There are many different approaches to reusing a building which involve different levels of change to the original structure. These methods can be used individually or combined. They can be defined in the following terms:

 

Conservation:

Retaining existing buildings or sites and taking care not to alter or destroy character or detail. Conservation respects the existing building by retaining as much of the original fabric as possible and making obvious what is new from the existing (Curl, 2006, p194)

 

Preservation:

Maintains the building or ruin in its current state. The structure is made safe and measures are taken to prevent any further decay. (Brooker, 2004, p11).

 

Restoration:

The process of returning a structure to its original state. This can involve replicating materials and techniques that were originally used to make it look like the building has only just been constructed (Brooker, 2004, p11).

 

Renovation:

This involves taking an existing structure and updating it without necessarily substantially changing it (Brooker, 2004, p11).

 

Remodelling:

The process of completely altering a building my changing its function or the way the building works internally. Spaces could be added and others demolished to entirely change the building (Brooker, 2004, p11).