Bridging Awareness and Adoption: Adaptive Reuse Techniques in the Context of Sustainable Construction in Nigeria

In the context of rising urbanization, environmental degradation and the urgent need for sustainable development, adaptive reuse has become a vital strategy for extending building lifecycles while conserving resources. This study empirically assessed awareness and adoption of adaptive reuse techniques among construction professionals in Lagos State, Nigeria. A quantitative approach was employed, using structured questionnaires distributed to architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors. Descriptive and inferential analyses examined awareness levels and the extent of technique adoption. Findings reveal a low overall awareness, indicating limited familiarity with most adaptive reuse methods. Adoption levels mirrored this pattern, with only two strategies—conversion for rehabilitation services and contextual design strategies—showing above-average uptake. The results suggest that while some recognition exists for approaches offering immediate value, many techniques remain underexplored or poorly understood. These gaps highlight the need for capacity-building, professional training and policy interventions to promote wider implementation. The study provides the first empirical evidence in Nigeria quantifying awareness and adoption of adaptive reuse among construction professionals. By situating the research within Nigeria’s socio-economic and infrastructural realities, it offers context-specific insights and recommendations for cost-effective, environmentally conscious alternatives to demolition and new construction, bridging a critical gap in local sustainability literature.