Sep 23 2010
Developed by design catalyst Public Architecture, the “Design for Reuse Primer” profiles 15 innovative projects that champion material reuse in construction from Vancouver to Washington DC.
The “Design for Reuse Primer” is a free, e-book that provides firsthand accounts of the triumphs and tribulations of working with reuse.
“Part of the issue with using any kind of salvaged material is that ...you can’t go in thinking you 'll get a brand new building,” says David Lake of architecture firm, Lake|Flato. “In fact, you’re not striving for that. You’re striving for a building that immediately has an intrinsic character because of the nature of the materials.”
Through interviews with contractors, architects, clients, and specialists, the “Design for Reuse Primer” provides a holistic picture of the current state of reuse, its potential across different project types, and most importantly, its human impact.
With projects ranging from a school for children with learning differences in Seaside, CA to a center for neighborhood revitalization in New Orleans, this electronic publication offers insight on how to design for (and with) reuse, whether you are a builder, architect or simply curious. Project types include civic, educational, retail, and more.
“At the heart of many of the issues around reuse is lack of awareness,” says Liz Ogbu, Associate Design Director of Public Architecture. “These projects show that reclaimed materials not only divert substantial waste from the landfill but also engender a sense of ecological stewardship that impacts communities. Reuse is a critical part of the sustainability movement, though as of yet undervalued.”
The “Design for Reuse Primer” is a free, downloadable resource available through the Public Architecture website. The project was sponsored by a generous Research Fund grant from the US Green Building Council. The publication is part of a larger initiative by Public Architecture to provide knowledge and tools to inspire and facilitate reuse as a common practice. Related resources will include best practices from industry leaders and more substantive stories from the field.
Source: http://www.publicarchitecture.org/