50 Buildings Repurposed In Such Cool Ways, We Just Had To Share Them With You (New Pics)

The cool thing aboutarchitectureis that what you see isn’t always what you get. That bank over there? It’s actually a coffee shop. That old cement factory? Now it’s full of office workers. And those swimmers and skaters heading to those churches over there aren’t really going to mass. Welcome to the wonderful world of adaptive reuse!Our team atBored Pandahas collected some of the most creative and impressive photos ofbuildingsbeing repurposed for something entirely different. It’s probably not something the original architects intended, but it sure works. Scroll down for some awesome pics and a huge dose of inspiration.We wanted to learn more about the advantages of repurposing buildings, so we reached out to designerDanish Kurani, the founder of the design firm ‘Kurani.’ He was kind enough to shed some light on the topic and even shared some examples of his work focusing on adaptive reuse.This post may includeaffiliate links.Bored Panda asked designerKuraniabout some of the main upsides of adaptive reuse. “Repurposing buildings offers several advantages. First, it’s environmentally friendly. Construction accounts for about 11% of global carbon emissions, so renovating existing structures instead of building new ones reduces our carbon footprint. It requires less energy, fewer materials, and produces less waste,” explained the founder of ‘Kurani,’ a social impact-driven design firm that creates educational, cultural, and community spaces.Moreover, repurposing buildings and structures is a more efficient way to use space, according toKurani. “In society, we often underutilize existing buildings: our homes are empty while we’re at work, and our offices are empty when we’re home. Repurposing buildings maximizes the potential of our most underutilized structures.“RELATED:Furthermore, there’s the potential to revitalize neighborhoods. “Adapting an old building can transform an unattractive area into a vibrant, useful place for the community,“Kuranisaid.Sharing a couple of great examples of his work with Bored Panda, Kurani said, “I’m a big believer in reusing buildings, and recently built alearning lab for children in a retail storefrontand transformed a former industrial warehouse into arehabilitation center for incarcerated men.“If you want to be all fancy and impress your friends at your next dinner party, the technical term for repurposing buildings and using spaces for needs other than they were originally intended is ‘adaptive reuse.’The practice is also known as ‘recycling’ and ‘conversion,’ and it is offered as an alternative to new construction for the sake of better sustainability, urban regeneration, and creating a circular economy. Think of it this way: if you can change the purpose of a single room in your home, why not apply that same logic to an entire building or structure?Real estate andinfrastructureare expensive to build and maintain, so it’s economical to be flexible in how we view various spaces. Objectively speaking, at their core, buildings are just big (hopefully artistic) boxes with walls, ceilings, and floors. Maybe even windows if you’re a fan of sunlight!What we do with—and in—those spaces, what functions we hope they serve, and how we configure and design them is entirely up to us. And the fun part is that we, as a society, can change our minds depending on our shifting wants, needs, and attitudes.A factory can become affordable housing if there are massive changes in the economy and certain industries are no longer profitable. Palaces can transform into concert halls, event spaces, or museums.Skyscrapers full of offices can turn into apartments, or vice versa, depending upon where the wind blows in the real estate market. And, yes, old banks can become really cool coffee shops. The only limits are your imagination and your budget for changing the ‘guts’ of the building.Reusing what you’ve already built and repurposing those spaces makes a lot of financial sense. Not only is it economical, it’s also ecological. Instead of laying down foundations and building something new, you’re redesigning the space.Sure, you might have to check that the building’s up to code and update the plumbing and electrical systems, but that’s easier than starting everything completely from scratch. You’d also probably have to handle far less paperwork when adapting a space compared to building something new. Getting building permits, while necessary, is also a huge headache.The Varisco Design Build Groupsuggeststhat adaptive reuse projects are a testament to the seamless fusion of innovation. From their perspective, repurposing buildings can “honor the past while embracing the future,” giving new life to old structures. It’s environmentally friendly and can create a more culturally diverse urban environment as cities continue to develop.According to the Varisco Design Build Group, your first step should be coming to grips with the existing structure. “The project’s architectural design and structural integrity must all be examined. By comprehending the strengths and limitations of the building, we can make informed decisions about the feasibility of the intended transformation.”Meanwhile, you’ll have to be very clear about exactly what it is you intend to do with the space once you convert it. You’re changing things, yes, but to what end? What are the functions of the new space going to be?Coffee shop and grocery store employees and clients are going to have very different needs from those of galleries, corporate offices, and the like. In short, you need a clear vision of what you’re doing before you start doing it. Changing your mind in the middle of a project is going to end up costing you a pretty penny.Next, you’ll have to check whether the intended design and functions of the structure comply with zoning requirements. You have to do your research and get in touch with the necessary government agencies to get approval. What you intend to do and what’s (not) legal might be two very different things.But bureaucracy might not be the main challenge. You have to consider potential structural issues, too. “We must take care of problems like load-bearing capacity, foundation stability, and seismic retrofitting while preserving the original character of the building,” the architectural design and build firm states.Which of the adaptively reused buildings featured in this list impressed you the most, and why?What is the single coolest repurposed building or structure that you’ve personally seen, dear Pandas? What’s theworst?If you could redesign any space for your own (business or personal) needs, what would you do? We’d love to hear your thoughts!See Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaContinue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign InSee Also on Bored PandaModal closeAdd New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! 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Our team atBored Pandahas collected some of the most creative and impressive photos ofbuildingsbeing repurposed for something entirely different. It’s probably not something the original architects intended, but it sure works. Scroll down for some awesome pics and a huge dose of inspiration.

