Globalization and Architecture: Urban Homogenization and Challenges for Unprotected Heritage. The Case of Postmodern Buildings with Complex Geometric Shapes in the Ensanche of San Sebastián
Globalization has profoundly impacted architecture by promoting urban homogenization, where global styles and materials overshadow local character. This shift prioritizes standardized functionality and energy efficiency over cultural identity, erasing regional architectural distinctiveness. In histo...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/3/497 |
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| author | María Senderos Maialen Sagarna Juan Pedro Otaduy Fernando Mora |
| author_facet | María Senderos Maialen Sagarna Juan Pedro Otaduy Fernando Mora |
| author_sort | María Senderos |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Globalization has profoundly impacted architecture by promoting urban homogenization, where global styles and materials overshadow local character. This shift prioritizes standardized functionality and energy efficiency over cultural identity, erasing regional architectural distinctiveness. In historical urban centers, globalization-driven interventions—such as ventilated facades or external thermal insulation systems (ETISs)—often simplify original compositions and alter building materiality, texture, and color. The Ensanche of San Sebastián serves as a case study highlighting this issue. Despite its architectural richness, which includes neoclassical and modernist buildings primarily constructed with sandstone from the Igeldo quarry, unprotected buildings are at risk of unsympathetic renovations. Such changes can distort the identity of what is considered “everyday heritage”, encompassing the residential buildings and public spaces that shape the collective memory of cities. This study presents a replicable methodology for assessing the vulnerability of buildings to facade interventions. By utilizing tools like digital twins, point cloud modeling, and typological analysis, the research establishes criteria for interventions aimed at preserving architectural values. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts with urban planning authorities and public awareness campaigns to safeguard heritage. Ultimately, protecting architectural identity requires balancing the goals of energy efficiency with cultural preservation. This approach ensures that urban landscapes maintain their historical and social significance amidst globalization pressures. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5012aede6e55449ab37f89f3d44c56a2 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-5012aede6e55449ab37f89f3d44c56a22025-08-20T02:12:41ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-02-0115349710.3390/buildings15030497Globalization and Architecture: Urban Homogenization and Challenges for Unprotected Heritage. The Case of Postmodern Buildings with Complex Geometric Shapes in the Ensanche of San SebastiánMaría Senderos0Maialen Sagarna1Juan Pedro Otaduy2Fernando Mora3Departament of Architecture, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, SpainDepartament of Architecture, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, SpainDepartament of Architecture, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, SpainDepartament of Architecture, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, SpainGlobalization has profoundly impacted architecture by promoting urban homogenization, where global styles and materials overshadow local character. This shift prioritizes standardized functionality and energy efficiency over cultural identity, erasing regional architectural distinctiveness. In historical urban centers, globalization-driven interventions—such as ventilated facades or external thermal insulation systems (ETISs)—often simplify original compositions and alter building materiality, texture, and color. The Ensanche of San Sebastián serves as a case study highlighting this issue. Despite its architectural richness, which includes neoclassical and modernist buildings primarily constructed with sandstone from the Igeldo quarry, unprotected buildings are at risk of unsympathetic renovations. Such changes can distort the identity of what is considered “everyday heritage”, encompassing the residential buildings and public spaces that shape the collective memory of cities. This study presents a replicable methodology for assessing the vulnerability of buildings to facade interventions. By utilizing tools like digital twins, point cloud modeling, and typological analysis, the research establishes criteria for interventions aimed at preserving architectural values. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts with urban planning authorities and public awareness campaigns to safeguard heritage. Ultimately, protecting architectural identity requires balancing the goals of energy efficiency with cultural preservation. This approach ensures that urban landscapes maintain their historical and social significance amidst globalization pressures.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/3/497facade simulationeveryday heritagevulnerability assessmentartificial intelligenceAIloss of identity |
| spellingShingle | María Senderos Maialen Sagarna Juan Pedro Otaduy Fernando Mora Globalization and Architecture: Urban Homogenization and Challenges for Unprotected Heritage. The Case of Postmodern Buildings with Complex Geometric Shapes in the Ensanche of San Sebastián Buildings facade simulation everyday heritage vulnerability assessment artificial intelligence AI loss of identity |
| title | Globalization and Architecture: Urban Homogenization and Challenges for Unprotected Heritage. The Case of Postmodern Buildings with Complex Geometric Shapes in the Ensanche of San Sebastián |
| title_full | Globalization and Architecture: Urban Homogenization and Challenges for Unprotected Heritage. The Case of Postmodern Buildings with Complex Geometric Shapes in the Ensanche of San Sebastián |
| title_fullStr | Globalization and Architecture: Urban Homogenization and Challenges for Unprotected Heritage. The Case of Postmodern Buildings with Complex Geometric Shapes in the Ensanche of San Sebastián |
| title_full_unstemmed | Globalization and Architecture: Urban Homogenization and Challenges for Unprotected Heritage. The Case of Postmodern Buildings with Complex Geometric Shapes in the Ensanche of San Sebastián |
| title_short | Globalization and Architecture: Urban Homogenization and Challenges for Unprotected Heritage. The Case of Postmodern Buildings with Complex Geometric Shapes in the Ensanche of San Sebastián |
| title_sort | globalization and architecture urban homogenization and challenges for unprotected heritage the case of postmodern buildings with complex geometric shapes in the ensanche of san sebastian |
| topic | facade simulation everyday heritage vulnerability assessment artificial intelligence AI loss of identity |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/3/497 |
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