r/repurposedbuildings Subreddit Stats and Best Posting Times

What to Post and How to Rank on r/repurposedbuildings

Best Topics & Content Types

The r/repurposedbuildings community thrives on visual content showcasing impressive transformations of existing structures into new functional spaces. Image posts, or link posts to articles rich with images, are highly preferred. The core topic is "adaptive reuse," meaning a building's purpose has changed from its original design. Popular content often features dramatic before-and-after scenarios, even if not explicitly presented side-by-side, where the original use of the building is clearly distinct from its current form. Examples that resonate include churches converted into homes, old industrial buildings like factories or printing plants repurposed into modern offices or art spaces, and unique commercial conversions such as former banks becoming municipal buildings or old hotels transforming into new businesses. Discussions around the challenges and benefits of adaptive reuse, particularly regarding sustainability and community revitalization, also find a place, often as text posts or links to relevant articles. The community appreciates posts that highlight clever design solutions and the preservation of architectural heritage while giving a building new life.

Writing Style & Tone

The prevailing writing style and tone within r/repurposedbuildings is generally appreciative, informative, and respectful. While a casual approach is acceptable, titles should be descriptive and clear, as explicitly encouraged by the subreddit's rules. The tone should lean towards enthusiasm for the ingenuity involved in repurposing and an appreciation for the historical and architectural significance of the buildings. Humor is welcome if it's relevant and not at the expense of the subject matter or other users. Jargon related to architecture and urban planning, such as "adaptive reuse," is understood and expected, as it is part of the subreddit's foundational description. The community values kindness and discourages antagonistic language, reflecting the "Be kind" rule. Overall, a tone that conveys genuine interest in the subject and a desire to share interesting examples of repurposed buildings is ideal.

What Gets Upvoted

Posts that receive high engagement and upvotes typically feature visually striking examples of adaptive reuse. Content demonstrating a significant and thoughtful transformation, where the new purpose cleverly integrates with or respects the original structure, tends to perform exceptionally well. Uniqueness is a strong factor; unusual or particularly creative repurposing projects, such as a former theater becoming a parking garage or a gas station turning into a community center, capture attention. Posts that provide context, such as the building's original use, its new function, and ideally its location and some historical background, are highly valued. The community appreciates when posters fulfill the rule of including location and sourcing information, as this adds depth and credibility to the post. High-quality images that clearly depict the repurposed building are crucial for success, as the subreddit is largely visual.

What to Avoid

To ensure a positive reception and avoid removal, several types of content and behaviors should be avoided. Reposts within a six-month period are explicitly prohibited and may be removed, emphasizing the importance of using the search function before posting. Low-effort content, such as blurry images, uninformative titles, or posts lacking any context about the building's history or new purpose, tends to be downvoted or ignored. Posts that do not adhere to the "Be kind" rule, including disrespectful comments or titles, are also unwelcome. Content that is not genuinely about repurposed buildings, or posts that are simply about renovations or new construction without a change in the building's fundamental purpose, would likely be considered off-topic. Additionally, failing to mark NSFW posts as such is against the rules.

Posting Tips

For effective posting on r/repurposedbuildings, always strive for descriptive titles that clearly state the original and new purpose of the building, for instance, "Former Church Repurposed as a Modern Home in [Location]." Including the location in the title or the comments is a strong recommendation, and if the location is unknown, utilizing the "Location Unknown" flair is a good practice. Sourcing your post with additional information like the year of construction or repurposing, or a brief history of the building, significantly enhances its value to the community. Make sure to use relevant flairs, as they are encouraged and help categorize content.