooked. The continued prioritization of demolition over adaptive reuse undermines the potential for sustainable urban living – not only in environmental terms but also in the literal sense of fostering livable, meaningful spaces for communities.
The dominance of demolition as a prevailing practice in urban development poses significant challenges to sustainability, both environmentally and socio-culturally. To achieve truly sustainable cities, it is imperative to shift towards adaptive reuse strategies that honour the memories, identities, and cultural significance embedded within existing structures. Only by embracing such an approach can we ensure the preservation of our urban heritage while addressing the pressing demands of the Anthropocene.
References:
Blak, J. (2025). ‘Wake the Sleeping Giants’, Cobe Notes, Edition 1, p.3.
Sjökvist, S. (2025). ‘Urban Repair’, Cobe Notes, Edition 1, p.2.
Tsing, A. L. (2021). The Mushroom at the End of the World: On the Possibility of Life in Capitalist Ruins. Princeton: Princeton University Press.