Architecture of Obsolescence

Where does Obsolescence for building start? Most of the time a client needs a building made for his/her company, calls up an Architect and has it designed around his/her requirements and needs for the building to operate efficiently for their company. This building gets built, and is used for many years for it intended purpose. Then one day the company goes out of business. The building sits begins to decay, and becomes unable because it don't suite other companies, to large of spacer or just not right for there operations. This building gets demolished and typically a new building gets put in its place for another company. This is truly not the way to go if we are trying to promote Obsolescence.
Now one great example of Obsolescence in Architecture is in Portland State University's campus. When PSU expands they typically retrofit a existing building within the area to meet there needs. Shattuck hall is one of those great examples. This building was build in 1915 as an elementary school. In 2008 it was remodeled for PSU and now holds the PSU Architecture program. This building and its inhabitance are helping promote and teach Obsolescence from within. This is how
Obsolescence can be taught and can be learned, through our great examples right in front of us.

The way future Architects will eventfully be forced to think is longer term, beyond the life of its original owner. It must not only meet the requirements from one owner but must be flexible enough to allow for many new inhibitors throughout the full life of the building.


Good watch/rear!
 https://vimeo.com/67723185