Adapt! - Designing New Lives for Old Buildings

Adapt: Designing New Lives for Old Buildings by Hannah Lewi and Cameron Logan explores how adaptive reuse and sustainable architecture can transform historic and existing buildings into contemporary spaces. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the book examines how informed conservation and thoughtful reuse can reduce construction emissions, preserve cultural heritage, and create more resilient, socially connected urban environments.

Drawing on extensive research and firsthand insights from leading architects and heritage professionals, Adapt reveals the practical challenges, design strategies, and specialist knowledge involved in working with existing buildings. The authors explore how architects balance historical character, contemporary needs, construction realities, and sustainability when giving old buildings new lives.

Richly illustrated with case studies of innovative adaptive reuse projects from the past decade, the book also features essays by leading experts in the field. An essential resource and inspiring reference for architects, architecture students, designers, heritage professionals, and anyone interested in sustainable architecture, historic buildings, conservation, and adaptive reuse.