What is an example of adaptive reuse?

Adaptive reuse refers to the process of repurposing an existing building for a use different from what it was originally designed for. This concept is significant in sustainable development as it minimizes waste and preserves resources by making use of existing structures instead of demolishing them and constructing new ones.

In the context of the question, transforming an old warehouse into apartments exemplifies adaptive reuse. This process not only revitalizes a previously unused or underutilized structure but also contributes to urban density and reduces the environmental impact associated with new construction. It preserves the embodied energy in the original building and can often lead to unique living spaces that carry historical significance.

Other options focus on construction of new developments, which do not involve the reuse of an existing building in the same transformative way that adaptive reuse does. Building a new office on agricultural land, constructing a park on an old industrial site, and creating a new shopping center all represent new projects rather than transformations of existing structures.