Adaptive reuse is an architectural typology which gives importance to the existing characteristics of the site. This mainly refers to adding a programme or function in the existing built environment of the site. Historic importance of the site is considered before imposing new briefs or programmes in the site. This rejuvenation of the site or the existing built gives a new character and life to the urban environment around the site. Each and every site or built environment can be rehabilitated via adaptive reuse.
As architects, it is our decision making process, which determines the impact of the proposed adaptive reuse on the surrounding environment. A lot of research has been and can be done on this topic.
Here are the 20 topics which can lead further in the research.
1. Factors determining the Adaptive Reuse.
Before deciding whether to revive the existing or insert a built form is decided based on many factors such as economic considerations, social considerations, and environmental considerations. These factors are further divided and help architects and developers to decide what to design on the site.
2. Effects of adaptive reuse on the environment.
A lot of new buildings are being built, which consume energy, water, and other resources. These effects on the environment are to be considered while proposing an adaptive reuse. The natural surroundings around the site are most likely to be affected by the intervention.
3. What are principles of adaptive reuse?
A systematic approach to rejuvenate the abandoned buildings has to be designed in order to cater to the factors affecting adaptive reuse.
4. Relationship between sustainability and adaptive reuse.
Sustainability is of three types: economic, environmental, and social. These three aspects of sustainability are connected to adaptive reuse as they play an important role in deciding the programme and design decisions taken for the rehabilitation of the site.
5. Impact of history in adaptive reuse.
Historic significance of a site, serves as a crucial factor. As the existing built on the site, holds a significant place, it should be considered to be revived. Many old significant buildings are converted into usable spaces. Hence it is important to study and analyse the history of a site before formulating a programme.
6. What is urban regeneration? Is it associated with adaptive reuse?
Many vacant or abandoned buildings in the urban context have been occupied as parkings, or by slum dwellers. This confiscation deteriorates the life of the built environment along with its surroundings. In many cases these abandoned buildings also hold a significant importance in the history of the context, yet it is neglected.
7. Research or Process required for adaptive reuse.
A study on an existing site, its neighbourhoods, along with the structure and services of the existing built form. This study helps in deriving a programme and design.
8. Historic preservation as adaptive reuse.
Also known as historic conservation, this mainly focuses on preserving the existing heritage of the site and intervenes in a proposal which not only keeps the heritage intact but also enhances it. This is mainly seen in palaces, heritage sites, etc. The palaces are converted into museums and some old abandoned monuments are converted into heritage sites with small museums displaying their historic significance.
9. Does renovation fall under adaptive reuse?
Renovation revives the building giving new life to the dead built form.
10. Adaptation of sustainable technologies as adaptive reuse.
If the environment is considered important while proposing a design intervention, certain sustainable technologies have to be adapted. Technologies like solar panels, active-passive cooling systems should be considered and adapted while designing.
11. Can restoration of a project be associated with adaptive reuse?
Many UNESCO declared heritage sites are restored and turned into tourist spots adding to the revenue. Even few sites with a small built infrastructures can be repaired with minor alterations and new usage either complementing the existing or even completely opposite to the existing programme can be proposed. This brings harmony between the old and the new.
12. Construction materials as adaptive reuse.
Sometimes ruins on the site become an important part of the building. Many projects are constructed on the ruins by either using them as a construction material or replicating the existing construction material. Even the surroundings of the site can help in determining the constructing material.
13. Industrial buildings refurbishment via adaptive reuse.
During the british era many warehouses and industries were constructed across the nation. These warehouses are either abandoned or degraded due to haphazard usage. These built structures can be reused and rehabilitated.
14. Revival of abandoned building via adaptive reuse.
Some of the old, damaged, abandoned buildings or some that don’t serve the purpose. These buildings can be revived by introducing functions that are in need and relevant in changing the urban environment of the surrounding.
15. Can communities be rehabilitated with the help of adaptive reuse?
Many communities have been rejuvenated by the government led programmes. These programmes mainly focus on upliftment of these communities by proposing art and cultural spaces within the community.
16. Religious Heritage implementing adaptive reuse.
Most of the communities reside near a religious institute. After years due to certain circumstances, either these institutes are abandoned or turned into ruins.
17. Can tourism interlinked with adaptive reuse?
Restoration of the heritage sites like palaces, religious institutes later converted into museums. These museums have become an important tourist spot giving rise to the tourism industry.
18. Use of surroundings of historic buildings in adaptive reuse.
Context is extremely important. As architects, the intervention within the site should be such that it brings life to the surroundings leading them towards rejuvenation and upliftment.
19. Adaptive reuse for rejuvenation of traditional vernacular architecture.
Cities with great historical significance which have been dying and losing its significance. These cities have been following traditional techniques and a revival of these technologies and buildings are important.
20. Can revitalization of small towns support adaptive reuse?
Small towns and villages have cultural significance associated with a historic significance. This significance is associated with conservation and protection of these heritage sites.
