Re-Architecture: Adaptive Reuse of Buildings with focus on Interiors

Ramola Helena Lewis

Registration no.: 100901055
Faculty of Architecture, Manipal University
Manipal, India

Abstract
Adaptation of existing buildings for new functions is not a new trend: the theoretical approach towards adaptive reuse was
established and theoretically formulated as early as at the beginning of the 19th century.
This paper will explore strategies to a conservative adaptive reuse practice for different building typologies that not only
complements but challenges and reveals the history through the unique character and the original intent of the design by
preserving the spirit of place that is more than often lost in the process of adaptation by considering the meaning of place
conveyed through its architectural expression. The adaptive reuse strategy will be formulated and tested through case study
examples.

I. INTRODUCTION D. Research questions

Old buildings give neighbourhoods their distinct character
and at the same time provide a tangible connection to the past.
And sometimes buildings often outlive their original purposes.
This results in the process of adaptive reuse of such buildings
in order to make the existing structure and surroundings active
once again.
The sustainable development and conservation of buildings
in the city provide social, economic, and environmental
benefits to a community or area. The conservation of the built
structures not only contributes to the economic and
environmental composition of a community, but also to the
social and cultural identity, which helps to create dynamic
places, and defines the ‘character, spirit and sense of a place’.
A. Problem Statement
As Modern architecture increasingly becomes part of the
continuum of architectural history and its buildings experience
threats that range from material to functional obsolescence,
also demolition due to abandonment and lack of appreciation,
concern for its preservation has grown.
Adaptive reuse is a strategy that has been used increasingly
for protecting the old buildings and sites; and while in most of
the projects where adaptive reuse practice is being applied the
‘character, spirit and sense’ of place is often missed.
Why preserve? How can an existing building be adaptively
reused in an environmentally, socially and economical manner
to achieve a viable development alternative to demolition and
replacement? What is the quantity of the defining elements
that can be altered?
E. Objectives
To investigate the relationship between new and old in the
adapted and reused buildings as applied to the surrounding
society.
To demonstrate the understanding of the original function,
formal organization of site, use of materials and sustainability
of old buildings of various typologies.
To explore the aspects of the trending techniques in 21st
century architecture.
To understand the potential of adaptive reuse as a
sustainable development option and alternative to demolition
and replacement.
F. Methodology

B. Relevance
It is a common and significant trend to create the specific
character of spaces for human use and enjoyment. As
societies continue to re-examine their stock of existing
buildings, re- architecture becomes increasingly important to
users seeking building conservation, preservation, and
adaptive re-use.

