Adaptive Reuse and Sustainable Architecture

Traditionally, the concept was mainly involved in the enhancement and changing of how different structures are utilized. This has however since been revolutionized into a broad scale reuse method focused on coming up with an understanding of the various areas in the society that bear underused structures1. Doing so allows architects to come up with relevant means of restructuring such areas to meet modern sustainability requirements. Although adaptive reuse has prompted significant changes in architecture, the refurbishment method has been identified to pose a range of challenges to designers. Regardless, adaptive reuse is essential as it acts as a modern building method that promotes sustainable development in the contemporary world. As a result of the advancements in modern technology, newer and better construction designs continue to be introduced each day in an attempt to ensure that all buildings in a given locality are capable of meeting the required standards.

As such, already existing buildings may lack input in terms of being equipped with modern technological tools relevant in meeting similar standards hence calling for the need of restructuring them through adaptive reuse techniques. Owing to this reason, building owners find it necessary to refurbish their projects in order to allow them to enjoy similar resources to those enjoyed by owners of modern buildings. Additionally, developers that are more sensitive to history may tend to prefer to engage in the restoration of older structures to their initial stature which may, however, prove to be a costly and rather an unrealistic move. In such a scenario, it is advisable to make use of adaptive use method as a means of restructuring an old building in an attempt to enhance them for new uses bearing in mind the need of retaining the building’s historic integrity4.

Site’s Potential Prior to engaging in any activity aimed at altering the nature of a given structure, developers may choose to assess the potential of the structure in question-based on its physical outlook as well as its location. For instance, old structures located in the midst of a city may potential demolition more so if the site does not hold any form of significance to the people in general. This may be assessed based on the damaged caused to its original physical state with regard to its ability to support other uses in the future. In addition, developers may choose to establish the nature and character of the structure based on the reuse proposed6. Site’s Historical Importance Different communities possess different sets of values and historical background.

Adaptive reuse can, therefore, be said to bear an advantage of presenting new opportunities where developers are capable of coming up with structures that meet sustainability principles. Some of the various buildings that are capable of undergoing adaptive reuse building method include industrial structures, community buildings including schools and churches, and government buildings. In addition to such advantage, the concept of adaptive use may also be utilized in renewing community areas experiencing decline and abandonment9. Adaptive reuse may also be used as a means of enhancing the preservation of historic structures in a given community. For instance, a local church (the church of St. Adaptive reuse may be utilized as a means of promoting economic return in a given project. To begin with, this method of the building allows contractors to save on the money since they do not require to purchase new building resources since all that is required in order to set up a structure is to make use of the existing resources.

In addition, contractors are more likely to save on financial input required for machinery and labor as the work involved is not extensive. The use of existing structures may also allow developers to save on time based on the fact that only less input is required for the completion of an ongoing project. Adoptive reuse may prove profitable to local governments to encourage the development of sites that were otherwise abandoned which may generate revenue in form of tax in the long run. With adaptive reuse, old buildings may undergo a series of restructuring techniques inclined toward coming up with various features that may prove to be pivotal in accordance with what the building codes and standards are. This ranges from the type of materials used to the designs to be implemented depending on the new use of the structure being constructed.

Developers are always advised to be conversant with zoning regulations before setting up a new version of the preexisting structure in order to identify whether the stated uses meet the requirements. For instance, a structure may be reused to an industrial structure in a residential zone. Such a development may not be approved since it belongs to a different zone13. For instance, asbestos may prove difficult for developers to rebuild a site since it requires the application of special precautions while construction is ongoing despite the procedures being well established (Eray, 2018). Economic Consideration of Adaptive Reuse Method Over the years, critics have raised arguments with regard to the viability and possibilities of adaptive reuse building method. A range of organizations has seen the need for coming up with relevant means of ensuring that their approach to retail and corporate sites is sustainable in nature.

A variety of outcomes exist with regard to how adaptive reuse affects the economic return of a site. As discussed earlier, some of the most common factors such as energy utilization and the reuse of resources from the building being restructured. The building is considered to be among the first in the country to meet modern standards in enhancing efficiency in the use of energy which is a crucial aspect of sustainable development16. Plate 1: The Old Post Office in Bolzano17. Originally constructed in 1954, the building was a three-store building with an outlook that was rather dreary and dirty. The refurbishment of the structure was however aimed at coming up with a modernized building that would allow for energy-saving operations within it.

The building was equipped with two additional floors, a 350mm thermal insulation panel was installed towards the outside of the wall for cold season warmth and cooling during summer periods18. Conclusion Adaptive reuse allows for developers to come up with relative means of coming with sustainable development alternatives. As such, already existing buildings may lack input in terms of being equipped with modern technological tools for the same hence calling for the need of restructuring them through adaptive reuse techniques. Although the main reason behind the use of adaptive reuse is so as to meet the preservation guidelines of a given society, most designers tend to make use of this strategy mostly based on the various regulations available. Developers that are more sensitive to history may tend to prefer to engage in the restoration of older structures to their initial stature which may, however, prove to be a costly and rather unrealistic move.