Transforming for a new era

Transformation has truly begun to gain ground in architecture – especially in recent years. It is an approach that carefully respects the building, cultural heritage, and the resources already in place.

“You take a building from one era and carry it forward into the next century,” explains Senior Project Leader Claus Johannessen, who has more than 30 years of experience with transformation projects. At its core, the approach is about being loyal to the existing building and reading the culture it reflects.

“If you know what to look for, you can, with small interventions, transform a building so it enters a new era with a new function. Of course, it’s about reusing existing materials and applying them in a new context. And then you need to select materials that will stand the test of time,” says Claus Johannessen.

At times challenging, but always valuable

Beyond being better for the environment – since existing materials and building components are reused – transformation also creates value in other areas.

“Obviously, cultural heritage is preserved when we don’t just tear down and build anew. That in itself has tremendous value. Cultural heritage is an important part of our history. Transformation also has the charming effect that sometimes you get unconventional layouts with slanted walls and winding corners. That creates a narrative in the building. These small deviations and irregularities become conversation starters and connect the building to its history,” explains Claus Johannessen.

The key mindset is to start with the building itself, rather than only focusing on your own wishes for what the building should be, the senior project leader emphasizes.

He also points out that transformation is rarely without challenges. Existing buildings almost never meet today’s standards for daylight, geometry, or installations. This requires adaptability and creativity – and often close cooperation with the authorities.

An investment in the future

According to Claus Johannessen, the construction industry has already come a long way when it comes to transformation projects. As he notes, there has been a significant and important shift in how we view our resources.

“When I was a kid, people just scraped all the waste together into piles at the dump. That’s not how it works anymore – thankfully. The reality is that we have no choice but to accept the buildings we already have, because we don’t have the resources not to. Of course, that sometimes means learning to accept certain circumstances – like when you want to replace something for aesthetic reasons,” says Claus Johannessen.

Durability and the building itself should always come first, which means prioritizing function before appearance. The very idea of durability naturally points us toward the future, he explains:

“When we build today, we should think transformable – meaning creating buildings that can take on new life tomorrow. For example, ensuring that fundamental elements like escape routes and fire safety can be adapted to different functions. It may require a bit more effort right now, but in the long run, it’s an investment that pays off.”

Thus, transformation is not only an architectural or design discipline, but also a way of thinking about long-term responsibility. It is about preserving, reusing, and adapting rather than discarding and starting over.