Preserving, Repurposing, Renovating, Recycling
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Adaptive Reuse is the most sincere form of sustainability in architecture. Did you know that demolished buildings (construction debris) can account for as much as 40% of the waste steam in our country’s landfills? Rescuing and restoring buildings at risk of demolition not only maintains the historical character of our communities, but also helps protect the Earth.
As landfills grow in size the integrity of our clean water supply is compromised. Leaching, toxic fluids can and will find their way into our planet’s Aquaphor stores. These are the most pristine, naturally filtered underground springs in existence. It is the responsibility of everyone, including design professionals to maintain and preserve our historic buildings for so many reasons, but this is the biggest.
Additionally, when a building is demolished the remaining site is rarely planned for a higher and better use. Often it is slated for a paved parking lot. In the case that new construction is planned then the architectural infill risks being a prototype, sub-par commercial structure that discourages pedestrian-friendly, urban enrichment, and conveniently is designed around the automobile. Municipalities with good planning ordinances can and should ensure that existing buildings are maintained, to avoid these harmful effects of frivolous destruction to our urban fabric. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a nice dinner in a former church, or reside in one of the oldest banks in town? All of these ideas add to a dense urban center, community richness and a sense of neighborhood.
