Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings for Sustainable Urban Regeneration: Two Case Studies from India

Abstract

In the era of globalization, developing existing cities into smart cities while providing a higher quality of life to the citizens is one of the strategies in many countries. In the process, many traditional settlements and cultural heritage are being demolished without respecting their values. In fact, these heritage buildings could be easily re-used. However, a proper approach is essential in ensuring their relevance in urban regeneration projects. Undeniably, cultural heritage should be preserved with their values. One of the ways to do so is through adaptive re-use, i.e., reusing the existing building for contemporary use, making it a part of sustainable architecture. Appropriately, the reuse of heritage buildings or materials therein saves much of the embodied energy. This will help improve access to clean energy and encourage adoption of low-carbon energy assets. The concept of adaptive reuse of different buildings has been successfully implemented in many countries. This paper examines the issue of multifaceted challenges in adaptive reuse, emphasizing the need for informed decisions based on in-depth assessments. The paper seeks to understand the compatibility of new functions with the physical and historical integrity of heritage structures, the conservation of embodied energy inherent in these buildings, and the pivotal role of stakeholders in driving successful adaptive reuse projects. It employs a mixed-method approach using case studies, stakeholder surveys, and heritage building analyses to determine best reuse solutions. The study shows how adapting old buildings saves energy and the environment by comparing them to new buildings. It concludes revealing the current efforts to provide ways of such reuse of heritage buildings based on several sustainable benchmarks and valuable considerations.