The Adaptive Reuse of Old Buildings

This paper discusses the adaptive reuse of old buildings and the dilemma between absolute abidance to conservation and restoration principles and the possible adaptation of old buildings for reuse or for alternative use. It sheds light on projects where old buildings over two centuries old or more, as well as more recent buildings erected over the past century, have been rehabilitated, modified interiorly (and sometimes exteriorly) and/or retrofitted with new installations to help adapt them for reuse today or to adapt them for another needed function, whether for a short or long term. First, an overview of the conservation and restoration principles is outlined and then the differences between their measures as well as rehabilitation and modernization are explained (as per International Charters for Conservation and Restoration by ICOMOS 2004). Then, a number of projects are presented and discussed in view of these principles, to get a closer understanding of when compliance to these principles is unquestionable and when a slight deviance from absolute adherence is excused or validated. Also, when moving, removing or adding new parts, elements or installations to an old building could be justified by national or paramount interest, and become up to the architect’s and his multi-disciplinary team’s discretion, subject to the approval of the nation’s officials and their consultants.