Grassroots to Industry: Retrofit and Restoration in Undergraduate Studies

Yioutani-Iacovides, Maria

Abstract

Retrofit and Restoration of existing, historical or culturally significant buildings, is part of the undergraduate studies in Architectural Education at the Salford of University. This paper explores how retrofit strategies and policies are integrated in the year 3 modules’ curriculum in all our programs, in Architecture and Design. The author shares her recent experiences in teaching this topic and how students perceive the challenges of sustainable retrofit and interventions to historic and culturally significant buildings. Three modules are used as case studies, and these focus on: a) sustainable retrofit of significant buildings, b) extensions and adaptive reuse of listed buildings, and c) restoration of historic buildings-live projects. The outcome of the research focuses on a comparative analysis of students’ perceptions and understanding of sustainable retrofit and restoration, when considering; a) the current legislation, strategies and policies, b) sustainable design and the role of professionals in practice, and c) the buildings cultural or historic significance. The study explores how student’s learning relates to professional practice and the current trends and needs of the ever-evolving retrofit construction industry. The scope of the paper is to identify how research can inform best, retrofit teaching in the future; from grassroot to industry.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: International Retrofit Conference 2025
• Start Date: Jul 3, 2025
• End Date: Jul 4, 2025
• Acceptance Date: Jan 14, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jul 4, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed