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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