Items Tagged ‘economic’
What’s Old is New Again
Synopsis:
Ms. Cimini looks at the new trend of green construction by the hospitality industry. With this growing trend is also the growing popularity of adaptive reuse as an eco-conscious way to revitalize urban centers. The hospitality industry is beginning to marry these two efforts with such brands as NYLO Hotels and Starwood Hotel’s Aloft which focus on adaptive reuse methods to develop new locations. In its efforts, the industry has discovered two main benefits: monetary and environmental. Significant tax credits are available for adaptive reuse projects. They also are able to enter dense markets where open land to build is scarce. By incorporating energy efficiency with their adaptive reuse projects, these hotels can market themselves as “eco.”
Architecture Reborn
Synopsis:
Powell chronicles the history of adaptive reuse, the reasons for and the new uses. The main reason for reuse throughout history has been economics. Previously it was done “without regard for history or ‘character’.” This shifted in the late 20th century when adaptive reuse evolved more specifically into historic preservation. Powell shows that we now have shifted into a balance between historic and economic reasons for adaptive reuse. He feels that recent adaptive reuse projects have generated “some of the most innovative and intelligent work” in the architectural field. It is not just a sentimental or historic approach but a desire to create “new form out of old fabric.” Powell posits that “the rediscovery and reuse of old buildings and areas is more significant” for the twenty-first century urban life.