ABSTRACT
The paper describes five strategies collected from the adaptation of a modernist concrete building in Antwerp. It argues that reading the existing structure prevails towards optimizing the building for its new uses. It also suggests that seeing the shortcomings of this structure triggers the most meaningful interventions to extensively extend the lifetime of a building. At the same time, it acknowledges the fragility of these modernist structures and recommends carefulness when intervening. What is seemingly a local intervention in the structure, often effects far beyond this local area. Being aware of this domino effect allows for precise actions, limited to essential locations. The article concludes by synthesizing the structural events in M127 and distils abstract notions from them. Embracing a structure and its necessary modifications leads to its proper tectonics. It is a celebration of a seriously pleasurable handling of the preservation of structures. In this way, we can use existing structures for a long time to come.
