A Method for Evaluating Cultural Perception Performance in the Re-Use of Monumental Buildings

Abstract

Re-use is one of the conservation methods used to meet the changing and evolving needs for historical cultural heritage that cannot be used for social, cultural, or socio-economic reasons with its original function. One of the most important issues in re-use is the right balance between conservation and functional change, ensuring the continuity of the cultural value and originality of the building. In line with this perspective, this paper aims to determine the cultural perception performance in a re-functioned historical building to determine how the user perceives the authenticity and historical values. Within the scope of the research, the criteria for measuring cultural perception via users are tested on the example of Hışvahan, which is a monumental building in the historic urban site of Gaziantep and is re-used as a hotel and restaurant. The study is descriptive in terms of research design. The methodology of the research consists of two stages: Creating criteria for analysing cultural perception performance and testing these criteria via users. A questionnaire and interview technique was used to test the criteria. The re-use of a building is evaluated within its cultural heritage and how the user perceives its authenticity, symbolic, historical and cultural value. The research offers a new perspective on restoration and re-functioning within the framework of conservation and cultural sustainability.