Older buildings may not always have the greatest sustainability credentials: Leaky building envelopes and inefficient lighting and heating systems are extremely common. But in the quest to meet our climate goals, existing structures do have one positive sustainability feature going for them: The fact that they’re already built. All the emissions released in construction, the fossil fuels burned to create raw construction materials and move them to the site, the carbon released in making concrete, trees felled for timber, it’s all embodied in these structures.
Of course, it’s not only sustainability that is driving the uptick in adaptive reuse projects. In fact, there as many reasons to adapt an existing building as there are to build a new one. Whether it’s landmark, sustainability, or even aesthetic considerations that lead to adaptive reuse, more and more architects and real estate decision-makers are opting to rehabilitate existing buildings to meet the needs of the 21st century.
Modern additions to landmark buildings like New York’s Tammany Hall, show a sensitivity to local context, while underutilized buildings that find new purposes, like a big-box store in Chicago that has been transformed into healthcare clinic, can be a cost-effective way to create badly-needed facilities. Of course, adaptive reuse can also be an effective tool to convert a building from one use type to another as urban land-use priorities change. Say from industrial factories to technology workspaces, biotech labs, or even an art museum.
As real estate needs change, and our expectations for the built environment evolve, adaptive reuse will continue to be a key tool to create the cities of the future without destroying the structures of the past. At Metropolis, we’ve been watching this renaissance in adaptive reuse closely. These are some of the best projects we saw this year that use adaptive reuse for preservation, sustainability, and the diversity of the urban fabric.
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The building’s midcentury architecture was historically significant, so architecture firm Dreyfuss + Blackford’s upgrades had to be thoughtful and subtle.
The building’s midcentury architecture was historically significant, so architecture firm Dreyfuss + Blackford’s upgrades had to be thoughtful and subtle.
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With clever spatial arrangements and distinctive materials, HDR transformed a Sports Authority in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood into an outpatient clinic.
With clever spatial arrangements and distinctive materials, HDR transformed a Sports Authority in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood into an outpatient clinic.
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The Boston firm uses glazing between the iconic finger-like towers to add contemporary style as well as critical space for students.
The Boston firm uses glazing between the iconic finger-like towers to add contemporary style as well as critical space for students.
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Crystal Bridges’ new contemporary art space, courtesy of Chicago firm Wheeler Kearns, is the latest example of Northwest Arkansas’ cultural renaissance.
Crystal Bridges’ new contemporary art space, courtesy of Chicago firm Wheeler Kearns, is the latest example of Northwest Arkansas’ cultural renaissance.
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Diamond Schmitt Architects designed a contemporary update for the storied Holy Blossom Temple.
Diamond Schmitt Architects designed a contemporary update for the storied Holy Blossom Temple.
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The renovation, located near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, elevates the building's rugged historical charm while making it suitable for a 21st-century workforce.
The renovation, located near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, elevates the building's rugged historical charm while making it suitable for a 21st-century workforce.
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The firm has earned a special reputation for a community- and amenities-forward approach to the workplace, breathing new life into buildings across the United States.
The firm has earned a special reputation for a community- and amenities-forward approach to the workplace, breathing new life into buildings across the United States.
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Christoff:Finio Architecture's update of the landmark building added a student center that is more in line with a new era of learning.
Christoff:Finio Architecture's update of the landmark building added a student center that is more in line with a new era of learning.
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DLR Group and contractor Howard S. Wright bring sweeping changes to the Postmodern landmark.
DLR Group and contractor Howard S. Wright bring sweeping changes to the Postmodern landmark.
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London-based firm Adams & Sutherland has recently transformed a row of underutilized garages into the fashion hub Poplar Works.
London-based firm Adams & Sutherland has recently transformed a row of underutilized garages into the fashion hub Poplar Works.
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Architects used machinery leftover from the building's past to distinguish its renovated interiors.
Architects used machinery leftover from the building's past to distinguish its renovated interiors.
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Two projects in the Mexican capital show how adaptive reuse can itself adapt to social, economic, and spatial circumstances.
Two projects in the Mexican capital show how adaptive reuse can itself adapt to social, economic, and spatial circumstances.
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An adaptive reuse project 27 years in the making, the SOM-designed extension is a striking contrast to Penn Station, setting the tone for future transit updates.
An adaptive reuse project 27 years in the making, the SOM-designed extension is a striking contrast to Penn Station, setting the tone for future transit updates.
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The Manhattan-based architecture firm inserted a glass dome in the likeness of a tortoise on top of the Union Square building.
The Manhattan-based architecture firm inserted a glass dome in the likeness of a tortoise on top of the Union Square building.
You may also enjoy “Year in Review: 9 Sustainable Standouts”
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