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Study Guide: Adaptive Reuse in Architecture and Urban Planning

Cheat Sheet:
Adaptive Reuse in Architecture and Urban Planning Study Guide

Foundations of Adaptive Reuse

Adaptive reuse is solely defined as the process of repurposing historic buildings for new functions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The definition of adaptive reuse encompasses the repurposing of any existing structure for a new function, not exclusively historic buildings. It emphasizes the reuse of the built fabric itself.

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The primary goal of adaptive reuse is to extend the lifespan of existing structures by retaining most of their original systems, including the shell and interior materials.

Answer: True

Explanation: A principal objective of adaptive reuse is the extension of a building's functional lifespan through the retention of its core structural systems, exterior shell, and significant interior materials.

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What is the fundamental definition of adaptive reuse?

Answer: Reusing an existing building for a purpose other than its original design.

Explanation: Adaptive reuse is fundamentally defined as the process of repurposing an existing building for a function other than its original design or purpose, often referred to as building recycling or conversion.

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According to the text, what is a primary advantage of the adaptive reuse model for a building's lifecycle?

Answer: It prolongs the building's life by retaining existing systems and structure.

Explanation: A primary advantage of the adaptive reuse model is its capacity to prolong a building's lifecycle by retaining its existing structural systems, shell, and interior materials.

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Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between adaptive reuse and historic significance?

Answer: Adaptive reuse is not restricted to historically significant buildings and can apply to obsolete structures.

Explanation: Adaptive reuse is not exclusively confined to historically significant buildings; it is a versatile strategy applicable to any obsolete structure requiring repurposing.

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Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management

Adaptive reuse contributes to sustainability by promoting demolition and the use of new materials over reusing existing structures.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adaptive reuse enhances sustainability by prioritizing the preservation and repurposing of existing structures, thereby mitigating the environmental impact associated with demolition waste and the consumption of new materials.

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Key environmental benefits of adaptive reuse include the reduction of landfill demolition waste and decreased energy consumption.

Answer: True

Explanation: Significant environmental advantages of adaptive reuse include the substantial reduction of demolition waste destined for landfills and a decrease in overall energy consumption compared to new construction.

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Adaptive reuse can help mitigate climate change by conserving natural resources and improving resilience within the built environment.

Answer: True

Explanation: Through resource conservation and the enhancement of built environment resilience, adaptive reuse contributes significantly to climate change mitigation efforts.

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Embodied energy refers to the energy used for heating and cooling the building after renovation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Embodied energy pertains to the cumulative energy consumed during the extraction, manufacturing, and transportation of building materials, not the operational energy for heating and cooling.

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Retaining a building's 'embodied energy' is environmentally disadvantageous because it requires older, potentially less efficient materials.

Answer: False

Explanation: Retaining a building's 'embodied energy' is environmentally advantageous, as it represents the energy already invested in materials and construction, thereby avoiding the high embodied energy required for new materials.

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The 'circular economy' concept, applied to adaptive reuse, emphasizes the disposal of old materials and the use of new, sustainable resources.

Answer: False

Explanation: Within the framework of adaptive reuse, the 'circular economy' concept emphasizes extending the lifespan of existing buildings and materials, thereby reducing waste and the demand for new resource extraction, rather than promoting disposal.

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How does adaptive reuse contribute to environmental sustainability?

Answer: By extending the life of existing structures and reducing waste.

Explanation: Adaptive reuse contributes to environmental sustainability primarily by extending the lifespan of existing structures, thereby reducing demolition waste and the consumption of virgin materials.

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What is the concept of 'embodied energy' in the context of adaptive reuse?

Answer: The energy invested in the extraction, manufacturing, and transportation of building materials, which is retained by reusing existing structures.

Explanation: Embodied energy refers to the total energy consumed in the extraction, manufacturing, and transportation of building materials. Reusing existing structures retains this invested energy, offering a substantial benefit compared to the high embodied energy of new construction.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a key environmental benefit of adaptive reuse?

