Adaptive reuse of industrial heritage through placemaking

Abstract

Today within the realm of architecture, importance is incessantly being derived from its modernity. Structures that employ innovative technology and reach never seen heights are constantly making headlines for their innovation. But what about the impressive designs from the past? Are they to be forgotten? The value of architecture does not solely lie within its mechanics. In the modern era, buildings of unsustainable character have led to many urban related problems. Sustainable measures are thus getting increasingly popular nowadays. Every urban area contains opportunities to go sustainable through adaptive reuse, historical preservation, and rehab projects. In the Construction industry, as time flies by each structure being put up the space to build more buildings reduces. Adaptive reuse architecture refers to the repurposing of the existing structure, giving it a new purpose. Every city/country is home to several abandoned structures that have fulfilled their purpose, reuse a process where these structures are repurposed. Adaptive reuse is the future of architecture which gives life to an existing abandoned structure without taking up more space. In the pursuit of sustainable development, communities have much to gain from adaptively reusing historic buildings. Bypassing the wasteful process of demolition and reconstruction alone sells the environmental benefits of adaptive reuse. Environmental benefits, combined with energy savings and the social advantage of recycling a valued heritage place make adaptive reuse of historic buildings an essential component of sustainable development. Adaptive reuse of old or abandoned buildings brings environmental and cultural benefits to structures which are not fulfilling their original function. Benefits of Adaptive reuse can be particularly seen when applied to de-industrialized buildings , as it allows noteworthy features of the old building to remain , while at the same time allowing the building to undergo modifications and new insertions that allow the building to function in the current scenario. Adaptive reuse also has benefits like addition of heritage character to the project , and economic and sustainable factors of choosing to reuse old buildings rather than building a completely new one