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The Japanese have a practice called Kintsugi, where broken ceramics are repaired with gold or lacquer, creating unique pieces of art. Adaptive reuse in architecture works similarly, transforming existing structures into new, exquisite spaces.
In the 1970s, adaptive reuse gained popularity as a dominant architectural approach, driven by the decline of heavy industry, which left many abandoned buildings, particularly from the Industrial Revolution era, with large open spaces ideal for adaptive reuse.
However, initially, it was done primarily for practical reasons, such as reusing materials, rather than explicitly preserving heritage. In the 19th century, there was a debate surrounding the approach to historic buildings, with “restoration” advocating renovations by adding new elements to match the old style, while “conservation” favoured preserving the historic fabric without recreating its missing parts.
Today, adaptive reuse has taken a sustainable route, addressing the energy crisis, lack of resources, and climate change impacts. It has emerged as the most relevant architectural approach in our current era.
The Growing Prominence of Adaptive Reuse
Studies show that building, construction, and demolition operations are directly responsible for up to 25% of the waste produced in most countries. Furthermore, 40% of the raw materials brought into the global economy each year are used in the construction of buildings. The manufacturing and delivery of these materials consume about 85% of their total embodied energy.
As a result, adaptive reuse is considered a better choice than demolishing and replacing structures. Adaptive reuse is gaining prominence across countries, primarily due to three fundamental factors: sustainability, historical preservation, and economic benefits.
a) Adaptive Reuse and Sustainability
Adaptive reuse, which repurposes existing structures instead of demolishing and reconstructing them, significantly reduces construction waste. Waste from construction and demolition projects contributes to landfills and environmental degradation. Adaptive reuse minimizes the need for new materials and the associated carbon footprint from their manufacturing and transportation. Given that building materials, from fabrication to assembly, contribute significantly to carbon emissions, designers are adopting a more sustainable approach that prioritizes environmental well-being.
Herzog & de Meuron’s transformation of the Tate Modern art museum is an incredible example of sustainable adaptive reuse on a large scale. Originally built as the Bankside Power Station in 1963, it was later abandoned due to the excess pollution it emitted. In the 1990s, the architects preserved major original elements like the iconic turbine hall and brick facade while introducing new elements like a pyramidal glass extension. The station was given new life as an art museum, which also incorporated several sustainable strategies like natural ventilation, solar panels, green spaces, reuse of existing materials, and an overall design for low energy use.
b) Historical Preservation
Ancient structures provide a roadmap to our past, culture, and lost identities. Not only do they define the character and importance of the local urban fabric but also provide us with a vision for development. Adaptive reuse repairs historical spaces and helps preserve cultural heritage and unique experiences that cannot be replicated otherwise.
For instance, the ‘Utopia Library’ in Belgium, designed by KAAN Architecten, is integrated into the urban fabric to complement and engage with the city’s erratic street character. A light-filled library, which replaced the old military school, utilizes the area’s historic brick external fa?ade as a visual attraction point. The building elements include large glass skylights (Atrium Long lights), light walls, brick facades, and raw concrete. The open and sustainable design of the interior contrasts with the brick-red fa?ade, blending in with the urban city fabric. The building houses both a library and a music school.
c) Economic Benefits
As populations increase in most countries, land availability becomes scarce, making retrofitting an existing building more cost-effective than completely new construction. Adaptive reuse avoids the costs of acquiring land and extensive excavation, thereby increasing the property’s market value. Repurposed buildings can attract new businesses, residents, or tourism depending on their function, eventually leading to economic growth. While heritage buildings may require specialized restoration work, which can be expensive, it is a valuable investment.
An excellent budget-friendly example is the refurbishment of the Old Benal?a, a transformation of an old railway station in Alicante, Spain, into the new home for Casa Mediterraneo, an institution promoting Mediterranean cultural identity and incorporating multifunctional spaces at a low budget for events, including exhibitions, parties, and concerts. The aim was to update the heritage building in a citizen-friendly way, beyond just preserving it. The train platform was transformed into an ‘experimental space,’ becoming the centrepiece with its filtered natural light and hanging elements like a large ceiling fan. Other interventions include a translucent blue roof, a scattered pavilion installation for functional spaces, outdoor gardens, and the use of cost-effective materials like sand flooring.
By avoiding the costs associated with new construction and revitalizing existing structures, adaptive reuse offers economic benefits while preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development.
Challenges and Considerations
While adaptive reuse offers great benefits, it often comes with costs and challenges. Although each project may have its unique hurdles, there are some common considerations to keep in mind.
- Legal Challenges: Any historical building will require approval from several authorities to undergo refurbishment. Adapting the building to existing laws and building codes can also be a challenging process.
- Community Engagement: Existing buildings with a prominent history are often attached to sentimental values for the local community. It’s important to consider how the new function of the building will cater to and be received by the community.
- Financial Challenges: To bring a historic building up to modern standards of sustainability and energy efficiency, significant enhancements may be required, which can increase the project’s overall cost.
- Safety Issues and Hazards: When dealing with material compatibility or complexity in technical aspects, safety concerns must be addressed to avoid potential hazardous events.
- Structural Integrity: Assessing and ensuring the structural integrity of an existing building, especially an older one, can be a complex and costly undertaking, requiring specialized expertise.
Despite these challenges, adaptive reuse remains a valuable approach when carefully planned and executed, balancing preservation, sustainability, and community needs.
Sources
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355470961_Current_Status_and_Emerging_Trends_on_the_Adaptive_Reuse_of_Buildings_A_Bibliometric_Analysis
- https://www.academia.edu/download/41069944/Plevoets_Van_Cleempoel_IE_Book_upload.pdf
- https://www.archdaily.com/783283/20-creative-adaptive-reuse-projects
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- https://www.ucem.ac.uk/whats-happening/articles/what-is-adaptive-reuse/#:~:text=Helps%20combat%20urban%20sprawl,and%20offers%20them%20geographical%20advantages.