A Framework for Sustainable Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings

Thesis Abstract

The increasing global recognition of heritage buildings as vital cultural assets necessitates a sustainable approach to their conservation and reuse amidst rapid urban development and environmental challenges. Despite numerous conservation efforts, many heritage structures face neglect, inappropriate renovation practices, or irreversible demolition, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive framework that integrates sustainability principles into adaptive reuse processes. This study aims to develop and validate a structured framework guiding the sustainable adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, providing practitioners and policymakers with practical guidance to enhance preservation outcomes while promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The specific objectives of this research are to (1) critically review existing models and frameworks related to heritage conservation and sustainable development, (2) identify key sustainability criteria and best practices in adaptive reuse initiatives, (3) formulate a conceptual framework integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions for heritage building reuse, and (4) empirically assess the framework’s applicability through case studies and expert validation. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods research design is employed, combining qualitative thematic analysis with quantitative survey techniques. The qualitative phase involves a comprehensive review of relevant literature and semi-structured interviews with 20 heritage conservation experts, architects, and urban planners, aiming to explore contextual factors and best practices. The quantitative phase employs a survey distributed to 150 practitioners involved in heritage projects across multiple regions, assessing their perceptions of sustainability criteria and framework applicability. The data collected will be analyzed using thematic analysis for qualitative data and statistical techniques such as regression analysis and factor analysis for quantitative data, ensuring rigor in identifying key variables and relationships. Key expected findings include a set of prioritized sustainability criteria, critical success factors for adaptive reuse, and insights into barriers and enablers identified by practitioners. The findings are anticipated to reveal significant correlations between specific reuse strategies and sustainability outcomes, with the developed framework integrating these elements into a coherent decision-support tool. The framework aims to address gaps in current conservation practices by emphasizing contextual adaptability, multi-stakeholder engagement, and lifecycle considerations, thus advancing theoretical understanding of sustainability integration in heritage reuse. This research contributes to knowledge by offering a novel, evidence-based framework that operationalizes sustainability principles in the context of heritage building reuse, filling a notable gap in existing conservation models. It advances the theoretical discourse by combining concepts from heritage preservation and sustainable development theories, specifically drawing upon Brokering Sustainability Framework and Adaptive Reuse Theory, thereby providing a robust conceptual foundation. Practically, the framework offers a structured approach for practitioners, policy formulators, and urban planners to make informed, sustainable decisions regarding heritage reuse projects. The main conclusion underscores the importance of a holistic, context-sensitive approach to heritage building reuse, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, sustainable material selection, and integrated planning. Policy recommendations include the adoption of the framework in national heritage policies, incentivization of sustainable practices, and capacity-building initiatives for practitioners. The study finally suggests avenues for further research, such as longitudinal assessments of reuse projects, integration of digital technologies in assessments, and cross-cultural validation of the framework. This study aims to influence future conservation practices, ensuring that heritage buildings are preserved and adaptively reused in ways that sustain their cultural significance while contributing positively to sustainable urban development.