Adaptive reuse strategies for heritage buildings: A holistic approach

• The research proposes a model for developing adaptive reuse strategies for heritage buildings.
• The model can also be used to evaluate the appropriateness of the re-functioned heritage buildings.
• The user contribution in decision-making provides developing more appropriate strategies for heritage building.
• Detailed analysis should be done in decision-making process to find the most appropriate use for the heritage building.
• All factors that affect adaptive reuse decision-making should be taken into consideration holistically.

Heritage buildings are crucial in terms of transferring the cultural identity for further generations. Where heritage buildings can no longer function with its original use, proposing a new function is inevitable in order to preserve the significance of the heritage building.The purpose of the research is to provide a comprehensive review of the factors affecting adaptive reuse decision-making and to develop a holistic model for adaptive reuse strategies for heritage buildings. Firstly, the data has been collected through literature survey and content analysis. Then, selected adaptive reuse examples have been investigated in the light of the defined factors. At the end, the model proposal has been developed according to the results.The model can be used to propose adaptive reuse strategies for the abandoned or disused heritage buildings. On the other hand, it can be used to evaluate the appropriateness of the new use for re-functioned heritage buildings and to define the problems in the decision-making. In order to decide the most appropriate adaptive reuse strategy for the heritage buildings all the factors must be taken into consideration holistically. The model proposes a qualitative approach and the adaptive reuse strategies can be developed according to the decision makers and policy issues of the related context.