
The architectural practice of reusing and refurbishing should be the first consideration when designing and reshaping our already overbuilt cities. Good architecture prioritizes this approach over demolition, as it can reduce costs, enhance environmental efficiency, and preserve functional structures that can continue serving their purpose for years.
In the wake of the fires at Paris' Notre Dame and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, recent years have seen architects proposing innovative approaches to rebuilding these sacred spaces, exploring new possibilities for their futures. In Europe and North America, the high costs of maintenance and declining use of sacred spaces have led to the abandonment of churches, shrines, and monasteries of significant architectural and historical value. This has created opportunities for investors and architects to rescue and recontextualize the historical heritage of these buildings.

New uses for these spaces can range from private residences to apartment buildings and cultural centers—each of which redefines and prolongs the building's lifespan. Good design and creativity are key when repurposing old churches, resulting in a compelling blend of the sacred space's remnants and the new function the building serves.
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Repurposing Existing Buildings into Residential Projects by Innovating with MaterialsBelow, find a selection of churches and monasteries that have been renewed to serve modern needs while preserving their architectural and historical significance.
Church to Apartments Transformation / HOYT Architecten

The Church Residence / Michiru Higginbotham

MADE LIM Café / NONE SPACE

From Old Chapel to Thrift Shop and Social Housing / Tectône

Columbia City Abbey Apartments / Allied8

Tas's Church / Garmendia Cordero Arquitectos

Santa María de Vilanova de la Barca / AleaOlea architecture & landscape

Convent Carmen / Francesc Rifé Studio

Library, Museum and Community Center 'De Petrus' / Molenaar&Bol&vanDillen Architects

Church House / DAHA

'De poort van Borne' Healthcare Center / Reitsema & partners architecten

House In A Church / Ruud Visser Architects

The Chapel on the Hill / Evolution Design

The Waterdog / Klaarchitectuur

La Rectoria Children's Summer Camp / OAB

Contemporary Art Space in the Former Convent of Madre de Dios / Sol89

Convent de Sant Francesc / David Closes

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on May 07, 2019, and updated on December 30th, 2024 by Paula Pintos.