Correlation and Contrast

Abstract

The environmental and economic case for the adaptive reuse of buildings over their demolition is well established; however, comparatively little research has distinguished the design logics that separate architecturally successful conversions from merely functional ones. This study addresses that gap by examining the primary characteristics that appear to contribute most to the successful adaptive reuse of buildings. It begins with the hypothesis that successful adaptive reuse projects typically exhibit either (1) a significant contrast between their former and current purposes, or (2) an underlying organizational similarity between the existing structure and its new program. It was also postulated that the most successful of all reuses would exhibit both of these characteristics. Analysis of six case studies broadly supported the importance of both factors, but not that the presence of both led to greater success. These findings suggest that there are two distinct pathways to successful adaptive reuse: one that minimizes design intervention by capitalizing on organizational correlations, and another that actively celebrates contrasts between the original and new use. The implications of this two-pathway model for practice and policy are discussed.