C. Aim
To research on the various parameters of re-architecture in
buildings with focus on interiors.

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G. Limitations
Availability of limited number of possible case studies that
gives a detailed explanation on the process of adaptive reuse.
The research is also limited to the focus of development of
interior spaces in adaptive reuse of buildings.
II. LITERATURE STUDY
A. Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive reuse usually refers to the reuse of sites or
buildings for purpose other than they were originally built or
designed for. These new uses can offer economic, social,
cultural and innovative benefits to their environments [1].
Adaptive reuse deals with issues of sustainability,
conservation and preservation of built form as well as
strategies and policies. Once old structures become unsuitable
for their functional and programmatic requirements or has
remained unused, adaptive reuse becomes a sustainable option
for reclamation of sites and therefore, the potential value of
the property will be maximized by adapting the space.
Adaptive reuse is defined as a revitalization strategy which
employs a series of linked procedures to plan for, inventory,
acquire, manage and reuse surplus or abandoned real estate [2].
1) Principles Of Adaptive Reuse
i. To perform the functions well for which they are
redesigned.
ii. To be long lasting and adaptable to new uses.
iii. To respond well to their surroundings and enhance
their context.
iv. To have a visual coherence and create ‘delight’ for
users and passers-by.
v. To be sustainable – non-polluting, energy efficient, 1) Space
easily accessible and have a minimal environmental
impact. [3]
2) Advantages of adaptive reuse
The ability to reuse the materials is mainly due to the fact
that older buildings are often constructed with materials of a
higher grade, strength and quality that therefore have a longer
lifespan than those used in current construction.
The social benefits of reuse projects include rejuvenating
the historical and cultural values of a building.
During the time period when the building was originally in
use, it served a specific purpose in the neighbourhood to 2) Interior Design
which people, in one way or another, were connected. Older
buildings have the ability to provide character to an area and creation of a range of interior environments that articulate
create a ‘sense of place’. [4]
3) Criteria for Adaptive Reuse
The societal value of a given site and building; that is, the
importance to the community of the use of a site by its
members or visitors.
The potential for the reuse of a particular site and building;
the physical damage sustained to the site and its support of
future use, the character of the existing form in terms of the
proposed reuse.
The historical importance of the site and building; in terms
of both the physicality of the street-scape and the area, as well
as of the role of the site in the community’s understanding of
the past.
The natural ecological conditions of the site and building;
whether it is suitable climatically or can support the proposed
environmental work.
4) Adaptive reuse as an approach for preservation
i. Typological approach
‘A new use for old buildings’ by Cantacuzino was the first
publication on adaptive reuse. It gives a variety of examples
from all over the world; these examples are presented
according to building type before adaptation.
ii. Technical approach
Several sources have considered building adaptation as
mainly a technical matter and also, regarding how to decide
on a new function for adapted buildings. ‘The rehabilitation
and re-use of old buildings’ by Highfield (1987) is a booklet
in which the author explains the benefits of rehabilitation,
differentiates domestic and nondomestic buildings and
discusses the upgrading of various services.
Also, a main portion of the work of Douglas is about
technical characteristics of reuse.
iii. Strategic approach
The strategic approach concentrates on the processes and
strategies used for adapting important structures-
Building within; Building over; Building around; Building
alongside; Recycling materials; Adapting to a new function;
Building in the style of.
B. Interior Spaces
Space is a prime and ideal element in interior design. It
inherits the physical and aesthetic characteristics of the
elements in its field.
Universal space has no defining borders. Once an element
is placed in its field, a visual relationship is established. Space
is formed by our perception of these relationships.
The geometric elements point, line, plane, and volume can
be arranged to articulate and define space. In architecture,
these fundamental elements become linear columns and
beams, planar walls, floors, and roofs. [5]
It is an interdisciplinary practice that is concerned with the
identity and atmosphere through the manipulation of spatial
volume, placement of specific elements and furniture, and
treatment of surfaces.
The reuse of existing buildings is a subject that is central to
the evolution of the urban environment and issues of
conservation and sustainability have become vital to the
development of cities.
As the approach to the design and the use of the urban
environment has changed, so the prevailing attitude towards
building reuse has also altered.
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 Interior decoration is the art of decorating interior spaces or
rooms to impart a particular character that functions well with
the existing architecture. It generally deals with minor
structural changes to the existing building. [5]
Criteria concerned:
i. Function and purpose
ii. Utility, Economy and Sustainability
iii. Form and style
iv. Image and meaning
3) Structural Systems
A building’s structural system is formed according to the
geometry of its materials and the way they react to the forces
applied to them. This structural form and geometry, in turn,
influence the dimensions, proportion, and arrangement of the
interior spaces within the building volume.
The two basic linear structural elements are the column and
the beam. [5]
Types of structural systems include:
Linear Structural Systems
Planar Structural Systems
Volumetric Structural Systems
4) Modifying Space
The architectural planning and design for an existing
building that is to be used for activities other than those for
which it was originally intended would include activity
requirements must be matched with the existing conditions.
Where there is a mismatch, there are two types of alterations
for the existing spaces: Firstly, it involves structural changes
in the boundaries of interior space and is more permanent in
3
nature than the second. And Secondly, it involves non-
structural modifications and enhancement accomplished
through interior design.
C. Age criteria for a building to be listed as an old building
Age and rarity: most buildings built before 1700 are listed,
or it has to be over 10 years old to be eligible for listing.
Architectural interest: buildings which are nationally
important for their architectural design, decoration and
craftsmanship; including its types and techniques.
Historic interest: this includes buildings which illustrate
important aspects of the nation's social, economic, cultural or
military history.
Group value, especially where buildings are part of an
important architectural or historic group or are a fine example
of planning (such as squares, terraces and model villages). [6]
III. CASE STUDIES
A. Primary Case Study:
The following case study is a residential house converted
into a confectionery outlet.
Cream Caramel
Location: Arya Samaj Road, Mallikatte, Mangalore, India
Area of plot: 53 cents
Significance:
 The house is 150 years old.
 It represented an age of stone and rich wooden
furniture and carvings.
 It contains an entrance porch, two bedrooms, living
room, kitchen, bathroom and storage spaces.
Original Plan of Residential House
 Location: 8-10 Perkins Street, Newcastle, Europe
3
Architect: James Henderson
2
Significance:
1
 Building of State importance.
1
 It represents an age of silent pictures, vaudeville and
4 early legitimate theatre.
3  Built in 1891.
2
1 2  The theatre represents an 1891 facade, an auditorium
5 that is both 1891 and 1921, with extensive backstage
1
4 facilities.
3 1 6
6
52 1
41
3 2
2 1
1
3
Current Plan of Confectionery Outlet with furniture layout
2
1. The cooking place with firewood is now converted 1
into a large room and roofed with aluminium sheet
containing heavy machinery for baking and
mixing purpose.
2. The entrance to the baking area was modified by 4 5
creating a set of stairs instead of the previous ramp 3
Section of4the theatre
3. To the rear side of the building, the bathroom was 2 3
1. The top is terminated by a rich balustrade parapet,
converted into staff quarters and an additional 1 2
which features a central tablet with the building's
toilet was constructed adjacent to it.
name in moulded lettering.
4. The loft was transformed into a false ceiling due to
2. Finished in smooth and modelled stucco with
excessive height.
some classical decorative elements. The façade
5. The workspace slap was re-constructed to a height
forms the front to a plainly finished large
of 1 metre as the previous one was too low to
auditorium.
work with.
3. Two levels above the awning are defined by deep
6. The window was enlarged in order to let in
string courses and divided into bays by pilasters.
maximum light and ventilation.
4. As per the regulations the foyer needs to be
Parameters covered:
enlarged, additional amenities and back of house
Adaptive Reuse – the new use is successfully functioning
facilities was provided.
within the building by portraying a warm welcoming
5. Inserting a lift to service the multi-level foyer.
traditional home bakery in Mangalore. It blends with the
6. Excavating to increase the available area for back
neighbourhood around being residential thus retaining the
of house facilities and amenities.
‘sense of place’.
Space – modification of space is done in terms of interior
Parameters covered:
design wherein the furniture was modified in all rooms as per
Adaptive Reuse - the new use is successfully functioning
new use requirements but by blending with the style of the
within the building utilising the same spaces for closely
house. Lighting fixtures were retained as it was sufficient.
related functions of the previous use. It blends with the initial
Structural systems – the original system is untouched.
feel of the place being an auditorium providing entertainment
Additions were done to meet requirements of staff.
to the users then and even now as a theatre.
B. Secondary Case Study 1: Space - modification of space is done in terms of addition
of spaces based on requirements of the new use. Lighting
The following case study is an auditorium converted into a
fixtures were retained as it was sufficient.
theatre/cinema. [7]
Structural Systems – insertion of vertical transportation and
excavation to create spaces in the basement did not hinder the
structural frame as it was just used as a continuation below
ground level.

Victoria Theatre

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C. Secondary Case Study 2: 1. Installation of a towering, three-storey black steel
The following case study is a church converted into a book stack in the long, high nave.
bookstore. [8] 2. Installation of cafe in the choir area. The central
feature of the cafe is a long, cruciform table lit by
a lamp suspended from the stone vaults in the
guise of a modern halo.
3. Popular books are kept on lower shelves, while
academic, esoteric and theological works are kept
closer to heaven. These are reached by stairs
within the sleek, well-made book stack, although
there is also a lift.
Parameters covered:
Selexyz Dominicanen Adaptive Reuse - the church being a monument, needed to
be kept as an open space as much as possible hence,
Location: Maastricht, Netherlands, Europe introducing the two floors asymmetrically gave respect and
Architect (book installation): Merkx + Girod emphasis to the structure. The new use blended well in the
Area: 750 sq. m structure due to matching space requirements for both old and
Significance: new uses.
 Consecrated in 1294 Space - The scale of the black steel book stack was
 The building was once part of a friary knocked about necessary because a spread of shelves along and across the
over the centuries by various invading armies. nave would have detracted from its character; and also
 It was being used by the citizens of Maastricht as an Selexyz needed 1,200 sq. m of selling space to make the
indoor bike pound. shop's finances add up. Another intervention was the lighting
 Later, turned into a warehouse. plan that was integrated with the furniture or the volume to
 Contained stone vaults and faded remains of ceiling avoid pollution in the interiors.
paintings from around 1337; and others by the artist Structural Systems – original structural frame was
Jan Vessens, depicting saints and sinners and untouched; addition of the book stack to two floors above was
episodes from the Bible, dating from 1619. done in order to have more horizontal free space on ground
2 level.
1
[
G D. Other Case studies:
r
a Goodman Community centre
b
School of Arts, Newcastle
y Selexyz Verwijs, The Hague
o
u
Hema, Tongeren
r Cook County Hospital
r
e IV. ANALYSIS OF ADAPTIVE REUSE STRATEGIES THROUGH CASE
a 3
1
STUDY EXAMPLES
d
[
e
G
For the typological approach, it presents building types that
r
’ r have received major attention (e.g. industrial buildings,
a1
s
b[
residential buildings and churches) as well as those which
a G have been researched to a more limited degree (e.g. religious
t yr
oa
buildings other than churches, military buildings and
t
e ub commercial buildings). Also, detailed research on parameters
n r
t y
in adaptive reuse and interior spaces have been noted in the
i ro various cases.
o eu
n ar For the technical approach, it was clear that there are many
d strategies to deal with specific technical issues. The available
w er
i re standard works on construction still have significance in
t ’a relation to the adaptation of existing buildings.
h sd
e In the case of the strategic approach, the building
a ar surroundings were kept in mind leading to suitable reusability
t’
g ts options that kept the ‘character, sense and spirit of place’.
r e Also, buildings which are not protected because they lack
e na
a tt status as monuments, the owners and developers are mainly
it concerned with their socio-economic value.
Ground Floor Plan of the church

