Synopsis:

Using a number of key adaptive reuse projects as examples, Sonja Bijelic shows that while such projects may be difficult they also carry several business and architectural advantages. Such projects can provide financial, cultural, and marketing perks. Marrying the old buildings with new ideas has been very successful over the years. Regardless of the building’s original use, with proper planning and research a new use can be found for many vacant, unused buildings. Many buildings offer features that aren’t currently incorporated in new construction today – such as the large wide corridors found in old utility buildings that have made for spacious office and museum space. Bijelic makes an interesting point about permanence – the reuse of an old building carries the longevity of the structure over to the occupant. The new occupant may be perceived (or marketed) as a mark of stability within the community, just like the building.