Adaptive Reuse of Urban Structures as a Driver of Sustainable Development Goals: A Systematic Literature Review

Monika Szopińska-Mularz (), Anna Prokop, Milena Wikiera, Wiktoria Bukowy, Fredrik Forsman and Sol Vikström
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Monika Szopińska-Mularz: Department of Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, The Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, Rzeszów University of Technology, 35-084 Rzeszów, Poland
Anna Prokop: Department of Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, The Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, Rzeszów University of Technology, 35-084 Rzeszów, Poland
Milena Wikiera: Department of Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, The Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, Rzeszów University of Technology, 35-084 Rzeszów, Poland
Wiktoria Bukowy: Department of Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, The Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, Rzeszów University of Technology, 35-084 Rzeszów, Poland
Fredrik Forsman: Swedish Industrial Design Foundation, Svensksundsvagen 13, 111 49 Stockholm, Sweden
Sol Vikström: Swedish Industrial Design Foundation, Svensksundsvagen 13, 111 49 Stockholm, Sweden

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-28

Abstract: The adaptive reuse of urban structures is gaining significant attention due to its multiple benefits for sustainable urban development. Current research on repurposing initiatives provides valuable insights that can guide these practices from a research-based perspective. This paper aims to systematically review the existing literature on the adaptive reuse of buildings to develop a framework that outlines studies and findings on how repurposing practices contribute to specific sustainable development goals and their targets. The systematic literature review focuses on research published from 2018 to the end of 2024, serving as the foundation for this framework. The findings indicate that repurposing projects can make direct contributions to nine sustainable development goals. The strongest impacts were identified in relation to goals 4, 11, and 17. For goal 4, repurposing projects serve as valuable case studies, demonstrating how existing architecture can function as an asset that benefits urban sustainability. Concerning goal 11, the literature emphasises the importance of inclusivity in decision making throughout various stages of adaptive reuse and highlights the protection of unique architectural features as a strategy to enhance social capital and provide cultural and economic improvements. Adaptive reuse supports goal 17 by fostering public–private partnerships and encouraging transparent policy communication, which aids the development of new policies focused on sustainability. The results can assist urban planners, architects, and developers in making research-based decisions regarding underutilised buildings in urban contexts.

Keywords: adaptive reuse; sustainable development goals; systematic literature review; urban sustainability; framework; research-based design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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