Short answer

Integrate community development objectives into the adaptive reuse design process from the outset to ensure maximum positive impact.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: UWSpace (University of Waterloo) (2015)
Method: Mixed-methods research design involving qualitative and quantitative data collection.
Evidence: Strong effect

Strategically reusing historic buildings can significantly contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of small communities facing transitional pressures. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in UWSpace (University of Waterloo). Using Mixed-methods research design involving qualitative and quantitative data collection., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate community development objectives into the adaptive reuse design process from the outset to ensure maximum positive impact.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings Drives Community Development

Strategically reusing historic buildings can significantly contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of small communities facing transitional pressures.

UWSpace (University of Waterloo) · 2015

Key Findings

01Adaptive reuse interventions (ARIs) can achieve economic, social, and cultural outcomes aligned with community development (CD) objectives.
02A logic model can visualize the relationships between ARI inputs, activities, and their contributions to CD, highlighting key resources and activities for maximization.

Application

Design takeaway

Integrate community development objectives into the adaptive reuse design process from the outset to ensure maximum positive impact.

How to apply

When undertaking adaptive reuse projects in communities with historic assets, develop a logic model that maps inputs, activities, and expected community development outcomes.

Project actions

01Clearly define the community development goals your adaptive reuse project aims to address.
02Document the inputs, activities, and expected outcomes of your adaptive reuse intervention using a logic model framework.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can adaptive reuse interventions be optimized to maximize their contributions to community development in small population centers with historic physical assets?

MethodMixed-methods research design involving qualitative and quantitative data collection.

ProcedureThe study analyzed five case studies of former public sector building reuse across southern Ontario. Each case underwent a summative evaluation process to assess outputs, outcomes, and influencing factors against intervention and community development objectives. A collective case study method was used to highlight variations and influencing factors, culminating in a logic model for maximizing contributions.

ContextSmall population centers in southern Ontario with historic physical assets.

Variables

IVAdaptive reuse interventions (type, scope, resources).

DVCommunity development outcomes (economic, social, cultural).

CVCharacteristics of the community, nature of the historic asset, municipal resources.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Employs a mixed-methods approach for comprehensive data collection.
+Utilizes case studies for in-depth, real-world analysis.

Limitations

The specific context of southern Ontario's small towns might not directly apply to vastly different urban or rural settings.

Reliability & validity

The use of multiple case studies and a mixed-methods approach enhances the reliability and validity of the findings by providing triangulation of data and diverse perspectives.

Think critically

To what extent can adaptive reuse be a primary driver of community development versus a supplementary strategy?

Design Principles

"Leverage existing built heritage as a catalyst for holistic community development."

This approach offers a tangible method for communities to leverage their existing built heritage as a catalyst for positive change. By focusing on adaptive reuse, designers and planners can create interventions that not only preserve historical assets but also foster sustainable community growth and resilience.

What This Means for Your Design

Using old buildings for new purposes can really help small towns grow and improve their economy and social life.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the broader societal benefits and community impact of your design project, particularly if it involves adaptive reuse or revitalizing existing structures.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

Research by Calder (2015) highlights that adaptive reuse interventions in historic buildings can serve as powerful drivers for community development in small population centers. By strategically planning these interventions to align with broader economic, social, and cultural objectives, designers can maximize their positive contributions, fostering revitalization and resilience within communities facing transitional pressures.

Source

UWSpace (University of Waterloo)

What Conservation Can Do For Community: Maximizing the Contributions of Adaptive Reuse Interventions to Community Development

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about adaptive reuse of historic buildings drives community development?: Integrate community development objectives into the adaptive reuse design process from the outset to ensure maximum positive impact. Evidence: UWSpace (University of Waterloo) (2015).
Why does "Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings Drives Community Development" matter for design?: This approach offers a tangible method for communities to leverage their existing built heritage as a catalyst for positive change. By focusing on adaptive reuse, designers and planners can create interventions that not only preserve historical assets but also foster sustainable community growth and resilience.
How can designers apply this research?: Integrate community development objectives into the adaptive reuse design process from the outset to ensure maximum positive impact.
What were the main findings?: Adaptive reuse interventions (ARIs) can achieve economic, social, and cultural outcomes aligned with community development (CD) objectives.. A logic model can visualize the relationships between ARI inputs, activities, and their contributions to CD, highlighting key resources and activities for maximization.
What research method was used?: Mixed-methods research design involving qualitative and quantitative data collection..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2015 journal from UWSpace (University of Waterloo).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When undertaking adaptive reuse projects in communities with historic assets, develop a logic model that maps inputs, activities, and expected community development outcomes.
What are the limitations?: The study focused on former public sector buildings in southern Ontario, which may limit generalizability to other building types or geographic regions.