Old Buildings And Their Value: Can It Be Considered As Historical?

As stated by Winston Churchill, “ We shape our building, after that they shape us” – Typically an old building is nothing but a building or structure that has aged over the years. Old buildings may carry some historical value, but not all old buildings are historical, some factors determine whether a building is historical or not.

An old building is historic because of the material, such as marble, stones, natural pain, carvings, etc. It may also be because of its association with a particular event or just due to the time built.

Preservation Of Old Buildings Matter

Protecting and preserving an old building matters a lot, especially the ones that still have a stable structure. Buildings before the Second World War had high-grade materials. People used traditional methods and the value of craftsmanship over investment for their longevity. Old buildings, apart from housing incredible architecture and design, are also a part of our cultural, historical, and religious heritage. Old buildings are the reflection of the time in which they were built. Hence, restoration and preservation are essential for demolishments.

Old Buildings Carry Economic Value

In addition to having historical and cultural significance, it carries economic investment as well. Renovating an existing building is better for the environment and also saves embodied energy. One can save energy in creating, developing different building components and materials to a large extent. It is a key indicator of measuring old buildings in terms of economic value.  Instead of tearing it down, one can renovate it and reuse it to meet the present modern trends. In this way, one can save energy and also protect the significance of it. Adaptive reusing of a building is also an essential component of sustainable development

New Business In An Old Building

Investing in a new one or real estate makes more sense for big chains and MNCs. Some businesses like book stores, restaurants, cafes, antique stores, neighborhood pubs, and other trending concepts of startups gain more. In fact, they thrive better in old buildings rather than investing in new real estate. Restoration of the old buildings may be expensive for few, but not adaptive reusing. The concept of adaptive reusing is simple. It means changing the intent of the structure to meet the new user’s needs. This method allows an old building to retain its character and aesthetics by merging it into the new framework. Adaptive reuse is cost-effective as it does not include demolition or renovation. Many business owners are now recognizing the benefits of repurposing an old building. It is mainly because of the lower cost and labor and intrinsic value associated with it.

In Conclusion

Preservation, adaptive reuse, and a possible renovation just take a few steps. One must try to safeguard old buildings that feature the history or story of how life evolved. Further, old buildings attract people, as they sound interesting with old facts attached to them. A city needs an old building to showcase a sense of permanency and heritage to the people who visit the place.