Heritage Conservation I

ARC1137
Poblete, Oscar Renuel, M.
2019132622
Ar. Lorelei de Viana

Adaptive Reuse of Kyungdong Theater

Adaptive reuse is the practice of reusing an existing structure for a different function
from the one for which it was built or designed. It is sometimes referred to as conversion and
recycling. Adaptive reuse is a successful method for raising old constructed assets' operational
again while also financially thriving from adaptive reuse.
Although adaptive reuse is not limited to preserving old structures by turning them into
commercial spaces, this has been a common practice for conservators and building
administrations. The administration and conservators often transform them into commercial
space to aid in raising fundings for future maintenance and preservation of the structure since
conservation is highly expensive.
An example of an adaptive reuse project is Kyungdong 1960, Starbucks Korea’s fifth
community store. The new store pays tribute to the old Kyungdong Theater, originally built in
the 1960’s, that has been closed since 1994. The theater was previously a beloved location as a
community hub.
Starbucks Korea pays homage by preserving the architecturals and existing materials of
the old theater, modified with a touch of retro and modern design elements, bringing together the
nostalgic ambience of the 1960s. Regularly, customers can enjoy a cultural and musical
performance in the store while sitting comfortably on their seats. This type of adaptive reuse
stayed true not only to the architecturals but also to the function of the space.