Rewetywacja

Rewetywacja is a neologism used in Polish-language discourse to describe a process of revitalizing and repurposing existing assets—such as buildings, infrastructure, digital platforms, or cultural materials—into new, functional forms while preserving their historical or cultural value. The term appears to be a portmanteau built from the prefix re- (again) and a coined suffix -wetywacja; its precise origin is debated, but it began to appear in online discussions and small-scale policy dialogues in the early 2020s.

In its intended sense, rewetywacja emphasizes sustainability, community involvement, and memory preservation. It is distinguished from straightforward renovation by prioritizing reuse and reconfiguration of existing assets rather than new construction, aiming to extend an asset’s life cycle and social usefulness. The approach often combines architectural, digital, and cultural practices to generate multiple contemporary functions from a single resource.

Applications of rewetywacja span several fields. In urban planning and architecture, it can mean converting derelict factories into mixed‑use cultural and community spaces while maintaining exterior façades. In digital heritage and archiving, it may involve reclassifying and repurposing older platforms or datasets to support current needs without discarding historical material. In education and public projects, rewetywacja supports community access to memories and artifacts through participatory design and co‑creation.

Process and methods typically include an asset audit, stakeholder mapping, participatory design workshops, iterative prototyping, and monitored reactivation of functions. Critics argue that the concept risks nostalgic conservatism if not paired with clear value creation and adaptable governance.

See also: revitalization, adaptive reuse, circular economy, archival science, cultural heritage.