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Please note submissions are ONLY charged if selected for inclusion as part of the report
Adaptive Reuse
Submissions
NLA seeks standout transformations of commercial spaces, including workplaces, retail, hospitality, cultural, and social infrastructure facilities that address the evolving demands of cities. We call for projects showcasing an exemplary repurposing of existing buildings for flexible future uses.
We are looking for the adaptation, reuse and retrofit of commercial buildings exemplifying flexible design principles to breathe new life into a building. Submissions are open internationally with projects and case studies accepted from across the globe.
We are looking for the adaptation, reuse and retrofit of commercial buildings exemplifying flexible design principles to breathe new life into a building. Submissions are open internationally with projects and case studies accepted from across the globe.
Eligible projects will have gone through a change of use, a significant refurbishment or retrofit and demonstrate exemplary approaches to adaptive reuse, reducing environmental impact and revitalising neighbourhoods.
Your project will contribute to the betterment of London's built environment for generations to come, supporting the evolving needs of people and places and helping London work towards its net-zero goals. As the world looks towards shifting environmental goals, retrofit projects are crucial in environment-first thinking. Your project could help propel London into the future as you join our member showcase. These projects are featured in our online directory as well as communications and events for the Adaptive Reuse campaign, alongside social media spotlights.
Submissions Deadline: Friday 21 March, 12pm
NEED HELP? To submit projects, you must use the online form. If you need assistance with your submission or have any queries, please contact our team at info@nla.london.
Your project will contribute to the betterment of London's built environment for generations to come, supporting the evolving needs of people and places and helping London work towards its net-zero goals. As the world looks towards shifting environmental goals, retrofit projects are crucial in environment-first thinking. Your project could help propel London into the future as you join our member showcase. These projects are featured in our online directory as well as communications and events for the Adaptive Reuse campaign, alongside social media spotlights.
Submissions Deadline: Friday 21 March, 12pm
NEED HELP? To submit projects, you must use the online form. If you need assistance with your submission or have any queries, please contact our team at info@nla.london.
Eligibility
- Timeframe: any building designed and/or built for the 2022 to June 2025 timeframe can be submitted. Buildings can be at all stages of delivery from design and planning, to under-construction and completed
- Location: London, the UK, and global cities
- Type: adaptive reuse and retrofit of existing commercial buildings, including workplaces, retail, hospitality, cultural, and social infrastructure facilities
- Permission: submitters must secure proper permissions from the client prior to submission. There is no limit to the number of submissions from any one company. Submitters are encouraged to consult with other team members before submitting to avoid duplicate entries.
Entrants agree that NLA is granted non-exclusive reproduction rights to all successful submissions for NLA’s advertising, promotion, publication and online purposes directly related to the Adaptive Reuse research. Entrants must have permission from the photographer for the reproduction of all imagery for use relating to these purposes.
Submission Costs
Payment will only be required for successful submissions. Within six weeks of the closing date, NLA will confirm whether your submission has been selected. On confirmation that your submission has been selected, NLA will invite you to make the payments by invoice, issued to New London Architecture Ltd. Payment terms are strictly 14 days from invoice date.
NLA members, charities and not-for-profit organisations are entitled to submit projects for free.
Project Submissions
Brief overview of the project with a key image and listed in connection to the research in our permanent online directory.
NLA members – Free
Non-members (full price) - £295+VAT
Case Study Submissions
Case studies have an enhanced feature on the website with additional text, quotes and images.
They are also featured in the digital version of the report, shared with our 30,000+ network in New London Weekly, individually posted on social media, and showcased in our permanent online directory.
- Champions – 2 free case studies
- Partner members – £1,350+VAT
- Standard members – £1,575+VAT
- Non-members (full price) – £1,750+VAT
Additional Case Study projects thereafter
- Partner members – £500+VAT
- Standard business members – £750+VAT
- Non-members (full price) – £900+VAT
Please note submissions are ONLY charged if selected for inclusion as part of the report
How to Enter
- If your company is a member, be sure you are attached to the company team to make use of the Business Member discount, see how here.
- List your project - As part of our new online project directory, the first step is to list the basic information of your project. This can then be automatically applied for all future submissions.
- Submit research relevant information- Using your listed project, supply additional information as required for this study. Fields include additional description and a selection of images.
Submissions Deadline: Friday 21 March, 12pm
NEED HELP? To submit projects, you must use the online form. If you need assistance with your submission or have any queries, please contact our team at info@nla.london
NEED HELP? To submit projects, you must use the online form. If you need assistance with your submission or have any queries, please contact our team at info@nla.london
The Research
NLA is exploring the adaptive reuse and retrofit of existing building stock to meet the evolving needs of places and people. With 23% of operational carbon emissions stemming from non-domestic buildings, retrofitting offers a sustainable alternative to new builds. As cities around the world aim for net zero, retrofit projects are key to reducing carbon footprints, with 70% of UK non-residential stock predating 2000. However, challenges remain, such as balancing operational and embodied carbon, addressing the VAT discrepancy between new builds and retrofits, and securing financing.
NLA seeks examples from recent years, both locally and internationally, where adaptive reuse has breathed new life into existing buildings.
Research questions
· How are commercial buildings being repurposed today and what can we learn from them?
· What factors contribute to a successful retrofit, considering sustainability, functionality, and design?
· What are the main barriers to adaptive reuse, including regulatory, financial, technical and cultural challenges?
· How should cost and investment in retrofitting be effectively managed?
· How can environmental priorities, such as carbon reduction and energy efficiency, be balanced in these projects?
· How can retrofit integrate seamlessly into existing neighbourhoods?
· What strategies are required to adapt heritage assets while preserving their historical value?
New London Agenda
The New London Agenda is our framework for best practice in city-making — taken from 18 years of experience in London, and with direct contributions from over 400 people across public, private and charitable sectors.
The New London Agenda has been guided by the New London Sounding Board, with oversight from the NLA’s Senior Advisors Sadie Morgan, Greg Clark and Robert Gordon Clark, and with contributions from the following NLA Committees and Panels, encompassing some 400+ individuals.
To read the full Agenda click here.
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