DEFINING ADAPTIVE REUSE INTERVENTIONS
A deep understanding of adaptive reuse and the strategies employed by predecessors was crucial to the success of this project. I drew heavily on Liliane Wong’s Adaptive Reuse, which provided essential terminology and concepts. These strategies informed the practical aspects of my work and were explored extensively through model-making and sketching.
ADAPTIVE REUSE INTERVENTIONS:
1. Duplication
duplication of the given,
preexisting order as a new one
2. Subversion:
intentional dislocation of order
3. Preservation in Time
4. Change of Use
5. Temporary Additions
VACANCY ANALYSIS IN WASHINGTON D.C.
Similar to other major U.S. cities, vacant properties are prevalent throughout the DC metropolitan area. The concentrated areas are centered in downtown and spread throughout the residential apartment zones. The US Department of Buildings categories four types of vacant properties: Vacant Buildings, Vacant Blighted, Vacant Exempt, and Vacant Lots.
• Blighted properties are vacant lots or abandoned buildings in poor to dangerous conditions as a result of neglect.
• Vacant Exempt are buildings that are currently under active construction or undergoing active rehabilitation, renovation, or repair.
• Blighted properties are vacant lots or abandoned buildings in poor to dangerous conditions as a result of neglect.
• Vacant Exempt are buildings that are currently under active construction or undergoing active rehabilitation, renovation, or repair.
SITE ANALYSIS: 1875 K ST NW WASHINGTON D.C
The selected site is strategically positioned in the heart of Washington, D.C., less than a mile away from the White House and George Washington University. Upon conducting a site analysis, I aimed to assess the suitability of this office building for residential purposes. Evaluating factors such as its proximity to amenities, accessibility to public transportation, and surrounding neighborhood dynamics.
Transport Accessibility
Surrounding Landmarks
Light & Shadow Analysis
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS
This 12-story building follows a conventional office layout, featuring a communal space, central core, and limited natural light. For the purposes of this thesis, it was assumed that the floor plan remained consistent across all floors, except for the ground floor. Additionally, certain sections of the site were further affected by shadows cast by adjacent buildings, particularly in the deeper levels.
Current Site Layout
Current Layout without Furniture
Structural Floorplan
Current Ground Floorplan
Area Significantly Impacted by Shadow Overcast from Adjacent Buildings
STRATEGY 1: CHANGE OF USE
In my initial design iterations, I explored ways to enhance the existing communal spaces and adapt them for residential use without making structural changes to the building. However, the resulting dwelling spaces were often awkwardly elongated, with insufficient natural light reaching the deeper areas. Additionally, the communal spaces proved inefficient and lacked a defined purpose, limiting their functionality for residents.
REIMAGINING COLUMN MOMENTS
The column grid became a crucial architectural framework, providing order to the site and offering a potential solution to mitigate the shadow impact from adjacent buildings. Through these drawings, I also explored the concept of creating openings in the floorplates to allow natural light to penetrate. This approach reimagines the columns as moments of circulation and light, enhancing the spatial experience and interaction within the building.
STRATEGY 2: SUBVERSION
Another strategy I explored involved removing sections of the floorplates across all 12 levels where natural light was blocked by shadows from adjacent buildings. In these renderings, I examined various bracing designs to structurally support this concept and their interactions with light. However, I concluded that this approach would be too costly and unrealistic to implement in practice.
Conceptual Render
PROGRAMS + COMMUNITY
I envisioned the building’s occupants as DC workers and George Washington University students. In the final design of the ground floor, I incorporated new programs such as a café and a library. These additions were designed to create moments of interaction, allowing an office worker to quickly grab a coffee before heading to work or a student to study between classes. These additions were aimed at fostering and supporting the existing community.
Existing Groundfloor Programs + Layout
Groundfloor Final Design Proposal
HIERARCHY + LIGHT
In the final design of the residential conversion, I integrated communal spaces, a daycare (spanning the 2nd to 4th floors), and recreational areas (on the 5th and 6th floors) to cater to the needs of the occupants. For office workers with families, the convenience of an on-site daycare is invaluable. Communal spaces, including laundry areas, were designed to foster interaction among residents. Furthermore, the layout of the dwelling units reflects a thoughtful hierarchy: living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms are placed closer to natural light, while spaces like bathrooms and storage are positioned near the central core, where light is less accessible.
Existing Layout
Final Design Proposal for Residential Conversion Floorplan
Communal Space Perspective
Daycare Perspective
CONCLUSION
The transformation of the existing building into a vibrant community hub reflects a holistic approach to adaptive reuse, balancing the preservation of existing structures with innovative design solutions to meet the evolving needs of residents. By integrating amenities such as communal spaces, a coffee shop, a library, and a daycare facility, the design fosters a sense of belonging and connectivity among residents while also catering to the surrounding community. The flexible and open-ended design allows for the space to adapt to the preferences and lifestyles of its inhabitants, ensuring its long-term viability and sustainability. Overall, this project serves as a testament to the transformative power of adaptive reuse in revitalizing urban spaces and creating inclusive and thriving communities.
