City and Brain Analogy: a Sample for Conservative Versus Adaptive Phenotypical Vision of a Genotypical Heritage

Abstract

Historical urban settlements and traditional structures are significant indicators and meaningful documents of past ways of life. From a contextual perspective, the preservation of these values and the revitalization of architectural heritage are like sustaining through the conservation of the integrated and continuous culture tied to the past just like a human brain does. The present study encompasses all dimensions of a strategic model to conservation versus adaptation developed for one of the historical building types (Vienna Gasometers), which holds substantial historical values. It involves addressing functions, spatial organization, the manner of interaction with historical building remnants, old-new compatibility, form, structure, and material usage, as well as conducting architectural evaluations. In this study, first; following the architectural assessment of each monumental structure, their spatial, formal, functional, and structural relationships with each other are examined to grow these essences and values for a new vision of the city. Second, the advantages and disadvantages of the conservation approach are critiqued in comparison to adaptive renovation of the city heritages. As an illustrative example, the Simmering region and Gasometer structures located in the outer parts of Austria which is historically the most iconic heritage have been chosen. The preservation of the physical characteristics of Gasometer monumental structures while renovation of the functions of the space within this framework reflect not only Europe's industrial, historical, and social evolution but also hold significance in terms of safeguarding socio-economic and cultural values. Furthermore, they contribute to shaping contemporary notions of conservation while adapting them to the vision of the new era.