Converting the office to residence

So, how practical is it to convert office buildings to residential buildings?

The answer appears to be that some office buildings can be converted, and some cannot (feasibly). Jack Tanis of Steelcase has thought about it.  He says that office buildings generally built in the 1970s or before have a floor plate design that means they can be converted into apartments.  And buildings built post-1970s have problems in converting them. 

Comments

[Thom Lowther, American Institute of Architects]

Jack Tanis and Bill Draves were both keynote speakers at our recent CES Provider Conference in Las Vegas. Bill spoke about the 9 Shifts based upon current trends and Jack addressed future office and life space based upon extensive research. Two interesting and different points of view (POV) but many similar conclusions. If you are interested in hearing Jack's POV it is available for a limited time through our website at: http://www.aia.org/conted/ Look for "Forecasting Programs and Markets" presented by Jack Tanis of Steelcase, Inc.