Tag: Adaptive reuse

  • Adaptive Reuse Architecture: Breathing New Life in Structures

    Adaptive Reuse Architecture: Breathing New Life in Structures

    Numerous metropolises and sticks are home to old, abandoned structures — from storages to lighthouses. A rising armature approach called “adaptive exercise” offers a way to breathe new life into empty major structures. 

    It’s frequently hard to imagine that a structure can be used for anything other than what it was intended, yet when they’re left abandoned, having outlasted their original purpose, many dilapidated structures cry out to be converted rather than fall foul to the obliteration ball. 

    Adaptive Reuse  Architecture
    Photo by BigRentz

    Adaptive Reuse Architecture 

    Adaptive Reuse (also called structure reuse), in architecture, refers to the repurposing of a living structure for new use. For illustration, converting an old church into an eatery, an old train station into an office space, or an old windmill into a home. 

    In architecture, adaptive reuse breathes new life into major structures by converting them into commodities useful for the girding, like low-income casing, pupil casing, community centers, or mixed-use creative venues. Marketable real estate inventors most generally handle adaptive reuse systems because they have the financial means and construction moxie needed to patch these structures successfully. 

    Significance of Adaptive Reuse Architecture

    Adaptive reuse architecture maintains artistic heritage

    In communities with major heritage architecture, adaptive reuse is a form of major preservation. It restores culturally significant spots that would else be left to decay or demolished to make room for new structures or parking lots. 

    Slows civic sprawl 

    When builders search for new construction spots, they must frequently choose land farther outside of a megacity center since the land within a megacity is generally claimed by old structures or more precious real estate. This energy the process of “civic sprawl,” a term for the unrestricted expansion of civic areas, contributing to air pollution and other environmental impacts, dangerous business patterns, advanced structure costs, and social insulation. Adaptive reuse offers a counter to civic sprawl. 

    Creates a new community lamp

    In architecture, adaptive reuse is functional and frequently incredibly beautiful. For illustration, the Tate Modern art gallery in London is housed in a structure formerly known as the Bankside Power Station, a decommissioned electricity factory. Taking an adaptive approach allowed builders to produce a unique and beautiful art gallery that’s now a new artistic lamp in the megacity. 

    Advantages of Adaptive Reuse 

    Lower construction costs

    When compared to traditional structure systems, adaptive reuse has several significant financial advantages and cost savings. On the whole, adaptive exercise uses further labor than it does structure materials, and while material costs have soared in the last many decades, labor costs have increased only slightly. It also forgoes all obliteration charges, which are frequently precious and a significant portion of a construction budget. Original duty impulses and civil major duty credits for the adaptive exercise of structures ease budget enterprises for builders repurposing major structures. 

    Faster Construction

    Erecting a new structure generally takes significantly longer than rehabbing a being structure. Numerous spaces in an old structure may be inhabitable after only minimum refurbishment, so indeed, if the design is still ongoing, possessors can open a corridor of the structure for the business. 

    Popular with the community

    Creative adaptive reuse systems are an incredibly popular option within communities because people enjoy the literal preservation of significant structures in their neighborhoods and new unique landmarks. However, reusing an aged structure can be a crucial factor in driving client interest to your establishment, whether it’s a cafe If you’re a marketable builder. 

    Issues that might arise with Adaptive Reuse 

     Structure canons are the biggest chain when converting an old structure to a new use. Safety and availability are the two biggest enterprises with old structures. Redesigning the structure is occasionally needed to ensure all preventives are taken for the new use. Moment, erecting accouterments are better than what was used in the history as well. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC generally need to be eviscerated and replaced entirely. In some cases, icing the exercise is both safe and functional are precious to replace and upgrade. As with all construction, a strong analysis of the specific position should be strictly reviewed. 