We wanted to learn more about the advantages of repurposing buildings, so we reached out to designerDanish Kurani, the founder of the design firm ‘Kurani.’ He was kind enough to shed some light on the topic and even shared some examples of his work focusing on adaptive reuse.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Bored Panda asked designerKuraniabout some of the main upsides of adaptive reuse. “Repurposing buildings offers several advantages. First, it’s environmentally friendly. Construction accounts for about 11% of global carbon emissions, so renovating existing structures instead of building new ones reduces our carbon footprint. It requires less energy, fewer materials, and produces less waste,” explained the founder of ‘Kurani,’ a social impact-driven design firm that creates educational, cultural, and community spaces.Moreover, repurposing buildings and structures is a more efficient way to use space, according toKurani. “In society, we often underutilize existing buildings: our homes are empty while we’re at work, and our offices are empty when we’re home. Repurposing buildings maximizes the potential of our most underutilized structures.“RELATED:Furthermore, there’s the potential to revitalize neighborhoods. “Adapting an old building can transform an unattractive area into a vibrant, useful place for the community,“Kuranisaid.Sharing a couple of great examples of his work with Bored Panda, Kurani said, “I’m a big believer in reusing buildings, and recently built alearning lab for children in a retail storefrontand transformed a former industrial warehouse into arehabilitation center for incarcerated men.“If you want to be all fancy and impress your friends at your next dinner party, the technical term for repurposing buildings and using spaces for needs other than they were originally intended is ‘adaptive reuse.’The practice is also known as ‘recycling’ and ‘conversion,’ and it is offered as an alternative to new construction for the sake of better sustainability, urban regeneration, and creating a circular economy. Think of it this way: if you can change the purpose of a single room in your home, why not apply that same logic to an entire building or structure?Real estate andinfrastructureare expensive to build and maintain, so it’s economical to be flexible in how we view various spaces. Objectively speaking, at their core, buildings are just big (hopefully artistic) boxes with walls, ceilings, and floors. Maybe even windows if you’re a fan of sunlight!What we do with—and in—those spaces, what functions we hope they serve, and how we configure and design them is entirely up to us. And the fun part is that we, as a society, can change our minds depending on our shifting wants, needs, and attitudes.A factory can become affordable housing if there are massive changes in the economy and certain industries are no longer profitable. Palaces can transform into concert halls, event spaces, or museums.Skyscrapers full of offices can turn into apartments, or vice versa, depending upon where the wind blows in the real estate market. And, yes, old banks can become really cool coffee shops. The only limits are your imagination and your budget for changing the ‘guts’ of the building.Reusing what you’ve already built and repurposing those spaces makes a lot of financial sense. Not only is it economical, it’s also ecological. Instead of laying down foundations and building something new, you’re redesigning the space.Sure, you might have to check that the building’s up to code and update the plumbing and electrical systems, but that’s easier than starting everything completely from scratch. You’d also probably have to handle far less paperwork when adapting a space compared to building something new. Getting building permits, while necessary, is also a huge headache.The Varisco Design Build Groupsuggeststhat adaptive reuse projects are a testament to the seamless fusion of innovation. From their perspective, repurposing buildings can “honor the past while embracing the future,” giving new life to old structures. It’s environmentally friendly and can create a more culturally diverse urban environment as cities continue to develop.According to the Varisco Design Build Group, your first step should be coming to grips with the existing structure. “The project’s architectural design and structural integrity must all be examined. By comprehending the strengths and limitations of the building, we can make informed decisions about the feasibility of the intended transformation.”Meanwhile, you’ll have to be very clear about exactly what it is you intend to do with the space once you convert it. You’re changing things, yes, but to what end? What are the functions of the new space going to be?Coffee shop and grocery store employees and clients are going to have very different needs from those of galleries, corporate offices, and the like. In short, you need a clear vision of what you’re doing before you start doing it. Changing your mind in the middle of a project is going to end up costing you a pretty penny.Next, you’ll have to check whether the intended design and functions of the structure comply with zoning requirements. You have to do your research and get in touch with the necessary government agencies to get approval. What you intend to do and what’s (not) legal might be two very different things.But bureaucracy might not be the main challenge. You have to consider potential structural issues, too. “We must take care of problems like load-bearing capacity, foundation stability, and seismic retrofitting while preserving the original character of the building,” the architectural design and build firm states.Which of the adaptively reused buildings featured in this list impressed you the most, and why?What is the single coolest repurposed building or structure that you’ve personally seen, dear Pandas? What’s theworst?If you could redesign any space for your own (business or personal) needs, what would you do? We’d love to hear your thoughts!See Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaContinue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign InSee Also on Bored Panda

Interior of a grand building conversion into a bookstore, featuring multiple levels and intricate architectural details.

