![AJ 27.02.20 RetroFirst and the Circular Economy](http://www.architects-journal-shop.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/000_CVR_SHOPIFY_AJW_200227_cb36d84a-2421-4a7b-be00-51ad8ba5111e.jpg?v=1611943539)
The AJ focuses on its RetroFirst campaign to prioritise reuse of existing buildings. We meet Maarten Gielen of Belgian circular economy-focused design practice Rotor; and visit Civic Architects’ LocHal library – a converted train depot in the Netherlands. As Historic England backs the campaign’s call to slash VAT on retrofit, we look at the barriers the heritage sector faces to reusing buildings; we talk to four developers about a retrofit project each has been behind; and we have a campaign poster to cut out and display to show your backing for RetroFirst. PLUS Brickfields workspace in east London by Witherford Watson Mann.