Adaptive Reuse of UIC’s Former Chemical Engineering Building
Team Members Heading link
- Moshe Carron
- Garrett Ott
- Mateusz Pec
Advisors: Dr. Didem Ozevin; William Loftus
Project Description Heading link
Adaptive reuse is the process of rehabilitating an existing building to serve a purpose other than was originally intended. Studies have shown that the construction industry alone contributes to approximately 20% of all air pollution and 40% of all drinking water pollution. Ever-growing concerns relating to the impact the construction industry on the environment have prompted designers and developers to step outside of the box with their ideas. Additional studies conducted by Asseffa and Ambler indicate that structural repurposing may significantly reduce the carbon emissions as compared to new build projects. Unfortunately, because of the nature of the design style, each project carries vastly different challenges, both economics-related and engineering-related. With this in mind, this senior design project will focus specifically on a case study addressing the challenges related to a structural repurposing of UIC’s vacant chemical engineering building. Through the use of structural member testing and repair, as well as sustainable material sourcing, this project aims to create a path for other engineers to follow in order to reduce the impact our industry leaves on the environment.