Answer: Increased consumption of new building materials.

Explanation: While adaptive reuse offers numerous environmental benefits such as reduced waste and emissions, an increase in the consumption of new building materials is contrary to its principles.

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How can adaptive reuse contribute to mitigating climate change?

Answer: By conserving natural resources and improving resilience within the built environment.

Explanation: Adaptive reuse contributes to climate change mitigation by conserving natural resources, reducing the demand for new materials, and enhancing the resilience of the built environment.

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How can windows and doors be improved for energy efficiency in adaptive reuse projects?

Answer: By employing multiple-layered glazing, low-emissivity coatings, and sealing air infiltration.

Explanation: Energy efficiency of windows and doors in adaptive reuse projects can be improved through the application of multiple-layered glazing, low-emissivity coatings, effective sealing of air infiltration points, and strategic shading in hot climates.

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Socio-Economic Benefits and Urban Regeneration

Revitalizing obsolete buildings through adaptive reuse can negatively impact community vitality by leading to neighborhood abandonment.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, the revitalization of obsolete structures via adaptive reuse typically enhances community vitality by preventing neighborhood abandonment and preserving the existing urban fabric.

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Adaptive reuse helps preserve cultural heritage by maintaining physical links to the past and promoting the sustainable historical development of urban areas.

Answer: True

Explanation: By conserving built heritage, adaptive reuse preserves tangible links to the past and supports the sustainable historical and cultural development of urban environments.

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Adaptive reuse is considered unimportant for urban regeneration schemes, as new construction is preferred for transforming vacant buildings.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adaptive reuse is a critical component of urban regeneration schemes, offering a sustainable method for transforming vacant buildings, often preferred over new construction for its preservationist and resource-efficient qualities.

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Avoiding demolition through adaptive reuse can save costs, as demolition expenses can represent up to 10% of the total cost of new construction.

Answer: True

Explanation: The avoidance of demolition, which can constitute 5-10% of new construction costs, represents a significant economic advantage of adaptive reuse.

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In the United States, tax incentives for rehabilitating historic structures are generally unavailable for adaptive reuse projects.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tax incentives for the rehabilitation of historic structures are indeed available in various states and municipalities within the United States, supporting adaptive reuse projects.

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Adaptive reuse decreases public and social costs by avoiding negative consequences of rapid urbanization, such as resident displacement and economic decline.

Answer: True

Explanation: By mitigating the adverse effects of rapid urbanization, including resident displacement and economic decline, adaptive reuse contributes to a reduction in public and social costs.

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Adaptive reuse projects in Central Business Districts (CBDs) can be attractive investments because reused buildings can command premium prices and rents.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Central Business Districts (CBDs), adaptive reuse projects can be highly attractive investments, as refurbished buildings, particularly those with high-quality finishes and energy ratings, can command premium prices and rental rates.

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Old buildings contribute to the social fabric by forming the core around which communities grow and helping avoid the trauma of abandonment and clearance.

Answer: True

Explanation: Existing buildings are integral to the social fabric, serving as anchors for community development and helping to prevent the social trauma associated with abandonment and clearance.

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Adaptive reuse projects can hinder financial management by preventing phased occupancy and delaying cash inflow during construction.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adaptive reuse projects can facilitate financial management by enabling phased occupancy, which allows for earlier cash inflow during the construction period, rather than delaying it.

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Adaptive reuse can help address the housing crisis by converting underutilized buildings into residential units, increasing supply in urban areas.

Answer: True

Explanation: By repurposing underutilized or vacant structures into residential units, adaptive reuse can significantly contribute to alleviating the housing crisis and increasing supply in urban centers.

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Which of the following is a key social benefit of adaptive reuse mentioned in the text?

Answer: Creation of affordable housing among other types of developments.

Explanation: A significant social benefit of adaptive reuse is its capacity to contribute to the creation of affordable housing, among other types of developments, thereby enhancing community well-being.

