Renovation and construction in existing buildings: The second chance; [Sanieren und Bauen im Bestand: Die zweite Chance]

Abstract

Renovating and adapting existing buildings raises different questions from constructing new ones. Decisions depend on the condition of the building, available information, intended use and constraints of the surrounding context. Digital documentation and spatial information can help organize evidence and support planning for the next stage in a building's life. From a geospatial perspective, the subject raises questions about data availability, quality, interpretation and practical use. Geographic information systems and related digital methods can help connect information to place, reveal relationships between different sources and make findings easier to communicate. The usefulness of these methods depends on appropriate data, clear objectives and workflows that fit the needs of the people who use the results. For practitioners and decision-makers, the central consideration is how technical possibilities can be translated into dependable everyday practice. This includes coordinating stakeholders, maintaining information over time and making outputs understandable to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. The topic also illustrates the importance of considering technical, organizational and human factors together rather than treating a digital tool as a complete solution on its own. Overall, “Renovation and construction in existing buildings: The second chance” provides a lens for examining the evolving relationship between geospatial information, digital innovation and real-world applications. The discussion is relevant to professionals interested in GIS, data-driven planning and the development of more informed workflows. This editorial abstract is based on the article title and subject area; it does not claim specific findings or methods that are not stated in the source record.