What is meant by the term "adaptive reuse" in building design?

Adaptive reuse refers to the practice of taking an existing building or structure and repurposing it for a different use than it was originally intended for. This can involve changes to the building's interior and exterior design, systems, and infrastructure to accommodate the new use. The goal of adaptive reuse is to preserve historic or culturally significant buildings while also making them functional and relevant to current needs or desires. Examples of adaptive reuse projects include converting an old factory into loft apartments, transforming a church into a restaurant, or repurposing a warehouse into office space.

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