The researchers had access to over 400 buildings from across Victoria (Australia), 50 were considered sufficient to draw conclusions and were largely identified to represent a diverse mix of building type, age, location and context. The method used to calculate the ARP (Adaptive Reuse Potential) scores contained in the master list is known as the integrated model. It is computed via an Excel spreadsheet, based on inputs of physical life, data or construction or last major refurbishment, and seven obsolescence scores (physical, economic, functional, technological, social, legal, and political).
The ARP scores and relative ranking formed the basis for comparison using iconCUR (a decision-making model that combines AM and MCDA methodologies in the built environment).
The Australian Research Council, The Uniting Church in Australia and Williams Boag Architects are gratefully acknowledged for financial support of this research project.