Moreover, repurposing buildings and structures is a more efficient way to use space, according toKurani. “In society, we often underutilize existing buildings: our homes are empty while we’re at work, and our offices are empty when we’re home. Repurposing buildings maximizes the potential of our most underutilized structures.”

Pandas wearing hats in a colorful landscape, illustrating creative building conversions in art.

“Modern bookstore in renovated historic building, showcasing one of the best building conversions with elegant decor."

Furthermore, there’s the potential to revitalize neighborhoods. “Adapting an old building can transform an unattractive area into a vibrant, useful place for the community,“Kuranisaid.Sharing a couple of great examples of his work with Bored Panda, Kurani said, “I’m a big believer in reusing buildings, and recently built alearning lab for children in a retail storefrontand transformed a former industrial warehouse into arehabilitation center for incarcerated men.”

Furthermore, there’s the potential to revitalize neighborhoods. “Adapting an old building can transform an unattractive area into a vibrant, useful place for the community,“Kuranisaid.

Sharing a couple of great examples of his work with Bored Panda, Kurani said, “I’m a big believer in reusing buildings, and recently built alearning lab for children in a retail storefrontand transformed a former industrial warehouse into arehabilitation center for incarcerated men.”

Unique building conversion featuring two barrel-shaped structures with glass doors, set outdoors on grass.

Open, airy atrium in a renovated building conversion with seating, trees, and a staircase, showcasing adaptive reuse architecture.

Swimming pool inside a converted building with gothic arches, showcasing unique building conversions.

If you want to be all fancy and impress your friends at your next dinner party, the technical term for repurposing buildings and using spaces for needs other than they were originally intended is ‘adaptive reuse.’The practice is also known as ‘recycling’ and ‘conversion,’ and it is offered as an alternative to new construction for the sake of better sustainability, urban regeneration, and creating a circular economy. Think of it this way: if you can change the purpose of a single room in your home, why not apply that same logic to an entire building or structure?Real estate andinfrastructureare expensive to build and maintain, so it’s economical to be flexible in how we view various spaces. Objectively speaking, at their core, buildings are just big (hopefully artistic) boxes with walls, ceilings, and floors. Maybe even windows if you’re a fan of sunlight!What we do with—and in—those spaces, what functions we hope they serve, and how we configure and design them is entirely up to us. And the fun part is that we, as a society, can change our minds depending on our shifting wants, needs, and attitudes.

The practice is also known as ‘recycling’ and ‘conversion,’ and it is offered as an alternative to new construction for the sake of better sustainability, urban regeneration, and creating a circular economy. Think of it this way: if you can change the purpose of a single room in your home, why not apply that same logic to an entire building or structure?

Real estate andinfrastructureare expensive to build and maintain, so it’s economical to be flexible in how we view various spaces. Objectively speaking, at their core, buildings are just big (hopefully artistic) boxes with walls, ceilings, and floors. Maybe even windows if you’re a fan of sunlight!

What we do with—and in—those spaces, what functions we hope they serve, and how we configure and design them is entirely up to us. And the fun part is that we, as a society, can change our minds depending on our shifting wants, needs, and attitudes.

Rustic interior of a converted building featuring wooden beams, cozy seating, and a model ship on a wooden table.

Skatepark inside a converted church with gothic arches and colorful graffiti, showcasing unique building conversion.

Aerial view of a unique building conversion with cylindrical structures topped with greenery and surrounded by trees.

A factory can become affordable housing if there are massive changes in the economy and certain industries are no longer profitable. Palaces can transform into concert halls, event spaces, or museums.Skyscrapers full of offices can turn into apartments, or vice versa, depending upon where the wind blows in the real estate market. And, yes, old banks can become really cool coffee shops. The only limits are your imagination and your budget for changing the ‘guts’ of the building.

Skyscrapers full of offices can turn into apartments, or vice versa, depending upon where the wind blows in the real estate market. And, yes, old banks can become really cool coffee shops. The only limits are your imagination and your budget for changing the ‘guts’ of the building.

Library interior showcasing a grand staircase, highlighting one of the best building conversions with modern book displays.

