What does "adaptive reuse" involve?

Adaptive reuse involves converting an existing structure from one use to another. This process is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable, allowing for the repurposing of buildings that may otherwise be abandoned or underutilized. It preserves the historical and architectural value of structures while providing new functionality that aligns with current community needs.

For example, a factory may be transformed into residential lofts, or a school building could be converted into office spaces. This approach reduces waste and lessens the environmental impact associated with new construction, as it often requires less energy and resources than building new properties from the ground up. Additionally, it can contribute to revitalizing neighborhoods and maintaining cultural heritage.

In comparison, building new properties from the ground up does not exemplify adaptive reuse, nor does restoring historic buildings to their original state or creating agricultural land from urban areas. Each of those activities takes a different approach, focusing on either new construction, preservation without functional change, or agricultural development rather than the repurposing of existing structures.