Progressive Nostalgia in Housing Design: The Porosity & Potential of Adaptive Reuse

Abstract

Through a literature review and review of ten local case studies, this thesis explores nostalgia in the built environment as a tool for overcoming resistance to change, particularly in regard to how adaptive reuse projects can aid in overcoming public opposition to increased housing density. This research was inspired by the critiques of nostalgia and the staunchness of the criteria required for historic landmark designation, the more flexible idea of porosity in adaptive reuse, and the vital relationship between democracy and housing. In pursuit of innovative housing options, I argue that a reframe of nostalgia and a new set of future-oriented criteria and priorities for adaptive reuse housing projects could help advance progressive housing goals like achieving greater housing density, offering more diverse unit types, retaining architectural distinctiveness, and promoting democracy in housing choice and affordability. The variety of Seattle adaptive reuse case studies provide hopeful examples to answer the most simplistic version of my research question: how do we promote new ideas about housing in old buildings?