Adaptive reuse of modern movement car parking structures for controlled environment agriculture: Results from an interview study for the innovative design process in cities

Abstract

Adaptive reuse is an increasingly important part of sustainable urban regeneration. However, up-cycling a building whose architectural features are strongly connected to its original function and new use is perceived as an innovation in cities is challenging due to stakeholders' perceived uncertainties and risks. This article explores and assesses the stakeholders' knowledge and perceptions of repurposing inner-city modern movement car parking structures for controlled environment agriculture (CEA). For this purpose, 15 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders were conducted and analysed. The methodology allowed addressing the design approaches at the initial stage of the proposed adaptive reuse through defining the planning, architectural and environmental criteria that the process should meet in order to increase the acceptance and viability of such an innovative change in cities. The results show that the planning phase should explore planning documents and analyse how the opportunities and limitations of such retrofit may influence meeting the city's objectives. In the architectural phase, a modern movement garage should be analysed through identified opportunities or limitations to define modifications required for the implementation and efficient operation of CEA installations and associated facilities. The environmental phase should investigate the possibilities and constraints of a car parking structure to reduce the use of urban resources and implement sustainable technologies that increase the retrofit's environmental viability. The findings indicate that the planning, architectural and environmental categories are interrelated. It is recommended to include the developed data in a guiding tool that would constitute a viable foundation for the proposed innovative up-cycling design management. • Explores the stakeholders' knowledge on repurposing inner-city modern movement car parking structures for urban agriculture. • Reviews limitations and opportunities for the adaptive reuse of multi-storey garages for controlled environment agriculture. • Analysis 15 semi-structured interviews conducted with stakeholders. • Determines the criteria for the viable design scenario for the proposed up-cycling. • Highlights the role of research for developing innovative architectural design practices in cities.