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Mephisto2 · 09-21-2003, 11:34 PM

First things first.

This is not reconversion, but simple conversion. Reconversion would be converting the building back again to its original purpose or condition. This is important if you plan a non-fiction essay on the topic. I don't mean to criticise, but simply point out a misunderstanding.

Now, with regards to the topic itself, I think you have hit on an interesting idea. Buildings used for purposes other than their original dot our urban landscape. There are several reasons for this. A desire to protect important, classical or architecturally important buildings. This usually means a "heritage listing" and the exterior being maintained whilst the inside is renovated. Other reasons can simply be economical. It is often more cost effective to "re-use" a building than knock it down and replace it. Finally, and in recent times, there has been an increase in the desirability of renovated or converted buildings. A lot of this stemmed from the Docklands renewals in London during the 80's. Many "warehose apartments" came onto the market. This in turn generated market interest and "coolness" for these kinds of buildings.

Excellent examples of buildings used for purposes not originally intended include (as you say) the Musee D'Orsay, but also the Parthenon in Athens (once used as an ammunition dump by the Turks), the Pantheon in Rome (once used as a church and now a national shrine), many 'warehouse' buildings in any major city, often reused as offices or apartments and even the Arlington National Cemetary which was once the family home of Robert E Lee (if memory serves me correctly).

Good luck with the essay and sorry for my rambling thoughts...

Mr Mephisto

09-21-2003, 11:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mephisto2 Junkie	First things first. This is not reconversion, but simple conversion. Reconversion would be converting the building back again to its original purpose or condition. This is important if you plan a non-fiction essay on the topic. I don't mean to criticise, but simply point out a misunderstanding. Now, with regards to the topic itself, I think you have hit on an interesting idea. Buildings used for purposes other than their original dot our urban landscape. There are several reasons for this. A desire to protect important, classical or architecturally important buildings. This usually means a "heritage listing" and the exterior being maintained whilst the inside is renovated. Other reasons can simply be economical. It is often more cost effective to "re-use" a building than knock it down and replace it. Finally, and in recent times, there has been an increase in the desirability of renovated or converted buildings. A lot of this stemmed from the Docklands renewals in London during the 80's. Many "warehose apartments" came onto the market. This in turn generated market interest and "coolness" for these kinds of buildings. Excellent examples of buildings used for purposes not originally intended include (as you say) the Musee D'Orsay, but also the Parthenon in Athens (once used as an ammunition dump by the Turks), the Pantheon in Rome (once used as a church and now a national shrine), many 'warehouse' buildings in any major city, often reused as offices or apartments and even the Arlington National Cemetary which was once the family home of Robert E Lee (if memory serves me correctly). Good luck with the essay and sorry for my rambling thoughts... Mr Mephisto Last edited by Mephisto2; 09-21-2003 at 11:37 PM..