Adaptive reuse: an innovative approach for generating sustainable values for historic buildings in developing countries

Abstract

Sustainable development has become a goal for all countries seeking a balance between social, environmen­tal and economic needs. The principal vision of a sustain­able built future is about developing creative designs that utilize energy and materials effectively. However, this vision should consider historic buildings that were built centuries ago. Although many of these buildings are standing in a stable state, they are obsolete and their values are not fully utilized. Towards revitalizing and generating sustainable values of these buildings, adaptive reuse is adopted as a process of modifying, adapting and reusing obsolete build­ings with their existing structures to extend their life cycle whilst performing a new function. This is currently practiced worldwide, specifically when a building has a unique archi­tectural character and is in a stable condition. The adaptive reuse of a historic building should have minimal impact on the heritage significance of the building and its setting. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of adaptive reuse as an innovative approach for generating sustainable values of historic buildings in developing countries. To achieve this aim, a research strategy is designed to accomplish four objectives: first, literature related to sustainable develop­ment, sustainable values, adaptive reuse and developing countries is reviewed; second, two case studies are pre­sented and analysed to investigate the role of adaptive reuse towards increasing the sustainable value of heritage build­ings; third, a strategy with its action plan is developed for facilitating adaptive reuse of historic buildings in develop­ing countries and finally, research conclusions are outlined and recommendations useful to professionals concerned with adaptive reuse of historic buildings are proposed.

The benefits of preserving and promoting cultural heritage values for the sustainable development of the country

“…In fact, it should be noted that the concept of linking heritage with tourism development does not mean that all heritages are allowed to be exploited for tourism, and they must be preserved [1]. When developing tourism in heritage sites, it is necessary to not only appease the interests of stakeholders and the local communities but to also focus on heritage restoration and conservation [10].…”

Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings "Old Buildings in Mosul as A Case Study"

“…The success of reuse depends on the context of the building and its original design [Conejos, 2011]. Reuse depends on the compatibility of the new function requirements with the original layout of the building [Othman, 2018] The literature and architectural studies determine a number of these characteristics, which are derived from previous experiences and projects of reusing some historical buildings in different areas, including:…”

“…The value of the heritage building is a main factor in making decision for reuse [Othman, 2018]. As well as The location of the historic building and its proximity to other buildings.…”

“…On the level of services, the study stressed the importance of the services in the building, For example When converting the palace into a hotel it becomes necessary to provide services for each room individually [Joglekar, 2018]. Bullen and Love (2011) determine some factors that influence the decision-making process on the reuse of historic building like cultural and heritage value of building, orientation of building and ability of building to adapt [Othman, 2018], also the high quality of the construction of old buildings including characteristics such as thick walls, windows that can be opened, high ceilings etc., not found in new buildings [Pinto, 2017]. Also based on analysis some of previous experiences of some historical buildings that have been successfully reused in several countries, Other characteristics are drawn.…”

“…The Royal Palace was built at In the first part of the 20th century by English government, The building is located in an important area, on the main street that leading to a chief bridge in the city near the bank of Tigris River, and also near other important government buildings, as well as close to the Al-Shuhdaa Park, one of the oldest gardens in Mosul. The building was built in a English European style popular at the beginning of the 20th century [Othman, 2018] 6.RECOMMENDATIONS The paper recommended befor making-decision of re-use to the historical building ,it should analysis the potential of these building and reach to the characteristics which most appropriate for adaptive reuse and reflected on social, cultural, economic and environment of the region. Residential,1982] sampale…”