Promoting adaptive reuse in commercial architecture: A crucial step towards global sustainability
For the two Delhi Art Gallery (DAG) galleries—DAG 01 and DAG 02, at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Mumbai, Morphogenesis treated both as an adaptive reuse project.
When we talk about bringing sustainability in architecture, the objective is not just to create new green buildings but rather, also incorporate the existing built into our urbanscape. There must be equal discourse surrounding imbibing economic as well as spatial sustainability in our designs. Not every company or commercial establishment might have the means to build from scratch – in major global cities, for example, land availability has become extremely scarce. This is where the concept of adaptive reuse can support architectural development.
What is adaptive reuse architecture?
Adaptive reuse is the concept of creating something new and usable from something that is old, unused, or redundant. In an architectural sense, it means adapting an existing structure through repairs and renovations for contemporary use cases. Under ideal circumstances, adaptive reuse architecture also helps minimise the environmental and financial impact for cost conscious projects.
The Taj Yellow House by Morphogenesis, a contemporary example of adaptive reuse; Photo courtesy: Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)
Types of adaptive reuse in architecture
The applications of adaptive reuse in architecture are as diverse as the type of buildings being repurposed or revitalised.
Historical preservation:
Commercial landmarks are a common sight in every city and town. These buildings can be revitalised for modern-day use by adding newer technology, removing previously unknown harmful materials from the structure, and introducing greener energy systems.
Repurposing:
It involves changing the use case of an existing structure by transforming its interiors and exteriors through renovations and upgrades. Architectural repurposing is quite common, as can be seen in cases of heritage buildings that have become hotels and resorts.
Integration:
Instead of repurposing, this concept of adaptive reuse focuses on preserving an original structure by integrating it within a larger surrounding project.
Facadectomy:
An architectural term defining the process where the original facade of a building is retained while demolishing the interior or back structure for new construction.
Infrastructural reuse:
Unused or redundant infrastructure can also be modified through architectural foresight to create contemporary micro and built environments.
For the two Delhi Art Gallery (DAG) galleries—DAG 01 and DAG 02, at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Mumbai, Morphogenesis treated both as an adaptive reuse project.
Constraints to adaptive reuse architecture
Remodelling an existing structure requires more thought than creating something from scratch. While layout-related problems can be overcome with creative thought, some structural problems, such as use of older and potentially harmful materials like lead paint or asbestos may need careful planning. Furthermore, if the building is too old or poorly maintained, inspection of structural integrity is also warranted.
Secondly, upgrading the building to modern construction and work environment standards also requires costly upgrades. In some cases, this may be too prohibitive to make business or financial sense. Particularly in the case of historic buildings, there are a litany of rules and regulations which can cause incalculable delays.
Lastly, adaptive reuse may not always provide the ideal solution for a requirement. Since we are re-adapting an old structure, it takes away the flexibility from architects and planners in terms of what can and cannot be done, stymying new ideas.
Yet, despite its limiting factors, adaptive reuse architecture is coming to be a necessary tool to achieve the ideals of global sustainability.
Adaptive reuse in commercial building design
The concept of adaptive reuse is as old as civilization itself. Humankind has been repurposing old things since forever and not without benefit.
Delhi Art Gallery (DAG) galleries at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Mumbai, Morphogenesis treated both as an adaptive reuse project.
An obvious advantage of reusing or repurposing an existing structure, is reducing construction costs, which can be a lot depending on the location and requirements of a project.
Demolition cost savings:
Demolition cost is a part of the overall construction cost. That’s another handful save when one chooses adaptive reuse.
Labour and material savings:
Adaptive reuse may reduce the labour effort and material requirements of a project.
Speedier execution:
A project’s ‘start to finish’ times are drastically reduced as a bulk of work is already in place.
Energy savings:
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), a building can take up to 65 years to recover the energy lost during its construction. That is a humongous financial and environmental cost that can be reduced by choosing adaptive reuse for a commercial building design.
Acquisition cost benefit:
Many older dilapidated structures often take up prime real estate. But owing to demolition cost considerations, these spaces are often looked over. With adaptive reuse, these can be acquired at bargain prices.
Environmental benefits:
Reusing old buildings results in reduced impact on surrounding communities in terms of pollution and environmental impact. This is also an added advantage in building sustainable credentials.
Community sentiments:
Buildings are not just brick, mortar, and concrete. People who live and work in the neighbourhood often feel a connection to these structures. That’s the reason why adaptive reuse projects are often highly popular in the community and generate a positive brand image for you.
Case on point, these benefits alone are persuasive enough to consider the use of adaptive reuse architecture, and then there’s the matter of millions of commercial buildings that are not yet sustainable in nature.
How to implement adaptive reuse?
If you are looking for a way to start, here are some tips on how you can initiate an adaptive reuse project for your commercial or residential requirements.
For the two Delhi Art Gallery (DAG) galleries—DAG 01 and DAG 02, at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Mumbai, repurposing and adaptive reuse played critical role.
Hire a professional architect firm to assess the building:
It is crucial to understand whether the project is worthwhile or not. A professional assessment can identify hidden costs and yet unseen pitfalls before you invest your capital. It may include but is not limited to structural integrity, space adequacy, availability of materials, environmental impact, and compatibility with local zoning laws. A professional assessment will also give you a fair idea of the outlay cost of the project.
Adaptive reuse planning:
The next step is to create a restoration plan, which typically requires assistance of an architect or an architecture firm specialising in adaptive reuse. The best architects can ensure that every element that can be reused is reused, and the final design remains in harmony with the original or historic materials.
Project start:
Finally, it’s time to start the construction under the careful supervision of the project manager. Hiring the right team will ensure a keener and more desirable output.
The quest for implementing sustainable practices at the root level for a better livelihood for people, communities, and the planet, warrants a transformative change. Moreover, it also helps businesses by upgrading older setups and fulfilling contemporary requirements by the occupants. Adaptive reuse architecture, in tandem with biophilic architecture, provides the way forward for architects and policy planners in creating solutions for the ever-changing global economies.
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