Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings: Balancing Cultural Heritage Conservation with Contemporary Architectural Needs

Abstract

The adaptive reuse of historic buildings presents an important challenge of balancing cultural heritage conservation with contemporary architectural requirements. This study examines the factors influencing successful adaptive reuse, with particular emphasis on Cultural Heritage Conservation (CHC), Contemporary Architectural Intervention (CAI), Sustainability (SUS), Contemporary Functionality (CF), and User Requirements (UR). A quantitative, deductive, and cross-sectional research design was adopted. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale from 200 built-environment professionals, including architects, interior designers, conservation professionals, urban planners, engineers, and related practitioners. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity, with all constructs meeting the recommended thresholds for internal consistency and convergent validity. Discriminant validity was also established, as the HTMT results confirmed adequate distinction among the constructs. The structural model further revealed that Cultural Heritage Conservation, Contemporary Architectural Intervention, Sustainability, Contemporary Functionality, and User Requirements all have significant and positive effects on Successful Adaptive Reuse. Overall, the model demonstrated strong explanatory power for successful adaptive reuse, indicating that these factors collectively play an important role in supporting the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. Among the predictors, Contemporary Architectural Intervention demonstrated the strongest effect. The findings indicate that successful adaptive reuse requires an integrated approach in which heritage significance is protected while sensitive contemporary interventions address sustainability, functionality, accessibility, and user needs. The study concludes that conservation and contemporary architectural development can operate as complementary objectives in ensuring the continued relevance and sustainable use of historic buildings.