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How can adaptive reuse help mitigate urban sprawl?

Answer: By revitalizing existing built fabric and reducing the need for new peripheral construction.

Explanation: Adaptive reuse helps mitigate urban sprawl by revitalizing existing urban fabric, thereby reducing the necessity for new peripheral construction and preserving undeveloped land.

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How does adaptive reuse contribute to preserving cultural heritage?

Answer: By conserving built heritage that provides physical links to the past and evidence of cultural progression.

Explanation: Adaptive reuse preserves cultural heritage by maintaining physical connections to the past and conserving the architectural and historical evidence embodied in existing structures.

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What is a significant economic advantage of avoiding demolition through adaptive reuse?

Answer: Avoidance of demolition costs, which can be 5-10% of new construction costs.

Explanation: A significant economic advantage is the avoidance of demolition costs, which can represent 5-10% of the total cost of new construction, particularly in urban settings.

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How can adaptive reuse facilitate financial management for developers compared to new construction?

Answer: By allowing phased occupancy, providing earlier cash inflow during construction.

Explanation: Adaptive reuse can facilitate financial management by allowing for phased occupancy, which enables earlier cash inflow during the construction period, unlike new construction which typically requires full completion before revenue generation.

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What role does adaptive reuse play in urban regeneration schemes?

Answer: It transforms older, vacant buildings into usable and accessible units sustainably.

Explanation: Adaptive reuse plays a pivotal role in urban regeneration by transforming vacant or underutilized structures into functional and accessible spaces, thereby revitalizing urban areas sustainably.

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Which of the following is a key economic consideration influencing the decision between adaptive reuse and demolition?

Answer: Development costs, project costs, and investment returns.

Explanation: Key economic considerations influencing the decision between adaptive reuse and demolition include development costs, project expenses, potential investment returns, and market demand.

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How does adaptive reuse decrease public and social costs?

Answer: By avoiding negative consequences of rapid urbanization, such as resident dislocation and community disruption.

Explanation: Adaptive reuse decreases public and social costs by averting negative consequences of rapid urbanization, such as resident dislocation, economic decline, and community disruption.

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Challenges, Risks, and Technical Considerations

Challenges in adaptive reuse projects are primarily limited to financial aspects and securing adequate funding.

Answer: False

Explanation: Challenges in adaptive reuse projects extend beyond financial considerations to encompass regulatory compliance, governance, management complexities, and inherent uncertainties associated with existing structures.

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Adaptive reuse leads to increased costs for building materials due to the need for specialized refurbishment techniques.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adaptive reuse typically leads to reduced costs for building materials, as it emphasizes refurbishment and reuse of existing components rather than the purchase of new materials, especially given the rising costs of new construction materials.

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Adaptive reuse projects typically require more time to complete compared to constructing entirely new buildings of similar size.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adaptive reuse projects often require less time for completion than constructing entirely new buildings of comparable scale, partly due to the potential for phased occupancy and earlier revenue generation.

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Buildings with high floor area ratios (FAR) and excellent structural condition are often considered unsuitable for adaptive reuse.

Answer: False

Explanation: Buildings with excellent structural condition and high floor area ratios (FAR) are generally considered suitable, even advantageous, for adaptive reuse, whereas poor structural condition or low FAR can present challenges.

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Potential risks in adaptive reuse projects include the building failing to meet end-user demands or experiencing material decay during reconstruction.

Answer: True

Explanation: Potential risks inherent in adaptive reuse projects include the possibility of the building failing to meet end-user requirements or experiencing material degradation during the reconstruction phase.

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Building codes, particularly those related to fire safety and accessibility, pose no significant challenges for adaptive reuse projects.

Answer: False

Explanation: Building codes, especially those concerning fire safety and accessibility, frequently present significant challenges in adaptive reuse projects due to the complexities of retrofitting older structures to meet modern standards.

