The Art and Impact of Adaptive Reuse in Landscape Architecture

The way we approach reuse of materials is paving the way for the future in landscape architecture and construction.

Written By

Kira Becker, ASLA, Associate Landscape Designer | Los Angeles

Adaptive reuse is a concept that’s been generating a lot of buzz in the field of architecture. At its core, it involves repurposing an existing building for a new use different from its original design. This is by no means a new concept, but it has become a hot topic in recent years as office-to-residential conversions are on the rise. The concept is a natural part of a building’s lifecycle. As the world evolves, our buildings must evolve with it.

As someone who works in the realm of landscape architecture, I hear my fellow architects and developers having conversations about adaptive reuse and I can’t help but put my own frame around it. I often wonder how we can apply this concept more broadly to landscape design. It is rare, and maybe even nonexistent, that we work on a project with a clean slate. There is always a pre-existing site with a history and a plethora of materials that were previously installed. Demolishing these materials without considering their potential for reuse is not only wasteful but also overlooks their inherent value.

Repurposing materials is crucial for several reasons. At the forefront is the devastating volume of waste generated by construction and demolition, known as C&D waste. In 2018, the EPA estimated that the US alone produced 600 million tons of C&D waste*. Rather than sending demolished concrete, brick, furniture, and trees straight to landfill, we as designers and builders should explore ways to give these materials a new life.

These materials come from the earth’s natural resources. The construction industry alone uses approximately a third of the world’s extracted natural resources**. It seems counterproductive to discard old materials only to extract new ones from the earth to replace them. Instead of adhering to a linear “take, make, waste” model, we should adopt a circular economy approach, which emphasizes keeping things in use as long as possible and maximizing their value.

Adopting adaptive reuse in the landscape not only supports sustainability but also fosters the creation of contextually rich and dynamic spaces. Incorporating historical and pre-existing elements into the design of new projects can add significant meaning and depth, unlike starting from scratch, which often results in context-less and superficial spaces.

Original monument signage and large panels of corrugated metal from pre-existing mechanic shop to be used in McCullough’s Hawley Lofts project.

Existing large compressor tanks repurposed as benches and planters at Hawley Lofts.

To determine which materials to retain, it is crucial to spend time on-site, gathering insights from existing conditions. Prior to making any decisions, designers should evaluate all the existing materials and their potential for reuse. This process of observation can spark creativity and reveal the value of existing materials. For example, concrete paving could be repurposed into a bench, a fallen tree could become a dining table, a brick wall might be transformed into a series of steppers in the landscape.

Railroad ties repurposed as steppers and a planter make it feel like these materials have always been here on McCullough’s Oberlin project.

A pre-existing wall has been repurposed to be a bench by the simple yet elegant addition of a wood topper. (Oberlin project) 

Despite the benefits, many stakeholders are hesitant to adopt this approach due to perceived complexities, costs, and time requirements. Finding collaborators who share a commitment to sustainability and creativity is key to achieving success using a reuse approach on a project. At McCullough, we’ve been fortunate to work with many clients who are open to innovative, sustainable solutions. We also draw inspiration from firms that inventively pursue circular construction.

A prime example is Angel City Lumber (ACL), a Los Angeles based company that salvages fallen trees and transforms them into furniture, art, or whatever your heart desires. Their concept of a “lifecycle project” - where trees removed on-site are repurposed for lumber requirements on the same site – is particularly compelling. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with ACL’s Brady Zaitoon, who has been with the company since its early days. I call Brady whenever trees need to be removed on a project to salvage the lumber and we brainstorm ways to give this wood a new life. We recently discussed the challenges and successes of incorporating reuse in landscapes. Brady emphasized that tight construction deadlines can sometimes sideline sustainable methods. However, he has found engaging in early discussions with forward-thinking collaborators can lead to great success.

Another notable collaboration is with developer Redcar, renowned for their innovative approach to adaptive reuse in architecture. Redcar’s work includes transforming old unused warehouses into vibrant commercial and office spaces. One of our joint projects reimagines an abandoned warehouse into an atrium featuring a specimen tree that grows towards existing skylights.

McCullough and Redcar collaborated with architect ERAS to dream up what a warehouse turned atrium could be in an upcoming project on Sunset Blvd.

Additionally, there are companies, like Re-Use Consulting, that focus on smart deconstruction to maximize material reuse and recycling. Re-Use offers deconstruction services and operates a warehouse where recycled materials, such as lumber and brick, are stored and sold. Their approach highlights how systematic efforts can make adaptive reuse more feasible.

While reuse and recycling of materials on projects can come with its challenges, there are ways to minimize complexity and achieve success. This involves early engagement and close collaboration with key stakeholders, adequate training and prototyping, and creating a shared vision that aligns with project goals. Developing detailed construction methodologies and prototypes is also a critical part of the process. However, designers must be prepared to adapt their initial visions to accommodate the unique characteristics of recycled materials.

By embracing adaptive reuse and circular economy principles, we can create more sustainable and meaningful spaces that enrich both our environment and our communities. I encourage my fellow landscape architects, designers, and contractors to question the status quo with each new project. Look at the pre-existing site as a resource full of potential and inherent value. Tapping into this resource can lead to truly rewarding results.

* https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and- recycling/construction-and-demolition-debris-material

** https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8745857/#B1-%20materials-15-00076