Concert in a repurposed church building conversion, featuring a vibrant audience and colorful lighting effects.

Aerial view of a converted basketball court packed with spectators at night.

Reusing what you’ve already built and repurposing those spaces makes a lot of financial sense. Not only is it economical, it’s also ecological. Instead of laying down foundations and building something new, you’re redesigning the space.Sure, you might have to check that the building’s up to code and update the plumbing and electrical systems, but that’s easier than starting everything completely from scratch. You’d also probably have to handle far less paperwork when adapting a space compared to building something new. Getting building permits, while necessary, is also a huge headache.

Sure, you might have to check that the building’s up to code and update the plumbing and electrical systems, but that’s easier than starting everything completely from scratch. You’d also probably have to handle far less paperwork when adapting a space compared to building something new. Getting building permits, while necessary, is also a huge headache.

Building conversion using colorful shipping containers with modern windows and a small balcony.

Historic building conversion at night, transformed into a modern venue with illuminated windows and a glass extension.

Climbers scale a converted building turned climbing wall, highlighting best building conversions.

The Varisco Design Build Groupsuggeststhat adaptive reuse projects are a testament to the seamless fusion of innovation. From their perspective, repurposing buildings can “honor the past while embracing the future,” giving new life to old structures. It’s environmentally friendly and can create a more culturally diverse urban environment as cities continue to develop.

Historic power plant building conversion featuring Barnes & Noble and Hard Rock Cafe against a dusk sky.

Vault converted into a stylish coffee shop, showcasing creative building conversions with modern interior design.

Modern dining area inside a rustic building conversion with high ceilings and eclectic decor.

According to the Varisco Design Build Group, your first step should be coming to grips with the existing structure. “The project’s architectural design and structural integrity must all be examined. By comprehending the strengths and limitations of the building, we can make informed decisions about the feasibility of the intended transformation.”

Art museum in a converted building with sculptures and a stained glass window, showcasing stunning building conversions.

Dunkin' Donuts building conversion with coffee signage, trees, and parking area visible.

People gather at dusk near a converted industrial building with illuminated towers, showcasing one of the best building conversions.

Meanwhile, you’ll have to be very clear about exactly what it is you intend to do with the space once you convert it. You’re changing things, yes, but to what end? What are the functions of the new space going to be?Coffee shop and grocery store employees and clients are going to have very different needs from those of galleries, corporate offices, and the like. In short, you need a clear vision of what you’re doing before you start doing it. Changing your mind in the middle of a project is going to end up costing you a pretty penny.

Coffee shop and grocery store employees and clients are going to have very different needs from those of galleries, corporate offices, and the like. In short, you need a clear vision of what you’re doing before you start doing it. Changing your mind in the middle of a project is going to end up costing you a pretty penny.

“Building conversion with ornate arches and beds lined up in a historical space, featuring intricate ceiling designs."

Old tunnel converted into a foggy pathway, surrounded by greenery, showcasing one of the best building conversions.

Cozy library with a large sofa and fireplace in a transformed building conversion.

Next, you’ll have to check whether the intended design and functions of the structure comply with zoning requirements. You have to do your research and get in touch with the necessary government agencies to get approval. What you intend to do and what’s (not) legal might be two very different things.

Orange supermarket floor with a red circle near shelves.

Exterior of a clock tower building and interior converted into a bustling café, showcasing the best building conversions.

People dining in a converted historic church with high ceilings and stained glass windows, showcasing a unique building conversion.

But bureaucracy might not be the main challenge. You have to consider potential structural issues, too. “We must take care of problems like load-bearing capacity, foundation stability, and seismic retrofitting while preserving the original character of the building,” the architectural design and build firm states.

Corridor with prison bars converted into a bookstore, showcasing unique building conversions and creative interior design.

A stunning building conversion with a unique roof design, surrounded by trees and greenery under a clear blue sky.

Historic church converted into modern lofts with “The Haven Lofts” sign visible, showcasing building conversions in urban setting.

Which of the adaptively reused buildings featured in this list impressed you the most, and why?What is the single coolest repurposed building or structure that you’ve personally seen, dear Pandas? What’s theworst?If you could redesign any space for your own (business or personal) needs, what would you do? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Which of the adaptively reused buildings featured in this list impressed you the most, and why?

What is the single coolest repurposed building or structure that you’ve personally seen, dear Pandas? What’s theworst?

If you could redesign any space for your own (business or personal) needs, what would you do? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Interior view of a building conversion featuring modern office space, large windows, and sleek design elements.

Modern building conversion with open seating area and skylight, featuring colorful benches and people working or relaxing.

Target store exterior showcasing one of the best building conversions with its distinctive red branding and modern design.

Man inside a unique building conversion cafe, featuring a counter, seating area, and indoor plants.

Historic post office building converted to a restaurant, featuring a hiring sign and decorative entrance.