Investigation of AEC/FM practices in adaptive reuse projects

Abstract

PurposeThis paper investigates the current practices of adaptive reuse projects, within the context of architecture, engineering, construction and facilities management (ACE/FM) industries.Design/methodology/approachA mixed research methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, was followed. Literature review was performed to comprehend various aspects pertaining to building adaptive reuse. Three questionnaire surveys were administered on 90 AEC/FM practitioners, to investigate the current practices of adaptive reuse projects in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire surveys were directed to 30 architects/engineers (A/Es), 30 contractors and 30 facilities managers, respectively, through face-to-face interviews. The qualitative and quantitative findings of each questionnaire survey were analyzed. Recommendations were proposed for each of the professional domains, to enhance the overall AEC/FM performance in future adaptive reuse projects.FindingsThe findings pointed out the necessity of accurately planning and designing the adaptive reuse in accordance with the spatial, technical, legislative, economic and functional considerations. The findings revealed the significance of contractors' role in conducting effective supervision over the managerial and technical processes during the implementation of the change of use. It also indicated the importance of the facilities managers' role in performing all daily operational activities, to maintain satisfactory performance of the adaptively reused buildings.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the relevant literature to the building adaptation, through investigating the perspectives of AEC/FM practitioners on adaptive reuse projects. The findings would enable AEC/FM practitioners to improve their professional practices in future adaptive reuse projects, in an integrated manner.

AEC/FM performance in adaptive reuse projects: investigation of challenges and development of practical guidelines

“…First, the authors reviewed the role of AEC/FM practitioners in the built environment with an indication of the contribution of integrating the three professions in building projects (Camposano and Smolander, 2019; Deng et al , 2021; Zeb and Froese, 2011; Zhang et al , 2022). In addition, the authors also concluded with a reflection on the necessity of such an integration in adaptive reuse projects, as these projects undergo new life cycle and complex processes (Hamida and Hassanain, 2022a, 2022b).…”

“…As adaptive reuse projects undergo a new life cycle, AEC/FM processes will be practiced as a typical building project (Hamida and Hassanain, 2022b). Hence, integrating the AEC/ FM domains contributes to the effective implementation of these projects as well as the mitigation of potential challenges that may hinder the performance of each profession (Hamida and Hassanain, 2022a).…”

“…These parties are mainly actors of the architecture, engineering, construction and facilities management (AEC/FM) industries (Hamida et al , 2022). Several challenges may impact upon the performance of the AEC/FM in adaptive reuse projects (Hamida and Hassanain, 2022b). The review of the relevant literature revealed the fragmented investigations on the AEC/FM performance in these projects, including the potential challenges, during the design (Kurul, 2007; Yaldiz and Asatekin, 2013), construction (Danso et al , 2015; Hein and Houck, 2008) and the operation and maintenance (O&M) phases (Al-obaidi et al , 2017; Günçe and Misirlisoy, 2019; Hamida and Hassanain, 2022a).…”