Adaptive reuse refers to the process of reusing an old site or building for a purpose other than which it was built or designed for. Along with brownfield reclamation, adaptive reuse is seen by many as a key factor in land conservation and the reduction of urban sprawl. However adaptive reuse can become controversial as there is sometimes a blurred line between renovation, facadism and adaptive reuse. It can be regarded as a compromise between historic preservation and demolition.

This course provides an introductory overview of the various examples of re-use spaces projects to the environment and interior designers. Student will study the adaptive re-use mythology, preservation concepts, definitions and legal standards, followed by case study examples, field survey techniques, research methodology, documentation and presentation techniques. Also, students will participate in activities such as field trips, research and class discussions of the process and issues of adaptive reuse and building and cultural heritage preservation through environmental artifacts such as landscape, settlement patterns, and change of buildings usage.