Retrofitting the Future

The architectural world has felt the push toward building more efficiently and more environmentally-friendly. Programs such as LEED acknowledge well designed, energy efficient buildings that have done their part to build structures that don’t further damage the environment. However, many buildings are being torn down and replaced by these energy efficient buildings. The demolition process and the waste and disposal of materials from these older buildings are negatively affecting carbon emissions. In many cases, the new environmentally efficient buildings would take decades to offset the carbon emissions from the demolition and reconstruction process, while retrofitting buildings can cut back on emissions and material waste. To reduce an environmental impact, leaving existing buildings as is or retrofitting them is often a better solution than demolition and rebuilding; repurposing and retrofitting is a better strategy for energy reduction. As we approach the 2030 deadline for preventing climate change and reducing the carbon footprint, other options need to be explored other than tearing down old buildings to build new construction with a straight-forward energy efficient system. This thesis aims to retrofit the existing structure, the Paint Shop for the Central of Georgia Railway Shop Complex, into a mixed-use, extended-stay hotel. This study will allow for a new program to engage the community and travellers alike while preserving the history of the site