Throughout history cities were built out of what could be found and salvaged from previous ancestors while having a continuation with the past by readapting structures to fit new functions. A constant state of development is threatening our built environment where a large stock of existing buildings are facing demolition if they are not reused to fit our contemporary ways of living. Today’s method of ploughing through historic buildings to make room for new development and careless renovations often forgets about our cultural heritage, memory and identity.The aim of this thesis is to investigate how different strategies of reuse within architecture can help to retain a sense of continuity with the past as a way of creating for the future with the focus of social sustainability.How can we retain a sense of continuity with the past as a way of creating for the future? And why should we retain a continuity with the past?Through literature reviews and case studies, the thesis collects knowledge from praised architecture practices working with the emerging discipline of reuse with highly social awareness. Together with the theory of Adhocism, the thesis provides a deeper understanding behind the methods of reuse within architecture in order to fully grasp the reasoning of why it’s important to retain a sense of continuity with the past.Through methods of extension, conversion and user-led, or vernacular, transformation the case studies provide tools for how we can create unique and intriguing spaces from our already existing built environment, thus retaining a sense of the past while designing for the future. The regeneration of buildings creates a sense of pride and responsibility to continue to cultivate our built heritage for generations to come.