expression

adaptive reuse

converting an old building to a new purpose

In more detail

1. (noun) the practice of converting an existing building or structure into a new use, especially a historic or old building adapted for modern purposes

2. (noun) the modification or adjustment of something to serve a different function or purpose

Examples

1. The old factory underwent adaptive reuse and is now a shopping mall with apartments.
2. The software company focused on adaptive reuse of their existing code for the new platform.

How to use adaptive reuse

Adaptive reuse is commonly used in architecture, urban planning, and preservation contexts to describe converting older buildings (warehouses, factories, churches) into new uses like apartments, offices, or retail spaces. It emphasizes sustainability and heritage preservation while meeting contemporary needs. The term has become particularly prominent in urban regeneration discussions.

Common phrases

adaptive reuse project
adaptive reuse development
historic adaptive reuse
adaptive reuse of buildings
adaptive reuse strategy

Synonyms

repurposing · conversion · renovation · retrofitting · transformation

Word family

adapt · reuse · adaptive (adjective) · reusable (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse adaptive reuse with simple renovation or restoration; adaptive reuse specifically involves changing the building's original function, whereas restoration aims to preserve its original purpose.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD