3RE

Module: Not to consume, to use what is!
REstoration / REnovation / REfurbushment
3RE is one of the 3 workspace modules determined by Öznur Çağlayan Architectural Workshop. All the work done for the reuse of the existing structure is entered into this module. The first condition of sustainability is the equivalent of the slogan “use what is available” in the construction industry. All the researches show that no matter how “green” you make, it causes much more energy and therefore carbon emissions than you spend to completely rebuild or recycle a building. For this reason, the most direct way to achieve carbon neutral (even negative) structures, which is our goal, is through protection and renewal.
The 3RE module is the exploration area of ​​the existing (already embodied) with the design tools of the existing / possible potential in the Workshop, by investigating whether there is a real need for a new one.
Although the triple (Restoration / Renovation / Refurbushment) included in the module seems to be used in place of each other in both origin and meaning, they are seen as different from each other especially in the sector due to their usage areas. We also use this distinction in our practice, in a way to emphasize the extent of the intervention, with the content we explain below.
Restoration: The process of bringing something (building, furniture, system) to its original condition or close to its original state. Although it is mostly used as a technical term used for registered historical artifacts, it actually contains meanings that can be used for the regeneration of all old and ruined structures (technical, social, cultural, political) that are too old to carry their original function. It is re-establishment.
An important issue is that the term “restoration” is very controversial, especially when it comes to historical artifacts. If we know one thing, it is that the old cannot be established in the same way. We acknowledge that this is a completely wasted effort, that everything (function, meaning, material, technique, need, etc.) is constantly changing. Therefore, it is futile to try to push something that can never remain in its old context only to an “origin” in our own imagination. All existing (proprietary or not) are as valuable as they can remain in the design. Beyond seems like a nostalgic commitment to the past, however. What matters is the sense of place (as they say “sense of space”). We are looking for authenticity in building a future together with the state of the “what is” (also “authenticity”) and the potential it holds for what it can be.
If we customize it further as a proprietary historical artifact restoration, the 3RE module includes the survey, restitution and restoration phases. (a 3R is also here …)
Innovation: Extending the life of existing structures with relatively narrow interventions without losing their use value, improvement. In this way, the old parts are reviewed, it continues its current use and function with maintenance and repair and partial interventions.
In particular, we ensure that the new version is much safer and more efficient by ensuring the revision of the MEP infrastructure with up-to-date technologies, to achieve results with minimum intervention for the renewal of buildings and spaces that have problems in their use, do not satisfy the user in terms of both technical and content and shape, and disrupt their function.
REfurbushment: We are mostly used for processes to renew the look, to give a new / bright / clean / updated look. Renewal without touching the infrastructure and structure. A touch of magic.
Innovation / Renewal / Refreshment is a profound need. With very little touches, it is possible to update the entire space and structure and to be loved by its users. Before destroying everything, all possibilities should be investigated. We do that too. We are going after the minimum intervention that will provide the maximum effect.
Within the framework we mentioned above, we “reused” many structures, changed them, transformed them. We redefine: Available / Possibility / Possible /