European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Adaptive Reuse

  • Circular Economy Strategies for Adaptive Reuse of Cultural Heritage Buildings to Reduce Environmental Impacts

    Circular Economy Strategies for Adaptive Reuse of Cultural Heritage Buildings to Reduce Environmental Impacts

    The “greenest” building is sometimes the one that has remained after many years. This research explores how Circular Economy strategies can breathe new life into abandoned or underutilized cultural heritage buildings, transforming them from relics of the past into facilitator for a sustainable future.

    By focusing on adaptative reuse, cities can revitalize neighborhoods and preserve their unique historical identity while drastically reducing the environmental cost of new construction.

    By applying systematic review of literature and synthesis methods, the research introduces a comprehensive circular economy framework designed to fill the knowledge and tools gap of decision-makers.

    It merges lifecycle environmental techniques with circular supply chain approach, providing the tools needed to prove that extending a building’s lifespan is an economic, social and ecological win.

    For the modern urban planner, this study demonstrate that heritage preservation isn’t just about history, it’s a high-performance strategy for building resilient, resource-efficient, and culturally rich circular cities.

    Learn more about this review here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104507

    Reference

    Foster, G. (2020). Circular economy strategies for adaptive reuse of cultural heritage buildings to reduce environmental impacts. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 152, 104507

  • Sustainable Adaptive Reuse Strategy Evaluation for Cultural Heritage Buildings

    Sustainable Adaptive Reuse Strategy Evaluation for Cultural Heritage Buildings

    We often view historical buildings as relics to be frozen in time, but in the context of a sustainable future, these structures are actually some of our most strategic assets.

    This research investigates the concept of adaptive reuse—the process of giving old structures new life through contemporary additions—to ensure that our cultural heritage isn’t just preserved, but remains a functional part of our modern economy. The study aims to pinpoint the most effective strategies for integrating modern elements into these sites to maintain a sustainable form of conservation.

    To do this, the authors used a comparative analysis method, evaluating a variety of building samples based on physical criteria like material selection, mass, and how well the new function fits the original structure.

    The findings reveal that while designs vary widely, the most successful adaptations are often driven by cultural or commercial needs and frequently utilize steel and glass to create a clear, honest distinction between the old and the new.

    Ultimately, the paper concludes that by bringing these buildings back into the social fabric with fresh purposes and contemporary materials, we can revitalize our urban environments while achieving a meaningful balance of economic, social, and environmental innovation.

    Learn more about this study here: https://avesis.atauni.edu.tr/yayin/bc47683e-ee22-443d-ba4f-08191067176b/sustainable-adaptive-reuse-strategy-evaluation-for-cultural-heritage-buildings

    Reference

    Takva, Y., Takva, Ç., & İlerisoy, Z. (2023). Sustainable Adaptive Reuse Strategy Evaluation for Cultural Heritage Buildings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY, 10(2)