Why We Must Change Our Attitude Toward “Old” Buildings

In his recent Fast Company article, MG2 CEO Mitch Smith explores adaptive reuse and the evolution of our approach toward older structures.

“One of the most compelling aspects of adaptive reuse is the way it engages with a community’s emotional and historical connections to its built environment. Over the years, I’ve seen that people develop deep affinities for the buildings that are part of their lives—whether because of personal memories, cultural significance, or their role in the daily rhythms of a neighborhood. However, while the emotional attachment to these buildings remains strong, their usefulness can atrophy over time. The infrastructure may age, and the original purpose of a building may no longer align with contemporary needs. In these cases, adaptive reuse becomes a bridge, a way to honor a structure’s legacy while giving it new life.”