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What are the main categories of challenges encountered in adaptive reuse projects, according to the text?

Answer: Regulatory requirements, governance, financial aspects, management, and complexities.

Explanation: The primary categories of challenges in adaptive reuse projects encompass regulatory requirements, governance issues, financial complexities, management difficulties, and inherent uncertainties.

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Why might buildings with low floor area ratios (FAR) be unsuitable for adaptive reuse?

Answer: They offer limited potential for accommodating new uses or maximizing value.

Explanation: Buildings with low floor area ratios (FAR) may be unsuitable for adaptive reuse because they offer limited potential for accommodating new uses or maximizing economic value.

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What challenges do building codes typically present for adaptive reuse projects?

Answer: Ensuring compliance with modern codes, especially for fire safety and accessibility, can be difficult.

Explanation: Building codes, particularly those pertaining to fire safety and accessibility, often present substantial challenges for adaptive reuse projects, requiring careful negotiation and adaptation of existing structures.

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Which of the following is a potential risk associated with adaptive reuse projects?

Answer: Difficulty in finding suitable tenants or the building failing to meet end-user demands.

Explanation: A significant potential risk in adaptive reuse projects is the building's failure to meet end-user demands or experiencing material decay during the reconstruction process.

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Assessment Methodologies and Stakeholder Engagement

The four typical categories of stakeholders in adaptive reuse decision-making are developers, architects, engineers, and city planners.

Answer: False

Explanation: The typical stakeholder categories in adaptive reuse decision-making, as identified in the literature, are investors, producers, regulators, and users, reflecting a broader range of interests than just design and planning professionals.

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An adaptive reuse framework is designed to identify suitable historical buildings and balance the interests of various parties involved.

Answer: True

Explanation: An adaptive reuse framework serves to identify appropriate buildings for intervention and to harmonize the diverse interests of all involved parties, ensuring a balanced approach to decision-making.

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Shen and Langston developed a model assessing adaptive reuse potential based on a building's physical life expectancy and age.

Answer: True

Explanation: Shen and Langston's model assesses adaptive reuse potential by correlating it with a building's physical life expectancy and age, utilizing a decay function.

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The primary purpose of a Building Condition Assessment in adaptive reuse is to determine the aesthetic potential for interior design.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary purpose of a Building Condition Assessment in adaptive reuse is to evaluate the structural integrity and functionality of existing systems to ensure safety and project viability, not solely aesthetic potential.

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A neighborhood survey for adaptive reuse projects helps identify potential uses, target markets, and assess neighborhood safety and amenities.

Answer: True

Explanation: A comprehensive neighborhood survey for adaptive reuse projects is crucial for identifying potential uses and target markets, and for evaluating neighborhood characteristics such as safety, amenities, and public service availability.

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The 'ARP score' is used to assess the potential for adaptive reuse by ranking buildings based on their suitability for intervention.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'ARP score' (Adaptive Reuse Potential) is an index used to rank buildings based on their suitability for adaptive reuse, derived from a decay function related to physical life expectancy.

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What are the four typical categories of stakeholders involved in adaptive reuse decision-making?

Answer: Investors, producers, regulators, and users.

Explanation: The four typical categories of stakeholders involved in adaptive reuse decision-making are investors, producers, regulators, and users, representing diverse interests in the project's lifecycle.

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What is the primary purpose of a Building Condition Assessment in adaptive reuse methodology?

Answer: To evaluate the building's structural integrity and system functionality for safety and project success.

Explanation: The primary purpose of a Building Condition Assessment in adaptive reuse is to conduct a thorough inspection of the building's structural integrity, roofing, masonry, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to ensure safety and project feasibility.

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Notable Adaptive Reuse Projects and Case Studies

Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, opened in 1964, is recognized as the first major adaptive reuse project in the United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, operationalized in 1964, is widely acknowledged as a seminal example of major adaptive reuse projects in the United States.