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 V. INFERENCES AND GUIDELINES
Inferences:
Redevelopment beyond the envelope of many buildings is
possible without compromising the significance of the fabric
through the judicious use of setbacks and skilful design of
new contemporary facades and insertions to complement, but
not mimic heritage and historical details.
The preservation of buildings enables the streetscape to
retain its significance, character, history and scale whilst
allowing the buildings to have a new life within the
contemporary economic and social context.
The new uses that have been adapted to the buildings
illustrated in the case studies have been well thought in terms
of structural changes, interior design, suitability to society and
environment
While changing the use of the building, there is no such
percentage or maxima as to how much of the interiors can be
altered. It depends on the specific use requirements, people,
economy, and level of modification.
Guidelines:
Reuse Strategy
Typological: To understand the typology of the building of
the existing and new use. Technical: To study and analyse the
structural system of the existing structure. Strategical: The
building along with its surroundings should be taken into
context thus reusing the building while keeping in mind the
‘character, sense and spirit’ of the place.
Use and function
Choice of use and function depends on location, building
typology, environmental factors, social factors, and economic
factors. Environmental factors include site features, climatic
conditions and embodied energy of existing building. Social
factors include the needs and wants of the society and
preservation of the character, sense and spirit of the place.
Economic factors include the budget for reuse, sustainable
construction and durability.
Quality of Design
It should blend to the surroundings and the society,
innovative designs, preservation of the historical and heritage
elements should be carried out. It should also be structurally
sound and strong to be durable.
Materials and technology
Use of old and new can be merged resulting in innovative
techniques. The materials of the original structure should be
ideally maintained and used unless it is a dilapidated structure.
The new additions and preservation to be done can be a
combination of old and new techniques and materials in the
construction.
Flexibility and reversibility
The building should be able to undergo future changes and
adapt to other reusability options in case change of use needs
to be done due to society demands or economic demands.
VI. CONCLUSIONS
The research focused on interiors and preserving the spirit
of existing form and space and also it introduces additional
spaces that are necessary for modern use.
Integration of adaptive reuse and development of interior
space is very essential and critical as it depends on the new
use, users and suitability to the existing structure. The apt
combination of the two parameters results in preserving
historical identity at the same time as it is the product of
contemporary technology.
Finally this process looks at long-term feasibility for a
neighbourhood; specifically, it proposes the transformation of
uses for different building typologies.
Below listed are the possible options for change in use
based on the building typology:
Residential building conversions: Flats, Two - Three Storey
Town Houses, Office block, Educational building, Retail units,
mixed use development containing offices/shops/flats.
Religious building conversions: Monumental preservation,
Industrial use, Library, Residential, Community centre, Old
aged homes, Museum.
Industrial building conversions: Monumental preservation,
Museum, Residential, Offices, hotels, Sports centre, Art centre.
Office building conversions: Retail shops, Residential,
Sports centre, Commercial.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to thank my supervisors for their insight and
guidance, for supporting me and giving me confidence during
the undertaking of this dissertation. Their knowledge and
patience added a great deal of value to my experience.
I would also like to thank my family for their love and care
throughout the entire process of the dissertation and beyond.
Last but not the least, I would like to thank the one above
all of us, God, for answering my prayers and for giving me the
strength throughout the process of this dissertation.
REFERENCES
[1] C. o. Australia, in Adaptive Reuse: Preserving our past, building our
future, Australia, 2004.
[2] Burchell, R.W. and Listokin, in The adaptive reuse handbook: procedures
to inventory, control, manage, and reemploy surplus municipal
properties, New Brunswick, N.J, Rutgers University, Center for Urban
Policy Research., 1981.
[3] Loures, L. and Panagopoulos, in Sustainable Development and Planning
III, Southampton, UK, WIT Press, 2007.
[4] Langston, C., Wong, F.K.W., Hui, E.C.M and Shen, in Strategic
assessment of building adaptive reuse opportunities in Hong Kong.
Building and Environment, 2007.
[5] C. B. Francis D. K. Ching, in Interior Design Illustrated, New Jersey,
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2012.
[6] in Principles of Selection for Listing , 2010.
[7] T. Z. G. A. f. N. D. o. P. a. Infrastructure, “NEWCASTLE URBAN
RENEWAL,” in ADAPTIVE REUSE CASE STUDIES OF HERITAGE
BUILDINGS, Australia, 2012.
[8] J. Glancey, “Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen Maastricht,” The Guardian,
April 2008.