Kontakte – Das Jahrbuch der KIT-Fakultät für Architektur 2023

Architectural Antiques
One can argue that this category might be connected with
the biggest impact concerning culture and arts and is closely
associated with the term spolia. Antiques not only have
marks and signs of ageing, but are oftentimes symbols of specific
cultural backgrounds with inscriptions, pictures and
stories cut into and represented by them. The focus on antiques
today starts with the 19th century. That is, when cities
were undergoing profound transformations and demolitions,
in which architectural antiques were already the subject
of intensive trade. Although heritage buildings are much
more protected today, the market for unique architectural
items is well established. The demand for architectural
components with great historical, sculptural or artisanal
value is high.
These unique and sometimes quirky pieces generally
find a place in buildings or projects that are specifically
designed around them, or in the context of restoration
projects. The motivation for turning to the reuse market is
generally not the price nor an ecological ambition, but rather
the will to find a unique piece with character, history and
a potential for identification. Antique variants exist of
almost all common building elements (floors, carpentry,
sanitary ware, etc.).
Speculation
When buildings are dismantled for reuse of building materials,
it always involves speculation: Is there a potential buyer?
Of course, this speculation is obvious when looking at this
brick that the Stralsund Innovation Consult (SIC) received as
a donation. With its special shape, ageing and idiosyncrasies,
it is unusual, rarely seen, rarely used today. But there is still
the possibility that such a special brick is needed; be it as a
unique, rare building block or as a collector’s item.
M Historische Baustoffe Ostalb,
Steinheim am Albuch
N Altberliner Bauelemente, Berlin
28
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