The discipline of architecture has made leaps and bounds of advancements. At present, architectural education is concerned not only with technology (BIM, CAD, etc.) but also with sustainability. One of the trends that has become quite popular with architects around the world is adaptive reuse. Any old building can be transformed and embellished through adaptive reuse.
What is Adaptive Reuse Architecture
As the term suggests, adaptive reuse architecture aims at repurposing an old structure. Rather than demolishing and starting anew, the trend transforms and revitalizes former buildings and breathes new life into them, enabling longevity. It may include turning an old shipping container into a shop, an industrial warehouse into a restaurant, or even converting an old windmill into a residential setup. But why have so many architects and firms jumped aboard the wagon?
Why Do We Need Adaptive Reuse Architecture?
There are several reasons for architects to take up adaptive reuse projects. Mentioned below are a few of them.
- Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings protects and preserves the history and culture of the region. Rather than leaving them to decay and crumble, architects focus on repurposing the space to make room for myriad ventures which last even longer. For example, the Haveli Dharampura in Chandni Chowk, Delhi was transformed into a restaurant cum residential building through adaptive reuse.
- Adaptive reuse checks the unrestricted expansion of urban areas. Rather than expanding to a new site and starting anew, the trend controls the formation of new urban colonies, effectively reducing pollution, infrastructure costs, and traffic congestion.
- Seldom, adaptive reuse can reshape an old building into an emblem of the city. Tate Modern, London is an art gallery which was built on the remnants of a decommissioned electricity plant, known as Bankside Power Station. Now, every art enthusiast’s journey is incomplete without visiting London’s new cultural beacon.
- Adaptive reuse architecture is an excellent way to cut costs. It saves plenty on the expensive costs of demolition and materials, which form a significant portion of the construction budget. It also helps in speeding up the renovation process. Seldom, with only minimal refurbishment, the residents may inhabit the building.
Adaptive Reuse Architecture Examples
Adaptive reuse has been present since time immemorial. While the trend began for financial and practical reasons, the resurgence is often credited with preserving cultural identity. Some of the notable adaptive reuse architecture examples include the following.
Gohar Mahal, Bhopal
The first female ruler of Bhopal, Qudisiya Begum built the Gohar Mahal in 1820. It represented the female legacy in the predominantly male Nawabi regiment. Maintained by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism, the palace underwent adaptive reuse. The previously residential space is now an exhibition and museum space. Gohar Mahal hosts several arts and crafts shows which give indigenous artists a platform to showcase their talents.
Soro Village Pub, Goa
The Soro Village Pub is housed within a former industrial complex. The adaptive reuse project was undertaken by Raya Shankar Architects who aimed at preserving the maximum. The firm developed the space to align with the hip and pop themes of the bar, with graffiti on the interior walls and exposed wiring of the industrial warehouse.
The Jaffa, Tel Aviv
The luxury hotel is another in a long list of adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. The architect, Ramy Gill, aimed to renovate the School of the Sisterhood of Saint Joseph convent and the 19th-century former French hospital. During excavation, he found a 13th-century courtyard and bastion wall which he incorporated into the opulent hotel chain. The hotel amalgamates these contrasting architectural styles with Arabic, neoclassical, and contemporary styles of architecture.
Image Courtesy – Kaarwan
