CALL: CONSERVATION / ABANDONMENT

As cities grow and transform, situations arise in which heritage sites are left neglected. The reasons for this can be varied: difficulties in property management, the complexity of intervening in the monument, political disinterest, very strict regulations, etc. Considering this situation, the theme of this 10th edition of the EAAE Conservation Network seeks to reflect on how conservation impacts the processes of abandonment and regeneration of architectural heritage.
The city chosen to host this workshop is Valencia. A medium-sized city (with a population of around 800,000), boasting a history stretching back over 2,000 years, it has left behind a diverse heritage spread across a complex urban layout, the result of its adaptation to geographical conditions and the incorporation of various surrounding settlements. A recent press article stated that “Valencia is the city with the highest number of abandoned heritage sites” to have been included on Hispania Nostra’s Red List, a list created by the heritage conservation association to raise awareness, educate the public and take action regarding sites at risk of disappearing. More than half of these properties are alquerías, farmhouses with agricultural land typical of the Valencia huerta, whose location on the outskirts of the city makes them more vulnerable to the climate-related disasters currently affecting the area. Furthermore, there are also properties in key locations within the city with great potential that have been abandoned for years.
The selection of case studies for the workshop aims to highlight heritage sites that illustrate the various causes of neglect across different parts of the city. The commercial dock building at the port is a case of neglect resulting from a lack of proposals for a new use that would be appropriate for both the building and the city. The monastery of San José and Santa Teresa, on the edge of the historic city, is a case of incompatibility between the use proposed by the private entity that manages it and the requirements of the heritage commission. The case of the Alquería de Serra is an example of neglect due to a lack of political interest in investing in a domestic architectural type.

AIM OF THE WORKSHOP:

The aim of the workshop will be, based on these case studies, to generate debate on the following topics:
1. Conservation: between paralysis and destruction. Find a balance between restrictions and opportunities through conservation, adaptation, reuse…
2. Managing properties and owners in heritage sites. Private vs public.
3. Preferences in functional typology behind the interest in conservation or abandonment.
4. Indoor-Outdoor abandonment. Can a building be partially abandoned? Buildings that are perfectly restored on the outside but abandoned on the inside. Buildings that look abandoned on the outside but are restored on the inside. This topic aims to link the theme of the VIBRArch conference to the workshop titled “Indoor and Outdoor”.REGISTRATION
For registration, access to the link provided below and fill in the registration form (here soon)

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Submission of abstracts and registration: 31st May 2026
• Acceptance of registration and abstracts: 30th June 2026
• Contribution payment: 25th July 2026

ORGANIZING TEAM 2026:

• EAAE-Conservation Network
• Universitat Politècnica de València
• Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura ETSA

WEBSITE online soon