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.
D. Research questions
I. INTRODUCTION 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’.
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.
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.
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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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.
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
4) Adaptive reuse as an approach for preservation i. Typological approach Adaptive reuse usually refers to the reuse of sites or ‘A new use for old buildings’ by Cantacuzino was the first buildings for purpose other than they were originally built or publication on adaptive reuse. It gives a variety of examples designed for. These new uses can offer economic, social, from all over the world; these examples are presented cultural and innovative benefits to their environments [1]. according to building type before adaptation. Adaptive reuse deals with issues of sustainability, ii. Technical approach conservation and preservation of built form as well as Several sources have considered building adaptation as strategies and policies. Once old structures become unsuitable mainly a technical matter and also, regarding how to decide for their functional and programmatic requirements or has on a new function for adapted buildings. ‘The rehabilitation remained unused, adaptive reuse becomes a sustainable option and re-use of old buildings’ by Highfield (1987) is a booklet for reclamation of sites and therefore, the potential value of in which the author explains the benefits of rehabilitation, the property will be maximized by adapting the space. differentiates domestic and nondomestic buildings and Adaptive reuse is defined as a revitalization strategy which discusses the upgrading of various services. employs a series of linked procedures to plan for, inventory, Also, a main portion of the work of Douglas is about acquire, manage and reuse surplus or abandoned real estate [2]. technical characteristics of reuse. 1) Principles Of Adaptive Reuse iii. Strategic approach The strategic approach concentrates on the processes and i. To perform the functions well for which they are strategies used for adapting important structuresredesigned. Building within; Building over; Building around; Building ii. To be long lasting and adaptable to new uses. alongside; Recycling materials; Adapting to a new function; iii. To respond well to their surroundings and enhance Building in the style of. their context. iv. To have a visual coherence and create ‘delight’ for B. Interior Spaces users and passers-by. v. To be sustainable – non-polluting, energy efficient, 1) Space easily accessible and have a minimal environmental Space is a prime and ideal element in interior design. It impact. [3] inherits the physical and aesthetic characteristics of the elements in its field. 2) Advantages of adaptive reuse Universal space has no defining borders. Once an element The ability to reuse the materials is mainly due to the fact is placed in its field, a visual relationship is established. Space that older buildings are often constructed with materials of a is formed by our perception of these relationships. higher grade, strength and quality that therefore have a longer The geometric elements point, line, plane, and volume can lifespan than those used in current construction. be arranged to articulate and define space. In architecture, The social benefits of reuse projects include rejuvenating these fundamental elements become linear columns and the historical and cultural values of a building. beams, planar walls, floors, and roofs. [5] 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 It is an interdisciplinary practice that is concerned with the 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] identity and atmosphere through the manipulation of spatial volume, placement of specific elements and furniture, and 3) Criteria for Adaptive Reuse treatment of surfaces. The societal value of a given site and building; that is, the The reuse of existing buildings is a subject that is central to importance to the community of the use of a site by its the evolution of the urban environment and issues of members or visitors. conservation and sustainability have become vital to the The potential for the reuse of a particular site and building; development of cities. the physical damage sustained to the site and its support of As the approach to the design and the use of the urban future use, the character of the existing form in terms of the environment has changed, so the prevailing attitude towards proposed reuse. building reuse has also altered.
A. Adaptive Reuse
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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. ii. iii. iv.
nature than the second. And Secondly, it involves nonstructural 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]
Function and purpose Utility, Economy and Sustainability Form and style 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:
III. CASE STUDIES
A. Primary Case Study: The following case study is a residential house converted into a confectionery outlet.
Linear Structural Systems 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.
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
Original Plan of Residential House
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Location: 8-10 Perkins Street, Newcastle, Europe Architect: James Henderson Significance: Building of State importance. It represents an age of silent pictures, vaudeville and early legitimate theatre. Built in 1891. The theatre represents an 1891 facade, an auditorium that is both 1891 and 1921, with extensive backstage facilities.
