The medieval period was deeply concerned with mortality, the afterlife, and the moral implications of death (Binski, 1996). Central to this discourse was the concept of purgatory, an intermediary realm where souls underwent purification to atone for sins (Le Goff, 1984). This theological framework gained prominence in the 12th and 13th centuries, bridging divine justice and mercy and offering hope for redemption (Le Goff, 1984). Alongside purgatory, the figure of the revenant—a corporeal returner from the afterlife—emerged as a counterpoint, representing unresolved moral debts and anxieties about death’s impermanence (Caciola, 1996).

The Croft Lodge Studio by David Connor Design and Kate Darby Architects exemplifies extreme conservation, where a decaying 18th-century cottage is entirely preserved within a protective black metal shell. Rather than restoring or repairing, the project embraces material authenticity, leaving rotten timbers, bird nests, and dust intact (Mairs, 2017). This aligns with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings’ (SPAB) Manifesto, which prioritises minimal intervention (SPAB, 1877). Though, such an approach raises concerns about long-term liveability and material stability. By enclosing the ruin in an airtight shell, the design isolates the building from natural cycles of wear and renewal, creating what might be termed the "pickle jar effect", preservation as stasis rather than evolution.

In the realm of architectural conservation, the concept of authenticity, the desire to preserve a building in its original form, has often been at the core of debates. Though, this traditional view has faced challenges as conservation practices evolve to accommodate contemporary needs and perspectives. As scholars like Dexya (2018) suggest, the intersection of authenticity, functional adaptation, and preservation raises critical questions about how we define architectural integrity and the extent to which we can, and should, alter historical buildings.

Critically examines the integration of material decay into regenerative architecture, challenging conventional views with case studies like Croft Lodge and Harmonia 57. It advocates for a deeper understanding of materials as living systems, reshaping sustainable design practices | 10-13 minute read

How adaptive reuse of urban spaces impacts artists, blending historical context with contemporary | 8-10 Minute Read