Jean Carroon Explains Urban Mining in Online Feature for Architecture Boston

In an online feature for Architecture Boston, Goody Clancy principal Jean Carroon challenges us to rethink how we design, use, and reuse buildings. The demolition of buildings accounts for a staggering amount of humanity’s contribution to global warming. Often buildings are not demolished due to structural decay, but the evolving spatial and functional needs of building owners and users. Jean advocates for “urban mining:” the decision to creatively repurpose building materials rather than simply demolish or recycle. (Recycling itself requires a tremendous amount of energy.) If we start thinking more conscientiously about building design now, urban mining will become much more feasible. Read the full story on what Jean calls “a true gift to future generations.”
http://bit.ly/29vjdnn

Images: Details of a ghost building in Chicago, 2013. Photo: Tim Jarosz