Swan & Maclaren Group Sponsored a Panel Discussion on Adaptive Reuse at International Built Environment Week (IBEW)

At International Built Environment Week (IBEW), Swan & Maclaren Group sponsored the panel discussion “Adaptive Reuse: Is It Worth It?”  We sincerely thank our fellow panelists: Kabi Subramaniam, Ar. Pauline Ang, Ar. Huey Jiun Tan, and Nan Chyuan Tiah, for their insightful contributions to the conversation on sustainable urban development and the future of adaptive reuse in the built environment.

One of the key points raised by our director, Yeong Kang K. was the essential mindset shift needed for successful adaptive reuse projects. Embracing adaptive reuse requires a fundamental change in how we view existing buildings—not merely as outdated structures but as opportunities for innovation and sustainability. This shift involves aligning stakeholders’ perspectives and performing due diligence to address complex, multidisciplinary challenges.

By fostering a collaborative mindset and integrating diverse expertise, we can overcome the obstacles of retrofitting and develop solutions that breathe new life into older buildings, enhancing their value and functionality for the future. Notably, Kabi Subramaniam, Asset Management and Building Retrofit Lead at Arup highlighted the importance of data collection to assess the feasibility of retrofitting older buildings.

Photo Credit: IBEW