Adaptive Reuse: Transforming Old Spaces into Modern Marvels

Despite unprecedented advancements in technology and design techniques, people are inevitably drawn to classic styles through their architectural tastes. While this often involves building with rustic materials and drawing on design concepts of previous centuries, one trending movement is in the realm of adaptive reuse. Adaptive reuse transforms old and neglected spaces and gives them a new life while still preserving their historic and architectural significance. Keep reading as we explore the various ways that adaptive reuse is being leveraged to transform old spaces into modern marvels. 

What Is Adaptive Reuse?

Adaptive reuse involves taking older, existing buildings and using them in a different capacity than originally intended. Many buildings earmarked for adaptive reuse are at the end of their useful lifespan. They are sometimes abandoned and are usually rundown in some way.

Adaptive reuse is gaining traction by helping preserve the cultural heritage and historical significance of old buildings. It can help limit construction waste by maximizing the lifespan of existing resources. 

It is a similar concept to retrofitting, with one key distinction. Retrofitting involves taking an aging building and modernizing it to continue in its current capacity. Adaptive reuse modernizes the structure but requires a pivot in function. Abandoned shopping malls converted into apartments and old school buildings converted into manufacturing plants are examples of adaptive reuse. 

Roles of Adaptive Reuse in Contemporary Architecture

Contemporary architects are increasingly exploring adaptive reuse projects for a number of reasons. 

Cost is at the forefront. There are many instances when it is more economically viable to repurpose an existing building than to start from scratch on a new structure. Many of these cost benefits are related to shorter construction times, as key elements of the foundation and framing are already in place when starting an adaptive reuse project.

Adaptive reuse also has potential sustainability benefits. It can limit the amount of construction dust, energy consumption, and other waste created during building demolition. It can reduce the amount of materials required for making a structure functional.

It has powerful potential for reducing urban sprawl. Many historic buildings sit vacant in downtown centers while new structures outside of town continue to infringe upon farmland and other natural resources.

Finally, adaptive reuse can provide an aesthetic uplift to rundown cities. By preserving the cultural heritage of a building and/or modernizing a historic facade, architects can breathe life into structures the modern public had previously shied away from. 

Adaptive Reuse Techniques

According to the University College of Estate Management, there are 5 common adaptive reuse techniques employed by contemporary architects and engineers. 

Facadism

Facadism involves preserving the exterior, or facade, of a historic building while “gutting” the interior. This involves modernizing every interior aspect of the structure, from electrical wiring to industrial pipe insulation, flooring tiles to lighting fixtures. Some opponents do not consider facadism a true adaptive reuse technique. Other than a historic streetside view, the building is basically brand new. 

Integration

Integration involves building a new structure around an existing structure. The original building is maintained but enclosed as part of the new, larger complex. This is a common practice in the widespread mall exodus. Vacant retail centers are left standing and incorporated as part of larger housing projects. 

Renovation

Renovation is the most familiar of the adaptive reuse techniques. It involves modernizing and replacing elements of the building that are in poor condition while still maintaining the same overall structural design. Some common renovations include applying a paint remover and fresh coat to dilapidated siding, replacing cracked windows, or installing new flooring materials. As long as key elements of the foundation and framing remain intact, there is really no limit to what could be considered a renovation within the scope of an adaptive reuse project. 

Infrastructure

Adaptive reuse is not confined to buildings. It can involve infrastructure features such as bridges and railroad tracks. In many cases, these old infrastructural elements are preserved and converted into parks, historic landmarks, or other types of tourist attractions. 

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New York's historic elevated train line becomes a park

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Heritage Conservation or Preservation

Heritage conservation (preservation) is adaptive reuse in its purest form. It is also the most difficult to perform. Preservation aims to keep as much of the old structure intact as possible while getting the building compliant with modern codes. A true preservation project will maintain as much of the building's original structure, materials, and appearance as it can, only renovating when absolutely necessary.

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Bring Old Buildings Up-To-Date Through Adaptive Reuse

Adaptive reuse is a trending architectural concept that involves modernizing old buildings and infrastructure and repurposing them for a new life. In addition to preserving historic and architectural significance, adaptive reuse has potential benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. It can also help limit problematic urban sprawl.

For more ideas on how to incorporate adaptive reuse into your next architectural project, explore the resources at Structures Insider for the leading insights in the industry.

Author Bio:

Natalie Akins is a freelance writer that loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in interior design and remodeling. She also has a background in the Hospitality and Real Estate Industry. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Natalie’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.