Adaptive re-use: The architecture of re-purposing existing objects

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of homelessness and affordable housing and how students can become involved in this international and national problem within their studio and laboratory courses. It also addresses sustainability and, in particular, the repurposing of existing objects that has recently gained popular attention in the design community with projects involving shipping containers and other existing or found objects as innovative options for living and work environments. Specifically, this article delves into the reuse and design of aging trains to develop housing and work environments in a specific community. This paper examines this topic within the framework of the literature that speaks to repurposing and adaptive re-use in the design field and places this project within the continuum of that context, meanwhile exploring the question of how to develop a suitable proof of concept that can leverage this into a studio or capstone project as well as a community-based learning experience. Conclusions and an assessment of the value of this approach to solving the above noted problems will be reached based upon these various sources. Also of unique consideration is an examination of the value of student service-learning assistants that can be used to jump start these projects. Students in these positions are exposed to learning about the value of service and community engagement and a rich data source of these students will be tapped to examine the value of these assistants in this context. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2013.