    6 Examples of Adaptive Exercise 

    Whether due to conservation issues, the limited vacuity of space for new gambles or because public juggernauts are successful in saving cherished milestones, adaptive reuse systems are on the increase. Old structures breathe new life, albeit in an altered state, offering a chance to embrace one designs while looking to the future. These six excellent examples of adaptive reuse from around the globe will definitely inspire some. 

    Soro Village Pub, Goa 

    Soro- The Village Pub in Goa, India by Raya Shankhwalker
    Photo by AecCafe

    The Soro Village Pub is a bar in Goa that was formerly an artificial storehouse erected in the 1940s. The original structure of the storehouse has been saved as much as possible by Raya Shankar Engineers, who shouldered this design. In addition to this, a hipsterism and pop storehouse look has been given to the bar. This has been done by painting colorful graffiti on the interior walls and leaving all the electrical wiring exposed to cleave to the artificial theme of the bar.

    Alembic Industrial Heritage development, Vadodara 

    Alembic Industrial Heritage and Re-Development in Gujarat, India
    Photo by AecCafe

    The oldest Alembic Industrial structure in Vadodara, now nearly 113 times old was repaired in 2018 by Karan Grover and Associates. Firstly, developed to manufacture penicillin, this corner is now a gallery with spaces devoted to art workrooms, exhibitions, and displays. While several differences have been done to this artificial structure, the utmost care has been taken to save its true spirit. The original materials, physical quality of spaces, and the concentrated trusses in the roof weren’t altered significantly to keep complete the conventional physical appearance of the artificial structure. 

    Haveli Dharampura, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 

    Lakhori - Haveli Dharampura, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi | Zomato
    Photo by Zomato

    Located in the vibrant Shahjanabad area of Old Delhi, Haveli Dharampura was erected in the 1887 Bulletin in the Late Mughal style of Architecture. It was designed in a mixed-habituated pattern, with the ground bottom for marketable purposes and the first bottom for places. The alternate bottom was latterly developed in the 20th Century and has influences from the European style of Architecture.

    During its addition by Mr. Vijay Goel and Siddhant Goel in 2011, the original rustic doors, windows, marble jali work, and classes were restored. The moment this Haveli is an exquisite Mughal Restaurant, that in its pleasurable setting gives sapience into the traditional Mughal culture. The eatery also consists of a rooftop that offers astral views of the Chandni Chowk and hosts several classical music and cotillion performances. 

    Café Restaurant Amsterdam

    amsterdam cafe
    Photo by Time Out

    Housed in a former water-processing factory, Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam is one of the megacity’s snappy beaneries. Dating back to the late 1800s, the structure is left substantially complete, with the main pumps proudly on display in the main part of the eatery. The large space is lit with huge floodlights in the gloamings, reclaimed from the former Ajax and Olympic football colosseums in the megacity. The interior may look crude to some, but to others it offers a unique dining experience, and will always give a talking point when there’s a pause in the discussion. 

    Sewage Silos, Netherlands 

    Siloo O-NL Architects « Inhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture,  Green Building
    Photo by Inhabitat

    Beforehand in 2009, Amsterdam megacity planning ran a competition for an adaptive exercise design concerning a former sewage treatment factory in the Zeeburg quarter of the megacity. The winning design was an offer for a multifunctional artistic center, which would house exhibition spaces, a media center, a movie theatre, and a theatre hall, culminated by a rooftop eatery in one silo and an open rooftop playground in the other. 

    The winning plan was inspired by Holland’s most popular children’s book author, the late Annie MG Schmidt, hence the prankishness of the design. Arons en Gelauff, engineers involved in the design, said the main end was to “breathe new life into the silos, transubstantiating them into an inspiring and lively place, which will help shape the character of the new Zeeburgereiland casing quarter.” The Annie MG Schmidt House is marked for completion in 2011. 

    Battersea Power Station 

    Battersea Power Station | WilkinsonEyre
    Photo by Wilkinson Eyre

    Fluently one of the most recognized milestones on the banks of the River Thames in London, Battersea Power Station has been lying abandoned for decades. As the old power station is just around the bend of the swash – the Tate Modern–there have been calls to pull down the dilapidated structure, for a number of reasons.

