September 2024 Issue
A monthly forum to share diversity, equity, and inclusion resources.
Welcome to the next installment of Read. Watch. Listen. This month, we are highlighting Adaptive Reuse. Many of you have probably become aware of this term because of the interest recently to convert empty office buildings into much needed housing. As a concept, adaptive reuse is not new. Existing buildings are adapted to be used in new ways constantly and reusing existing buildings is one of the most sustainable options in construction. Structurally, adaptive reuse projects often involve load assessment, new openings in existing structures, demolition planning, seismic review/upgrade, etc. These projects can be challenging, but also very satisfying, as we stretch our problem solving skills to determine existing structure when little or no existing plans can be found, or field conditions don’t match our understanding of the structure.
For our resources this month, we are providing a couple to help you better understand what adaptive reuse is and how it is applied. We’ve also provided a couple examples of how adaptive reuse can be used to heal communities. To start off, these resources provide an overview and how local SEA’s can provide support and guidance for adaptive reuse projects:
We’re also celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October 15th. Check out our previous post here to learn more!
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Read.Watch.Listen is a monthly forum hosted by the NCSEA SE3 Committee to share and promote conversations on diversity, equity and inclusion within the structural engineering profession. Each month, we will curate a series of articles, audio-visual and digital media to facilitate self-education in matters that affect our professional practice as structural engineers. Whether you choose to read, watch, or listen (or all three!), we hope you will join us in this important conversation. Missed the previous issue? Check out the NCSEA SE3 Committee News and Publication page.
Share your thoughts and/or recommended resources for the next issue at ncsea@ncsea.com.
How to Redevelop Former Jails and Prisons for the Collective Good - Vera
Vera is a national organization set on ending mass incarceration in the U.S. and fighting for the rights of those currently in the system. In this article, they discuss how the idea of “adaptive reuse” has been adopted by cities across the country to transform closed correctional facilities into housing, commercial properties, parks, community services, and more. Given the decline in the incarcerated population, many states, such as Massachusetts, Washington, New York, and California, have found that maintaining such facilities is costly and, ultimately, not worthwhile. Revitalizing these former jails and prisons not only breathes new life into the existing infrastructure but can also help build back up the communities that were unfairly affected by the surge of mass incarceration.
Originally published April 30, 2024; Estimated Read Time - 10 min
Former KKK Building Being Transformed Into Space Of Healing - Today
This short video looks at how adaptive reuse can have a positive outcome to transform a place that previously brought pain and fear in the city of Fort Worth, TX, into a space that provides community-based services. Transform 1012, a group of non-profit organizations, aims to repurpose an auditorium building, formerly used by the KKK, into a place of healing. This building with a dark past will now serve as a community center - The Fred Rouse Center for Arts and Community of Healing with spaces for workshops, community meetings, and LGBTQ youth resource center among other activities. More information on this building transformation can be read here.
Originally aired Jun 20, 2022; 00:04:11
Office-to-Residential Conversions: Mandates, Myths, and Possibilities - Gensler
As more employees are working a hybrid schedule post pandemic, there is an increasing number of vacant office space. In some instances, these empty office spaces could be converted into residential spaces. In the podcast episode, Gensler architects discuss this option with their peers in real estate development and environmental design. Listen in to learn more about the opportunities and challenges associated with this adaptive reuse approach.
Originally posted September 12, 2023; 00:32:24
This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of NCSEA's Structural Connection newsletter. For more information, check out NCSEA's DEI Resources.
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