A second life for old buildings
When an old factory or warehouse is no longer needed, demolition may seem like the simplest solution. However, architects are increasingly finding ways to give such buildings a new purpose. Converting an existing structure can (1) ________ in less waste than knocking it down and starting again. It may also (2) ________ a town preserve part of its history while creating useful modern space. Designers often have to work (3) ________ strict limits because walls, windows and supporting columns cannot always be moved. Rather than treating these features as a problem, successful projects make (4) ________ of them. Old industrial buildings can be particularly well (5) ________ to uses such as studios, markets or libraries because they often contain large open rooms. Even so, every project needs to be considered on its own (6) ________. Some structures are simply too damaged to save. Where conversion is possible, supporters argue that it can bring empty areas back to (7) ________ and help local people develop a stronger sense of (8) ________ with their surroundings.