How Adaptive Reuse Can Transform Communities

Steven Velegrinis, Design Director for Gensler Middle East’s Cities and Urban Design practice, shares insights into the effect of adaptive reuse of the region’s obsolete building stock and carbon footprint

Much of the ageing building stock that populates our cities’ skylines has either passed into disrepair or dropped so much in value that it is no longer attractive compared to the newly launched set of buildings. The UAE reports several unfinished or delayed hotel, commercial and residential projects experiencing financial difficulties, regulatory issues, or changing market conditions adding to the ageing building conundrum.  

In today’s real estate climate, adaptive reuse has become a key strategy for revitalizing economically obsolete or unfinished structures into thriving centres of a community that meets the needs of today’s users. A sustainable and economically viable approach to breathe new life into existing buildings and spaces, adaptive reuse is an effective strategy to revitalize neighbourhoods and spur redevelopment. What’s more, it also makes sense financially and can have a transformative impact on communities.

Old stock, new use 

A large portion of Dubai’s prime-located, residential, freehold stock is now more than ten years old. Many buildings in Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, the Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, Emirates Living, The Greens, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and the early affordable communities like International City and Discovery Gardens fall into this category. Myriad developments are currently dormant, many of which are recognisable in the UAE; International Chess City, Dubai City Tower, Water Discus Hotel, Falconcity of Wonders and Meydan City. However, on the brighter side, many of the UAE's historic buildings have also been repurposed through adaptive reuse as the country recognises the value of preserving its rich cultural heritage – this includes traditional homes, forts, and historic commercial structures.

Adaptive reuse projects in historic districts like Al Fahidi in Dubai and Al Ain's Old Town have breathed new life into these areas. They now offer a blend of heritage preservation, tourism, and community engagement. Restored historical sites attract tourists interested in experiencing the UAE's history and culture which has often led to increased foot traffic in surrounding areas, benefiting local businesses.

Many adaptive reuse projects have transformed old warehouses, factories, and industrial spaces into cultural hubs, hosting art galleries, theatres, and creative spaces. For example, Alserkal Avenue in Dubai, a former industrial complex, is now a thriving arts and culture district. By preserving historical buildings and neighbourhoods, adaptive reuse contributes to a sense of continuity and belonging within communities. It fosters a connection between the past and the present, reinforcing cultural identity.

A recent adaptive, reuse project that I worked on in Cairo was the Probiotic Tower. I worked alongside Islam El Mashtooly, Hossam ElYamani and Abdallah Kamel El Mnyawy to repurpose the Water Tower in Cairo as a means of climate change adaptation. The Probiotic Tower Project aimed to show how the transformation of existing buildings can also positively address climate change in cities that are sorely lacking green space and public facilities.

What we did with the Probiotic Tower was insert a large algae bioreactor tank at the core that actively absorbs carbon dioxide from local sources within the host neighbourhood. The bioreactor serves a dual purpose by absorbing carbon from the surrounding area and producing a carbon-neutral biofuel for the building’s occupants. The tower also employs facade algae panels on the south-facing sides of the structure to enhance the absorption of carbon dioxide from the local atmosphere. This allows community members to repurpose old, unused infrastructure, correcting past mistakes and creating a carbon-negative building. The project has subsequently been awarded the WAFx prize for future projects and is shortlisted for other categories at the World Architecture Festival. 

Today, there exist several structures that were once essential to urban landscape but are now outdated. Take the water tower, for example. It was designed to elevate and store water. The pressure created would supply water to nearby neighbourhoods. However, water towers are now rarely used as a consequence of the widespread adoption of pressurized reticulation systems, which are now the norm in developed regions. These kinds of changes in the market must be recognized as an opportunity.

As architects, we should not only adapt obsolete buildings to reduce the carbon footprint of building new, but we should consider ways to repurpose many of the now obsolete and abandoned buildings of the last few decades into green communal hubs that could help heal the urban landscape and return a sense of balance to its surrounding natural environment. Sustainability needs to be at the forefront of development today more than ever before. 

Sustainability at the forefront

Architecture 2030, the non-profit, non-partisan, and independent organization established in 2002 in response to the on-going climate emergency, shows that the building industry generates nearly 50% of annual global CO2 emissions. Together, we have a collective responsibility to minimize the impact of the built environment on climate change. Adaptive reuse stands as a strategy to significantly reduce demolition, carbon emissions, and waste, and preserve what already exists. Retrofitting old buildings with modern technology and sustainable features aligns with the UAE's sustainability goals. Adaptive reuse projects typically prioritize energy efficiency and green building practices, contributing to environmental sustainability.

As designers and architects, we have the privilege and responsibility to make the most of our existing building stock. After all, according to the World Economic Forum, 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 stand today. By transforming outdated buildings into viable new uses, we can convert properties that were once detractors into thriving contributors that align with the desired user experiences of today’s age. Moreover, adaptive reuse often proves more cost-effective than demolition and new construction, saving resources and money. It also generates economic opportunities for local businesses, craftsmen, and artisans involved in restoration and maintenance.

In summary, adaptive reuse in the UAE and the region has played and continues to play a crucial role in preserving the country's cultural heritage, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainability. I personally believe that the greenest building is one that’s already built and these projects have transformed neglected spaces into vibrant, mixed-use communities that celebrate the past while embracing the future.

(About the author: Steven Velegrinis is the Design Director for Gensler Middle East. Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 50 locations across Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the Americas)