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Mill conversion, a form of adaptive reuse, is particularly prevalent in the Southern United States, often resulting in commercial centers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mill conversion, a specific type of adaptive reuse, is notably prevalent in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States, frequently resulting in residential lofts or mixed-use developments.

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The Distillery District in Toronto is an example of adaptive reuse, transformed from a former distillery into a mixed-use neighborhood.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Distillery District in Toronto exemplifies adaptive reuse, having been transformed from its original function as a distillery into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.

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The Tate Modern in London is an example of adaptive reuse, converted from a former industrial warehouse into a museum.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tate Modern in London is a prominent example of adaptive reuse, converted from the former Bankside Power Station, not a generic industrial warehouse, into a major art museum.

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The Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme in Hong Kong includes the conversion of Mei Ho House into a hostel.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme in Hong Kong indeed includes the conversion of Mei Ho House, originally a public housing block, into a hostel.

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Which of the following is cited as the first major adaptive reuse project in the United States?

Answer: Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco

Explanation: Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, completed in 1964, is widely cited as the first major adaptive reuse project in the United States.

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What is 'mill conversion'?

Answer: The adaptive reuse of old mill buildings, often resulting in loft housing, prevalent in the Northeast/Midwest US.

Explanation: 'Mill conversion' denotes the adaptive reuse of former industrial mill buildings, a practice notably prevalent in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States, frequently resulting in loft housing or mixed-use developments.

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The Tate Modern in London is a prominent example of adaptive reuse in Europe, converted from what type of structure?

Answer: The former Bankside Power Station

Explanation: The Tate Modern in London is a prominent example of adaptive reuse, converted from the former Bankside Power Station into a major modern art gallery.

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Key Concepts and Theoretical Frameworks

According to Yung and Chan, adaptive reuse primarily focuses on the economic profits generated for developers, with environmental aspects being secondary.

Answer: False

Explanation: Yung and Chan's perspective suggests that while economic motivations are significant for developers, adaptive reuse also yields substantial environmental benefits, challenging the notion that environmental aspects are secondary.

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Zaitzevsky and Bunnell believe old buildings should be demolished to make way for modern structures that add character to the environment.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Zaitzevsky and Bunnell advocate for the preservation of old buildings, emphasizing their role in maintaining cultural heritage and contributing character to the urban landscape, rather than demolition.

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According to a survey by Bullen and Love, developers' primary motivations for adaptive reuse were predominantly focused on long-term sustainability goals.

Answer: False

Explanation: A survey by Bullen and Love indicated that while developers recognized the positive impact on corporate image, their primary motivations often centered on financial considerations and short-term profits, rather than exclusively long-term sustainability goals.

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The 'urban ore' concept views existing buildings as a source of raw materials, making adaptive reuse less effective than simple material recovery.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'urban ore' concept posits that existing buildings are valuable sources of raw materials, thereby positioning adaptive reuse as a highly effective strategy, often superior to simple material recovery.

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The 'urban ore' concept suggests that existing buildings nearing disuse should be viewed as:

Answer: Sources of raw materials, making adaptive reuse a highly effective solution.

Explanation: The 'urban ore' concept, proposed by Chusid, views existing buildings as a valuable source of raw materials, thereby advocating for adaptive reuse as a highly effective strategy.

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According to Zaitzevsky and Bunnell, why is the preservation of old buildings important?

Answer: They provide physical links to the past, are part of cultural heritage, and add character.

Explanation: Zaitzevsky and Bunnell emphasize the importance of preserving old buildings for their role in providing physical links to the past, serving as cultural heritage, and contributing unique character and scale to the urban environment.

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What is the 'urban ore' concept, as proposed by Chusid?

Answer: Viewing existing buildings as a source of raw materials for new projects.

Explanation: The 'urban ore' concept, proposed by Chusid, views existing buildings as a valuable source of raw materials, thereby advocating for adaptive reuse as a highly effective strategy.

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