The objectives of the REcube project were to address the urgent need for a sustainable approach to the regeneration and conservation of 20th-century architecture, particularly modern concrete heritage. The project aimed to develop and promote a new mindset in the field of Modern Heritage Regeneration, focusing on research, innovation, and durability. Through a combination of Learning Teaching Training Activities (LTTA) and the REcube MOOC, the project aimed to nurture a new generation of professionals equipped with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills for preserving and reusing modern architectural heritage. Additionally, the project sought to create a dialogue between academic and non-academic sectors, facilitating the exchange of knowledge through the REcube Guidelines for Practitioners. By the end of the project, REcube successfully contributed to raising awareness of the importance of sustainable renovation practices and fostering international collaboration in the conservation of modern concrete heritage.
The REcube project was applied for to address the growing need for sustainable renovation and regeneration of 20th-century architecture, particularly modern concrete heritage. According to the EU Renovation Wave Strategy, only 11% of building stock in the EU underwent renovation each year, with a small portion being done sustainably. By 2050, 80% of European architecture will require renovation, with 97% needing repurposing. Many buildings faced challenges due to environmental inefficiencies and the need for sensitive conservation strategies. The REcube project responded to these challenges by offering a new educational approach that fostered the development of competencies in conservation, renovation, and regeneration. It brought together knowledge on the history, context, and innovative techniques for the renewal of post-war concrete structures, focusing on sustainability, social inclusion, and circular practices. It also built a community of expertise in modern concrete heritage conservation, facilitating collaboration and professional networks across Europe.