    Some said that due to its size it would be too precious to redevelop, others claimed that the rudiments had given it such a bettering over the times that it had come fairly unsound. Now, after multitudinous failed attempts to revive the structure and immediate area, plans for one of the biggest redevelopments on the south bank of London is yet to see are proceeding, and they clearly look emotional. 

     Proposed by Dublin- grounded Treasury Effects, the new design will see a substantially artificial area of London go green, which is what the potential economic Nine Elms area around Battersea has been crying out for. The new £5.5 billion scheme includes plans for homes erected alongside services, shops, and cafes on the 40-acre point.

    The notorious chimneys are to be restored to their former glory and the corner structure will house a conference center, among other effects. The new plans will also offer continued views of the Palace of Westminster on the contrary banks, one of the reservations of the new development, and the reason Treasury Effects before plans, which included a huge eco-dome’, were rebuked. 

  • Adaptive Reuse: Adding Life to the Abandoned Heritage Structures

    Adaptive Reuse: Adding Life to the Abandoned Heritage Structures

    Have you ever wondered what happens to the historic structures which are not famous enough or are not important tourist destinations? Why do they exist? What makes them important?

    When you take a walk around any urban or suburban area where there is often a lack of space you will also find numerous historic buildings lying vacant or poorly used. These buildings mainly exist because of their ‘Heritage‘ status. You will also find that the cost of maintenance for such structures is too high so a lot of times they are neglected or abandoned. The government too does not seem to be taking adequate measures.

    These sites are a very important part of any city or town. These structures act as an important community asset. Many a time they also play an important role in the economy and culture of an area. At times they are misused too.

    How can we as architects ensure that these structures get the importance they deserve?

    One of the solutions to this is ‘Adaptive Reuse’.

    What is Adaptive Reuse?

    Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings refers to repurposing or reusing an existing structure for a completely different purpose than what it was intended for. Reusing allows the building to be used for a longer period. The term is more common to repurposing historic buildings although all kinds of buildings can be recycled. This can save hundreds of buildings from getting demolished only to rebuild again.

    Our ancestors had been undertaking adaptive reuse projects on a large scale in the past when building materials were limited and transportation and construction were an expensive affair. But as industrialization took over it became much easier to procure goods at a cheaper price and could be easily transported with the help of elaborate road networks. This resulted in mass construction and unsustainable practices in the building industry.

    Although adaptive reuse is often related to historic buildings, it can be used to add life to any underutilized, abandoned, or vacant buildings which have not completed their lifespan.

    According to Yung and Chan, “adaptive reuse is a new kind of maintainable rebirth of the city, as it covers the building’s lifetime and evades destruction waste, encourages recycles of the embodied dynamism and also delivers substantial social and economic profits to the world”.

    Adaptive reuse
    Photo by Jonas Tebbe on Unsplash

    Current Scenario  

    Adaptive reuse architecture is gaining popularity in recent times. However, lack of complete knowledge and misunderstandings is not practiced widely. Also, the need for specialized professionals and skilled workers makes it difficult to execute. Reuse projects undertaken on large scales like the High Line Park in New York are setting examples and encouraging others to take steps in the right direction. The park is built on a long rail line that was abandoned for several years.

    What Are the Advantages of Adaptive Reuse?

    The following advantages can be associated with adaptive reuse –

    • Energy Conservation

    Adaptive reuse aids energy efficiency in multiple ways. The energy required to demolish an existing building and then rebuild with fresh materials increases the carbon footprint of the building. Also, debris generates from the old structures goes into landfills and is rendered useless. Apart from these, the older buildings are built in response to the climate hence reducing the need for mechanical systems to sustain it. 

