In 2019, Vancouver witnessed a significant moment in urban redevelopment—the demolition of the 42-storey Landmark Hotel, a concrete tower built in 1972. Once a defining feature of the downtown skyline, the building became the tallest voluntarily demolished structure in Canada, making way for two new towers.

While the demolition cleared space for new development, it also generated substantial construction waste—contributing to the broader issue of construction and demolition waste, which currently accounts for roughly 33% of global waste. This issue is a key challenge in today’s linear economy.

Simultaneously, the world faces a worsening climate crisis driven by rising temperatures and carbon emissions—over 10% of which stem from the construction industry. Much of this impact is linked to new construction and the waste it produces. In response, the architecture and construction sectors are being urged to shift towards circular economy models that reduce emissions and waste while revitalising urban environments.

In this context, the importance of adaptive reuse becomes evident. Rather than demolishing buildings entirely, adaptive reuse reimagines existing structures for new purposes—offering an alternative to the conventional design–construction model. It embraces circular economy principles by minimising waste, reducing emissions, and revitalising urban space.

Workshop Overview and Objectives

Transforming an existing building from one function to another presents exciting challenges and opportunities. In this adaptive reuse workshop, hosted by the Fast + Epp Concept Lab, the goal was to convert a 15-storey office building—constructed between 1971 and 1974 in downtown Vancouver—into a mixed-use structure featuring residential, commercial, and community spaces.

Located near the intersection of Robson and Jervis Streets, the building—originally in Toronto and used as inspiration for this exercise—is a Brutalist-style structure with a concrete core and high-quality precast cladding. Each floor spans approximately 15,000 square feet. Redevelopment goals included:

• Repurposing the tower into a mixed-use facility with 180 residential units (approx. 180,000 sq. ft.), 15,000 sq. ft. of retail space, and 5,000 sq. ft. of community space
• Creating outdoor spaces for residents above the ground level  
• Retaining and enhancing the building’s Brutalist architectural language  
• Expanding the structure to 20 storeys, based on structural feasibility  
• Integrating a “statement” architectural element that acknowledges the building’s original heritage  

Design Approaches to Adaptive Reuse

Each team developed its own approach. While all maintained the building’s structural integrity, they explored unique design solutions. Creativity and innovation, technical feasibility, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal were key evaluation criteria.

Team 1 focused on retaining the original concrete exterior and central core, which remains the building’s primary structural element. Their design introduced urban cultivation elements, such as small planters arranged on the existing grid.

They proposed crushing and reusing the existing concrete as shotcrete to preserve the façade’s texture while reducing waste. Steel reinforcements and damping devices were suggested to improve stability. This approach balanced sustainability, structural performance, and architectural preservation by repurposing materials and minimising the need for extensive upgrades.

Team 2 emphasised a minimalist intervention approach focused on enhancing the building’s connection to nature. Their design introduced “sky gardens”—green spaces located on multiple levels—to bring greenery and daylight closer to occupants.

The team proposed vertically splitting the building to give all users easy access to outdoor areas. With gardens on every level or every other level, access to light and nature would be seamless throughout. They recommended removing the heavy precast concrete elements while maintaining a visual nod to the building’s Brutalist roots, using lighter materials to reinterpret the style. A sculptural “hat” inspired by the original cut-out forms served as a statement feature, tying new elements to the building’s heritage.   

Team 3 proposed upgrading the existing precast concrete elements to meet modern thermal performance standards.

Instead of altering the building’s core, they suggested carefully removing and refining the cladding to meet current energy codes while preserving the building’s identity. The design included core reinforcements and the strategic addition of steel elements to support the expanded structure.

Team 4 tackled the challenge of converting a commercial office tower into a liveable residential environment. A major challenge was the building’s structural grid, which limited natural light and flexibility. Their solution preserved the Brutalist façade but introduced a second skin around the middle portion of the structure, transitioning into a contemporary façade and culminating in a Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) mass at the top.

This would improve thermal performance while maintaining a visual link to the building’s history. The proposal also included rooftop and elevated gardens to give residents access to green spaces above ground level. A mezzanine-level retail space was proposed, housing the residential lobby and allowing for adaptable, mixed-use potential. Structural updates, including the replacement of heavy concrete toppings with lighter residential floor systems, would support future expansion and improve flexibility.

As urban populations grow and sustainability becomes increasingly urgent, adaptive reuse stands out as a necessary strategy. Not only does it reduce the environmental footprint of new construction by cutting down on waste and carbon emissions, but it also delivers substantial economic and social benefits.

By extending the life of durable materials such as concrete and steel, adaptive reuse lowers demand for new resources, reduces infrastructure costs, and improves community accessibility. It also enables phased renovations, allowing buildings to remain functional during upgrades—especially important for civic institutions and essential services.

Beyond the practical benefits, adaptive reuse also preserves a community’s cultural heritage, blending the past with the present in a way that fosters a deeper connection to history.

This workshop was organized as part of Diamond Schmitt’s broader learning and development program, Diamond Schmitt University (DSU).