Short answer
When undertaking adaptive reuse of historic buildings, designers must consider a broad spectrum of interconnected factors beyond just the physical structure, integrating social, economic, cultural, and environmental considerations into a comprehensive strategy.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- npj Heritage Science (2025)
- Method
- Systematic Review (PRISMA method)
- Evidence
- Strong effect
A systematic review reveals that 104 interconnected factors across architectural, economic, social, cultural, environmental, policy, and technical domains must be considered for the sustainable adaptive reuse of historic buildings. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in npj Heritage Science. Using Systematic review (prisma method), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When undertaking adaptive reuse of historic buildings, designers must consider a broad spectrum of interconnected factors beyond just the physical structure, integrating social, economic, cultural, and environmental considerations into a comprehensive strategy.
Integrated Framework Enhances Sustainable Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings
A systematic review reveals that 104 interconnected factors across architectural, economic, social, cultural, environmental, policy, and technical domains must be considered for the sustainable adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
npj Heritage Science · 2025
Key Findings
- 01104 distinct factors influencing sustainable adaptive reuse were identified.
- 02Factors were categorized into seven aspects: architectural, economic, social, cultural, environmental, policy and regulatory, and technical and implementation.
- 03Architectural factors were the most frequently cited.
- 04Increasing emphasis on intangible aspects (conceptual and value-driven considerations) was noted.
- 05Factors are deeply interconnected, forming a multi-faceted web of influence.
Application
Design takeaway
When undertaking adaptive reuse of historic buildings, designers must consider a broad spectrum of interconnected factors beyond just the physical structure, integrating social, economic, cultural, and environmental considerations into a comprehensive strategy.
How to apply
Utilize the identified factors and the developed framework to conduct a thorough assessment of potential adaptive reuse projects, ensuring all relevant aspects are considered during the design and planning phases.
Project actions
- 01When researching adaptive reuse, look for studies that discuss multiple influencing factors.
- 02Consider creating a matrix or diagram to show how different factors in your design project relate to each other.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive systematic review methodology.
- +Development of a structured, integrated framework.
Limitations
The framework might not cover every unique situation or local nuance. The weighting of factors can be subjective and depend on project-specific goals.
Reliability & validity
The systematic review methodology, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, enhances the reliability and validity of the identified factors. The development of a framework based on synthesized literature provides a robust conceptual basis.
Think critically
How might the relative importance of the seven identified factor categories shift depending on the specific type of historic building and its intended new use?
Design Principles
"Holistic integration of diverse factors is essential for successful and sustainable adaptive reuse of heritage assets."
Understanding the complex interplay of these factors is crucial for designers and urban planners aiming to preserve heritage while promoting sustainability. This holistic approach ensures that interventions are not only environmentally sound but also socially, economically, and culturally viable.
What This Means for Your Design
When you want to reuse an old building in a way that's good for the environment and people, you need to think about lots of things: how it looks, how much it costs, what people think, its history, the environment, laws, and how to actually do it. All these things are connected and affect each other.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference the identified factors and the integrated framework when justifying design decisions for adaptive reuse projects.
- 2.Use the framework's categories to structure your analysis of existing buildings or potential design interventions.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights that the sustainable adaptive reuse of historic buildings is a complex undertaking, influenced by 104 interconnected factors spanning architectural, economic, social, cultural, environmental, policy, and technical domains. The development of an integrated framework underscores the necessity of a holistic approach, acknowledging the deep interdependencies between these elements and the growing importance of intangible values. This comprehensive perspective is vital for informing design decisions and ensuring interventions are both effective and sustainable.
Source
npj Heritage Science
Sustainable adaptive reuse of historic buildings: development of a framework from systematic review
journal · 2025
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about integrated framework enhances sustainable adaptive reuse of historic buildings?
- When undertaking adaptive reuse of historic buildings, designers must consider a broad spectrum of interconnected factors beyond just the physical structure, integrating social, economic, cultural, and environmental considerations into a comprehensive strategy. Evidence: npj Heritage Science (2025).
- Why does "Integrated Framework Enhances Sustainable Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings" matter for design?
- Understanding the complex interplay of these factors is crucial for designers and urban planners aiming to preserve heritage while promoting sustainability. This holistic approach ensures that interventions are not only environmentally sound but also socially, economically, and culturally viable.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When undertaking adaptive reuse of historic buildings, designers must consider a broad spectrum of interconnected factors beyond just the physical structure, integrating social, economic, cultural, and environmental considerations into a comprehensive strategy.
- What were the main findings?
- 104 distinct factors influencing sustainable adaptive reuse were identified.. Factors were categorized into seven aspects: architectural, economic, social, cultural, environmental, policy and regulatory, and technical and implementation.. Architectural factors were the most frequently cited.. Increasing emphasis on intangible aspects (conceptual and value-driven considerations) was noted.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Review (PRISMA method).
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from npj Heritage Science.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Utilize the identified factors and the developed framework to conduct a thorough assessment of potential adaptive reuse projects, ensuring all relevant aspects are considered during the design and planning phases.
- What are the limitations?
- The review's scope and the potential for publication bias could influence the comprehensiveness of identified factors. The framework's applicability may vary across different cultural and regulatory contexts.