A new way of thinking How technology will drive adaptive reuse now and post-pandemic
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By Ken Smerz
he new restrictions placed on society have been a catalyst to rethink much of our built environment, and the way the world has adapted may forecast several trends that will impact the AEC industry in the months and years ahead.
Arguably one of the more significant trends taking shape is the increase in adaptive reuse projects, as owners and managers look for ways to optimize the operational and commercial performance of their built assets. While interest in adaptive reuse steadily has been growing over the last few years, the pandemic has thrust it into the spotlight as the demands of our built world have completely changed. To meet these new demands and maintain the economic viability of existing structures, many will have to be reimagined into new relevant purposes or retrofitted to accommodate new health and safety protocols—and technology, more so than ever, will prove friend not foe to all involved in the process.
building information modeling (BIM) to site sensors and material advancements, technology is transforming the ease and accessibility of adaptive reuse now and in the future.
3D visualization to accommodate better space planning, utilization
Real estate owners and operators across almost every asset class are considering several potential longer-term effects of the coronavirus outbreak and the required changes that these shifts are likely to bring. For example, within commercial office space, the trend toward densification and open-plan layouts is likely to reverse sharply. Public-health officials may increasingly amend building codes to limit the risk of future pandemics, potentially affecting standards for HVAC, square footage per person and amount of enclosed space. As adaptive reuse increases and standards change, contractors, developers and property owners will need to take a hard look at their space management plans. Traditional 2D models have been the standard for floor and space plans, but without adequate and accurate data, inefficiencies creep in.
BIM 360 Model
The trend toward adaptive reuse
Adaptive reuse has been on the uptick in the US for several years now, particularly in more densely populated regions like the Northeast. In fact, according to research conducted in 2017 by the team at Deloitte, they already were estimating that within the next decade nearly 90% of real estate development would involve adaptive reuse of existing buildings instead of constructing new ones. Now, as a result of the pandemic, it is likely that number will grow. In addition to offering a more sustainable approach for aging and landlocked regions with little vacant land to build on, adaptive reuse also addresses the issue of abandoned offices, factories, warehouses and shopping centers that often are left in the wake of global economic changes—something we are experiencing currently. As industries adjust their real estate tactics to meet new demands, property needs will continue to shift. Real estate owners and contractors will need to increasingly turn to technology. From
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360 Virtual Site Walk
Using technology like BIM can help teams truly reevaluate existing spaces and visualize the environment, allowing owners and tenants to fully maximize space and efficiency. For example, using 3D modeling, a restaurant tenant can better understand and visualize seating as it relates to walkways, prep areas, and restrooms, leading to safer and more cost-effective facilities. Additionally, on the MEP side, BIM can provide contractors data to help maximize efficiency by assessing pump sizes, water heater sizes, etc.
COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION — NOVEMBER 2020