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3 2 1 Current Plan of Confectionery Outlet with furniture layout
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The cooking place with firewood is now converted 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 creating a set of stairs instead of the previous ramp 3. To the rear side of the building, the bathroom was converted into staff quarters and an additional toilet was constructed adjacent to it. 4. The loft was transformed into a false ceiling due to excessive height. 5. The workspace slap was re-constructed to a height of 1 metre as the previous one was too low to work with. 6. The window was enlarged in order to let in maximum light and ventilation. Parameters covered: Adaptive Reuse – the new use is successfully functioning within the building by portraying a warm welcoming traditional home bakery in Mangalore. It blends with the neighbourhood around being residential thus retaining the ‘sense of place’. Space – modification of space is done in terms of interior design wherein the furniture was modified in all rooms as per new use requirements but by blending with the style of the house. Lighting fixtures were retained as it was sufficient. Structural systems – the original system is untouched. Additions were done to meet requirements of staff.
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4 5 3 Section of4the theatre 2 3 The top is terminated by a rich balustrade parapet, 2 1
which features a central tablet with the building's name in moulded lettering. Finished in smooth and modelled stucco with some classical decorative elements. The façade forms the front to a plainly finished large auditorium. Two levels above the awning are defined by deep string courses and divided into bays by pilasters. As per the regulations the foyer needs to be enlarged, additional amenities and back of house facilities was provided. Inserting a lift to service the multi-level foyer. Excavating to increase the available area for back of house facilities and amenities.
Parameters covered: Adaptive Reuse - the new use is successfully functioning within the building utilising the same spaces for closely related functions of the previous use. It blends with the initial feel of the place being an auditorium providing entertainment to the users then and even now as a theatre. Space - modification of space is done in terms of addition of spaces based on requirements of the new use. Lighting fixtures were retained as it was sufficient. 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.
B. Secondary Case Study 1: The following case study is an auditorium converted into a theatre/cinema. [7]
Victoria Theatre
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Installation of a towering, three-storey black steel book stack in the long, high nave. 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: Adaptive Reuse - the church being a monument, needed to be kept as an open space as much as possible hence, introducing the two floors asymmetrically gave respect and emphasis to the structure. The new use blended well in the structure due to matching space requirements for both old and new uses. Space - The scale of the black steel book stack was necessary because a spread of shelves along and across the nave would have detracted from its character; and also Selexyz needed 1,200 sq. m of selling space to make the shop's finances add up. Another intervention was the lighting plan that was integrated with the furniture or the volume to avoid pollution in the interiors. Structural Systems – original structural frame was untouched; addition of the book stack to two floors above was done in order to have more horizontal free space on ground level.
C. Secondary Case Study 2: The following case study is a church converted into a bookstore. [8]
Selexyz Dominicanen
Location: Maastricht, Netherlands, Europe Architect (book installation): Merkx + Girod Area: 750 sq. m Significance: Consecrated in 1294 The building was once part of a friary knocked about over the centuries by various invading armies. It was being used by the citizens of Maastricht as an indoor bike pound. Later, turned into a warehouse. Contained stone vaults and faded remains of ceiling paintings from around 1337; and others by the artist Jan Vessens, depicting saints and sinners and episodes from the Bible, dating from 1619. 2 1 [ G r a b
D. Other Case studies: Goodman Community centre School of Arts, Newcastle Selexyz Verwijs, The Hague Hema, Tongeren Cook County Hospital
y o u r r e a d e r ’ s a t t e n t i o n w i t h a g r e a
IV. ANALYSIS OF ADAPTIVE REUSE STRATEGIES THROUGH CASE 3 1 [ G r a1 b[ G yr oa ub r y ro eu ar d er re ’a sd e ar t’ ts e na tt it
STUDY EXAMPLES
For the typological approach, it presents building types that have received major attention (e.g. industrial buildings, residential buildings and churches) as well as those which have been researched to a more limited degree (e.g. religious buildings other than churches, military buildings and commercial buildings). Also, detailed research on parameters in adaptive reuse and interior spaces have been noted in the various cases. For the technical approach, it was clear that there are many strategies to deal with specific technical issues. The available standard works on construction still have significance in relation to the adaptation of existing buildings. In the case of the strategic approach, the building surroundings were kept in mind leading to suitable reusability options that kept the ‘character, sense and spirit of place’. Also, buildings which are not protected because they lack status as monuments, the owners and developers are mainly concerned with their socio-economic value.
Ground Floor Plan of the church
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V. INFERENCES AND GUIDELINES
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.
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.
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.
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