    • Enhances character

    Repurposed buildings can act as a great element to enhance the authentic character of a place or town. These buildings will not just serve their aesthetic purpose but will also stand strong to cater the modern man’s requirements.

    • Preserves local identity

    The buildings are the identity of a place. The character, style, and scale of the structures talk about the local culture, history, and charm of the place. Adaptive reuse can help in preserving this identity while accommodating modern requirements.

    • Cost Saving

    With the reduction in material and labor required to complete the project, the building can be made economically viable. The cost of demolition is also saved and the time required to complete the structure is drastically reduced.

    • Saves time

    A repurposed building takes much less time to become suitable for accommodation than a completely new building. Also, the time required to demolish the existing structure is saved which in turn saves the cost of the project. This also means that profits can be gained in a shorter time.

    • Aid from government

    Many government organizations offer incentives to execute and promotes such kind of projects.

    • Promotes Innovation

    To reuse a building and make it viable for today can be quite challenging. This will create opportunities for architects and designers to come up with innovative solutions.

    Factors Affecting Adaptive Reuse

    Before attempting an adaptive reuse project, the structure undergoes detailed documentation and analysis to understand if it is suitable for such a kind of project.

    Economic

    Economic considerations have a direct impact on the project in terms of quality, use of material, skilled labor, and many more. Factors such as development costs, project costs, returns, and the market affect the economics of a project. These should be addressed when looking for funds.

    Social

    Buildings are an important part of the social fabric of any region. The community’s life depends on and around them. Abandoned or dilapidated buildings create a sense of dislocation and lack of sense of belongingness resulting in obsolete neighborhoods. It is observed that people like buildings which are repurposed as their historic importance is valued and at the same time put to wise use.

    Environmental

    Adaptive reuse has several benefits considering the environment. Building materials have high embodied energy which is not environmentally friendly. Moreover, the process of construction creates high levels of sound and air pollution causing damage to the environment. By reusing buildings we can contribute to a healthier environment to some extent.

    Building codes and regulations

    Building codes can be challenging to deal with in some places. While redesigning following all the necessary regulations can increase the cost to upgrade. Decisions should be made after analyzing all the factors critically.

    How Does Adaptive Reuse Work?

    Adaptive reuse projects are different from conventional projects and every project has to be handled differently. Below are some general steps to be followed

    Assess the Buildings

    Knowing the current condition of the building is a very important step before we look into designing. An in-depth condition assessment will examine the structural strength of all the components in the building and the services and fixtures in it. Assessment can be expensive but it should not be skipped to avoid major damages to the structure and human life in the future.  

    Survey the Neighbourhood

    After ensuring the safety and stability of a building it is important to understand its surroundings. Studying the neighborhood can help in understanding the use of the building so that it is efficiently used by the people. The survey can be physical inspection or just by understanding the zoning plan or development plan of the region. This will also help in developing road networks and public infrastructure required for the adaptive reuse project.

    Determine the Budget

    A major advantage of adaptive reuse projects is that they can be executed at a lower budget. A part of the project can be made available to users and revenue can be generated even before the completion of the entire structure. Although the project involves lower costs, analysis, surveys, and hiring professionals can be expensive.

    Study the Structure Thoroughly

    Studying and understanding the structure in detail is a very important step that helps in formulating the design. The structural survey will help in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the building. But, beyond that, every member should be understood in detail right from foundations, floorings, walls, plaster, roofs, and every other relevant element.

    A detailed understanding of the light and ventilation systems in the existing building should also be accounted for. This will benefit in planning the mechanical and electronic equipment’s in the new design.

    Apart from technical considerations the building’s style and the era of design should be studied to complement the new use and design.

    Hire the Right Team

    Adaptive reuse will require professionals to execute the project carefully. If you are dealing with a historic building, a preservation expert can help in determining if the changes planned are causing harm to the integrity of the project.

    Create Plans

    It’s now time to create plans and work on designing the building. You can decide if you want to reuse or rebuild elements in the building. Once the design is in place you are good to get it executed. It is essential to take special care when dealing with sensitive materials or any hazards which will damage the building.

