Adaptive Reuse Playbook: Turning Obsolescence into Value By: Shahbaz Ghafoori Buildings and structures often outlive their original purpose. Adaptive reuse transforms this obsolescence into value—preserving embodied energy, maintaining cultural resonance, and giving new life to underused or abandoned assets. As land becomes scarcer and sustainability imperatives tighten, the adaptive reuse playbook offers methods to breathe new life into existing built fabric using creative design, community engagement, and strategic policy support. Why Adaptive Reuse Matters Demolition involves waste—both material and cultural—and significant carbon emissions. Reuse mitigates these impacts by retaining structural shells, architectural elements, and site history. Projects like old factories turned into galleries or warehouses into mixed-use housing exemplify how adaptive reuse can preserve memory, generate social value, and reduce environmental cost. Reuse is not a fallback...
Wellness in Interiors: Circadian Lighting & IAQ as Design Drivers By: Shahbaz Ghafoori Interior design has evolved beyond aesthetics and functionality to prioritize health and well-being. Circadian lighting systems and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) strategies are now central to creating spaces that support human physiology and cognitive performance. As our lifestyles demand longer hours indoors, these environmental factors are no longer optional—they are fundamental to quality of life. Circadian Lighting: Aligning Interiors with Human Biology Circadian lighting aims to mimic the natural progression of sunlight throughout the day, helping to regulate the body’s internal clock. Exposure to daylight or lighting that simulates daylight in the morning improves alertness, mood, and productivity, while warm, dim lighting in the evening supports melatonin production and restful sleep. By integrating tunable LED systems and daylight sensors, designers can create interior...