Abstract
In recent years the adaptive reuse debate has seen a growing interest in emerging theories in which the concept of potential plays an essential role. This research focuses on highlighting transformative patterns within adaptive reuse practices and addresses the concept of potential in the dynamic of building transformation. It examines the adaptive reuse possibilities for the big box stores and malls in terms of economic, social, architectural, and environmental impact and their ‘transformative potential’. According to Credit Suisse estimates, between 20–25% of existing malls will close between 2022-2025, and developers around the world are looking for ways to reposition these underperforming assets. In many cases, these abandoned big box stores and malls did have a historic impact on their communities. Many of these buildings represent a time of economic growth and provide for the community with local taxes, jobs, and opportunities for small business development. They also became large social hubs and shaped how the community physically developed and grew. The vacant space is a blemish on the community both economically and physically and the effort to repurpose the space and to reinvest into it to help the community grow and strengthen the identity of the area has become even more important. This study proposes a conceptual framework specifically for decision-makers linked to the adaptive reuse of shopping malls. Through the methodological approach that includes multiple case studies, this research analyzes effectively adapted buildings to test the “transformative potential” as a relationship between matter and space in a specific time.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design
KEYWORDS
Salvage and Re-use, Circularity, Community Impacts