    Types of Intervention

    Various kinds of interventions are possible based on the condition and purpose of the building. Listed below are some common interventions for adaptive reuse architecture –

    Historic Preservation

    As the name suggests historic preservation retains the original form and structure of the building. The new design will take utmost care to protect the existing structure.

    Example – Haveli Dharampura, Delhi, India

    The Haveli converted into a restaurant is a successful example of how heritage conservation can accommodate modern needs. The structure depicts the Mughal style of Architecture in India.

    Haveli Dharampura, Delhi, India
    Haveli Dharampura, Delhi, India

    Renovation

    This method of adaptive reuse involves refurbishing the existing structure which is in a bad shape. In many cases, the look and style of the building are preserved and the elements are replaced.

    Example – The Chapel on the Hill, United Kingdom

    The chapel which was heavily damaged by the wind and rain was refurbished into a beautiful vacation house.

    The Chapel on the Hill, United Kingdom
    The Chapel on the Hill, United Kingdom

    Facades

    One or more facades of the building can be retrieved and the remaining structure can undergo major changes. In this way, the look and form of the building can be preserved while the other parts can be planned to fit the new design.

    Example – Ismail Building (Zara Store), Mumbai, India

    This building was redesigned by restoring the external walls and a complete makeover in the interiors.

    Ismail Building (Zara Store), Mumbai, India
    Photo by Deepak Raj on Unsplash

    Integration

    Constructing around the existing structure to integrate with the historic structure. This method of adaptive reuse architecture juxtapositions the modern and old structure creating a piece of artwork.

    Example – The Port House, Belgium

    The port structure has a modern building above an old historic building which is conserved carefully and the new building accommodates the new requirement.

    Infrastructure Reuse

    Infrastructure reuse involves using the existing infrastructure for different use in the best possible form.

    Example – Concrete Plant Park, New York

    The plant contains all machinery and landscapes and the park is planned around it.

    Concrete Plant Park, New York

    Challenges for Adaptive Reuse

    Physical Restrictions

    The existing floor layout, arrangement of columns, and other structural members may not be ideal for the new use of the space. Compromisations are inevitable to fit the requirement in the given structure. Nevertheless, it can be an opportunity to use the space creatively and add value to it.

    Economic Considerations

    As discussed earlier, the direct and indirect costs of the project have to be anticipated.

    Social Considerations

    If the place is of heritage importance, intangible and non-economic perspectives have to be thought of as it will have a direct impact on the lives of people who are attached to it.

    Legal Considerations

    Complying with the current building codes and regulations while taking care of conservation and planning requirements could be a difficult task.

    Limitations in using materials

    Using conventional materials for such kinds of a project may not be ideal. But, finding appropriate materials and procuring them can be difficult. Also, it is not easy to find local workers skilled in conservation work.

    Complexity and technical difficulties

    There are chances of encountering technical difficulties in such projects and resolving them can be complex. Effective refurbishment techniques, technical installations and innovative solutions can are required.

    Maintenance Issues

    Due to physical deterioration and defects in the building caused by aging, maintaining the structure may incur high costs.

    Lack of awareness

    Lack of awareness about adaptive reuse results in misconceptions, which leads to demolishing buildings instead of repurposing them.

    Commercial risk and uncertainty

    There are assertions that adaptive reuse projects lead to uncertainty in terms of profit.

    Inaccuracy of Information

    Lack of inaccurate information or defects can sometimes cause huge losses.

    Creative Value

    The creative appearance and design of the building can limit the development of a new design.

    Conclusion

    India is a country with a rich heritage. It has multiple historic buildings lying vacant and unattended. To preserve the history and at the same use the buildings efficiently they can be reused.  Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings if executed thoughtfully and effectively will help in creating a sustainable and healthy neighborhood. It can have a positive impact on Architecture in India.