C. William Brubaker

Bio: C. William Brubaker is an academic researcher. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 8 citations.

Adaptive reuse as a strategy towards conservation of cultural heritage: a literature review

Abstract: The paper presents a survey of scholarly literature on the subject of adaptive reuse within the discipline of heritage conservation and architecture. The different theories are compared and classified according to their approach towards adaptive reuse. Three main approaches can be distinguished: typological, technical and architectural strategies. Each approach is discussed separately and an overview of relevant literature is presented in a schematic way. To conclude, we indicate four important gaps in existing theories on adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

Facilitating brownfields transactions using Triad and environmental insurance

Abstract: hindrance to reuse of Brownfield properties is the risk associated with redevelopment, specifically the uncertainty associated with environmental cleanup. This paper explores an approach to managing environmental risk through a combination of risk quantification, environmental insurance and the Triad Approach to site sampling and data interpretation. Using the Marsh Peer Review SM risk quantification process that employs statistical techniques and highly experienced technical staff the expected costs of environmental liabilities are estimated. The outputs of the process indicate premiums and attachment points for insurance products, but they also point to "critical uncertainties" that drive the insurance premiums. Insurance premiums are often linked to site delineation deficiencies, such as the magnitude of impacted soil or the size of a groundwater plume. The Triad Approach is an integrated site characterization process developed by the Environmental Protection Agency that combines systematic planning, dynamic or adaptive field decision-making and field analytical methods (FAMs). The real time data produced by FAMs allow for in-field resolution of uncertainty about sample location, which in turn provides more representative delineation of contaminant distribution. The trade-off of using slightly less accurate but substantially lower cost FAMs, is an increase in sampling frequency or density thereby reducing the risk of incomplete detection or delineation while yielding a "data set" that is more powerful than fewer individual data points analyzed through traditional methods. Employing the Triad approach to analyze the "critical uncertainties" identified in the Peer Review Process can impact insurance premiums and allow for better terms of coverage. The combination of using the Triad Approach and environmental insurance products can lead to more predictable and profitable Brownfield transactions.

Energy efficiency for sustainable reuse of public heritage buildings: the case for research

Abstract: There is a wide consensus that buildings, as major energy consumers and sources of greenhouse gas emissions must play an important role in mitigating climate change. This has led to increasing concern and greater demand to improve energy effi ciency in buildings. Although, there has been increased efforts to reduce energy consumption from existing building stock; the heritage sector still needs to accelerate its efforts to improve energy effi ciency and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Presently, much concentration has been on improving the energy effi ciency of heritage buildings in the domestic sector while, the non-domestic sector has only received little attention. In particular, studies focusing on reuse and adaptation of heritage buildings for public use to achieve more effi cient use of energy are urgently required. The main focus of this paper is the need for research into sustainable reuse of public heritage buildings with reference to maximising energy effi ciency in the process of considering their conversion to other uses. The paper presents part of a broader on-going research with the aim to investigate problems associated with maximising energy effi ciency in reuse and conversion of public heritage buildings. It identifi es the ability of heritage buildings to play a role in global reduction of energy use and CO 2 emission whilst maintaining its unique characteristics. Issues and challenges associated to improving energy effi ciency in heritage building conversion projects were discussed. Holistic approach through identifi cation of various options and innovative techniques for their sustainable reuse were suggested. The paper concluded that in spite of the exemption of listed buildings from energy performance requirements, these buildings can still accommodate some energy effi ciency improvements. However, further studies to identify the most suitable options for long term sustainability is required if the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 is to be achieved.

Les ambiances patrimoniales au sein des opérations de reconversion des édifices de la Médina de Tunis

Abstract: Le travail de recherche actuel se propose d’etudier l’evolution des ambiances dans les espaces reconvertis de la medina de Tunis, durant la periode s’etalant entre la deuxieme moitie du 19e siecle et le debut du 21e siecle. Ayant connu differentes mutations tout au long de cette periode aussi bien sur les plans politique, social et urbain, engendrant ainsi une reconsideration permanente de son statut, l’espace de la medina de Tunis constitue de nos jours le centre historique de la capitale, et connait par ailleurs des travaux de sauvegarde et de rehabilitation permanents axes notamment sur la reconversion architecturale. Cette reaffectation des lieux pour de nouveaux usages –pratique qui perdure depuis plusieurs siecles- met en avant la problematique du vecu sensoriel dans les edifices historiques, ou la reaffectation des lieux engendre de nouvelles manieres de vivre tres significatives en matiere d’atmospheres. Ainsi, la premiere partie de notre travail s’est axee sur l’etude theorique des operations de reconversion architecturale, non seulement dans leur aspect legislatif, historique, technique et esthetique, mais surtout en considerant leur aspect ambiantal. Cette investigation, appuyee par une etude approfondie de la notion d’Ambiance, a permis d’ailleurs la mise au point d’un modele theorique permettant l’evaluation des operations de reconversion etudiees, notamment du point de vue du vecu sensible. Le recours a des techniques de recherche appropriees telles que l’analyse de contenu thematique, l’entretien semi-directif, et le questionnaire, ainsi que l’application du modele theorique en question, ont permis l’evaluation de trois operations de reconversion representatives dans la medina de Tunis. Les resultats obtenus suite a l’enquete menee ont permis d’elaborer un certain nombre de conclusions et de recommandations relatives au traitement des ambiances dans les operations de reconversion architecturale, particulierement dans le contexte patrimonial, aussi bien en amont qu’en aval des projets en question.