A novel method for early-stage evaluation of adaptive reuse potential through functional division matching

The building sector accounts for a significant portion of global final energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating the need to find low-carbon alternatives to new construction. Adaptive reuse offers a sustainable alternative to new construction, yet early-stage assessments of reuse potential often rely on surface-level metrics, failing to consider a building's internal spatial logic. This paper presents a novel method for evaluating adaptive reuse potential by comparing functional divisions – operationally linked clusters of rooms – across existing and proposed building functions. The method was developed in close collaboration with industry
stakeholders to ensure practical relevance and applicability in real project contexts. It proceeds through four steps: comparing spatial requirements, identifying adjacency relationships, grouping rooms into functional divisions, and comparing these across programmes. It enables structured, early-stage screening of spatial compatibility before design development. The method was tested through a workshop on the potential conversion of a pre-school to an elderly
care facility. The case demonstrated how spatial mismatches and economic infeasibility, such as insufficient living units for operational viability, can be identified early, avoiding costly redesigns. The method also supports reversible planning by highlighting flexible spatial nodes and fostering long-term adaptability.