Adaptive reuse involves finding new uses for older buildings by modifying their internal layout and sometimes their facade. The process involves evaluating the building’s potential for a new application, purchasing it, and making necessary changes. Adaptive reuse can revitalize older areas and create new residential or commercial spaces, such as converting warehouses into lofts or transforming houses into places of worship.
Adaptive reuse is a term that refers to finding new applications or uses for older structures that are unrelated to the original functions of those structures. Sometimes known as building recycling or facility reuse, this approach requires reworking the facility’s internal layout as a means of making it fit for some new purpose. In some cases, adaptive reuse also requires modifying or adapting the facade of the building to make it more in line with its new function.
The adaptive reuse process is relatively simple. A facility that is no longer in use is evaluated for its potential in some new application. If the basic structure is sound and the location of the building is conducive to the proposed new purpose, the property is purchased and the necessary changes are made internally to bring it into conformity with those new purposes. In many cases, this creative building adaptation serves not only to revitalize the older building, but also to provide new life and energy to the surrounding area. Many cities engage in adaptive reuse as a means of revitalizing older areas that are no longer capable or needed in their current form, but have the potential to attract citizens once buildings in the area are reused.
There are many different examples of adaptive reuse. A common scenario in many metropolitan areas is the conversion of old warehouses into housing, usually in the form of lofts or condominiums. With this application, an attempt is usually made to maintain some of the architectural features of the building, such as exposed brick, large windows and exposed beams. The interior space is divided into several distinct apartments, with the addition of plumbing and electrical systems to make the units functional and appealing. Recycling of this type allows for additional residential space to be created by repurposing an area that was once a thriving business district but no longer serves that purpose.
Even in small towns and communities, adaptive reuse can happen. Houses are sometimes purchased by small religious groups and transformed into places of worship by removing or adding walls and other elements to the interior space. Similarly, churches and other places of worship can be adapted to provide space for new schools or a community theatre. Post offices that have closed are sometimes purchased and redesigned to function as space for a retail business. Gas stations can also be converted into trendy restaurants, keeping some of the design elements of the past but modifying and adding everything necessary to create a pleasant atmosphere for diners.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
