As Long as it Lasts

Abstract

Adaptive reuse (AR) is becoming increasingly significant within the construction sector, particularly in mixed-use urban areas where adaptation is essential to meet circular economy objectives and evolving user needs. As existing buildings are expected to undergo multiple adaptations throughout their lifecycle, the complexity of such projects continues to increase. While previous studies have explored the complexity of the AR process and identified a range of contributing factors, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the application and significance of these individual factors.

The aim of this research is to develop a set of strategies to enhance the adaptive reuse process in mixed-use areas within the Netherlands. A final list of fourteen strategies determined to be most effective is proposed. The list can function as a checklist to support clients in making informed decisions and conducting contract documents.

To address the research questions, a literature review and a two-round Delphi study is employed. The literature review establishes the theoretical foundation, examining the concepts of adaptive reuse processes, strategy, strategic management, and effectiveness. This literature study is foundational to the initial compilation of a list of strategies relevant to AR. The Delphi study engages twelve experts across two phases. In the first round, a survey is conducted to preliminarily prioritise the strategies identified in the literature, followed by semi-structured interviews to further contextualise and enrich the findings. The second round involves a second survey to validate the prioritised list and incorporate additional strategies identified during the interviews. Among the experts there are multiple stakeholders from three completed AR projects in The Netherlands, to contextualise the findings.

This research results in an enriched, prioritised, and validated set of fourteen strategies. The list provides clients in AR with guidance on which strategies are most critical, when they should be implemented, how they function within the process, and which stakeholders are involved. All information is visualised by the means of the AR process.

Ultimately, the study offers insights into the effectiveness of strategies in adaptive reuse and delivers a list of strategies, compiled to enhance clarity and decision-making for clients. This information is to be used for agreements and to compile contracts with other stakeholders of the AR project. The list’s success is contingent upon collaboration and knowledge exchange, and it holds considerable potential to support future adaptive reuse initiatives when used in conjunction with complementary resources.