AR Magazine Reading: Reflection

Issue 127: The Residential Issue
Article: Re-Make/ Re-Model: Turning Dead Office Space into Living Housing

Article Overview: "In the UK, housing shortages often sit side by side with the problem of obsolete office buildings. For FAT Architecture and Adaptable Futures, the solution is to repurpose tall buildings, reconnecting with a modernist ideal: discovering new forms of living through architecture."

Introduction: Although this article is more concerned with the repurposing of office buildings for residential purposes in the UK, some of the fundamental principles and ideas put forth can be adapted and applied to any retro-fitting and re-using practice conducted in Australia and in particular South East Queensland. These ideas are of particular pertinence to my project and have therefore been outlined below:

"Retrofitting and adapting buildings for different uses requires a commitment to loose-fit design and simpler structures. Historically, architects have struggled with these concepts, preferring to focus on formalised ideas of mechanical flexibility - Archigram's Plug-In City, for example - rather than less ostentatious structures capable of subtle change over time."

"The ability to adapt and adjust over time to suit changing desires is hugely important."

"While the environmental benefits of adapting buildings are difficult to quantify, extending the useful life of buildings allows for less new material (which helps meet CO2 reduction targets), minimalisation of waste (through the retention of embodied energy) and potential containment of urban sprawl."

"Adaption allows for environmental stability with the continued use of local landmarks while allowing for new uses, users and identities. What's more, the growing transient context in which buildings are enmeshed will continue to raise questions for designers about buildings as stable images of specific functions."

"The obsolescence of all building types as a result of technological and social shifts presents massive challenges in a world of finite resources. Clearly, it is senseless to simply tear down buildings after a mere 30 to 40 years of life. The alternative is to learn how to design buildings that are more adaptable to change and, as our research suggests, to learn how to adapt and develop the ones we have already."

Reference: Holland, C. (2012). Re-Make/Re-Model: Turning Dead Office Space into Living Housing. Architectural Review Asia Pacific: Issue 127 - The Residential Issue (October/November 2012).