Historical Drivers and Impacts of Adaptive Reuse of Buildings in South Africa

The construction sector exerts pressure on natural resources, contributing to resource depletion. With a projected increase in the South African housing market, sustainable solutions to housing delivery become crucial. The housing sector is responsible for approximately 40% of global energy consumption and nearly 30% of total carbon emissions, posing a critical challenge to sustainable development efforts worldwide. As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for new housing and infrastructure intensifies, further exacerbating the strain on natural resources and the environment. Housing scarcity and the need to address inequalities demand innovative strategies for sustainable housing delivery. Initiatives like the adaptive reuse (AR) of buildings aim to reduce the environmental impacts of construction activities. Therefore, the study examined the historical application of AR to identify the driving factors and impacts in South Africa's housing landscape. Through a case study approach utilising secondary data analysis, the research examines the historical application of AR in South Africa to identify its driving factors and impacts. Secondary data was systematically analysed through thematic content analysis to interpret the factors influencing AR. Key findings indicate that the drivers for AR include, revitalisation, economic development, environmental sustainability, and the need to address social inequalities and urban decay. The impacts of building reuse were found to include the preservation of cultural heritage, and revitalisation of the built environment, increased neighbourhood cohesion, and sustainable development. The study concludes that adaptive reuse of existing buildings presents a viable and practical solution for sustainable housing delivery in South Africa.