Assessing the Potential for Adaptive Reuse of the Town Hall, Shimla Using the Adaptive Reuse Assessment Model

Abstract

Built heritage as a manifestation of cultural heritage can be conserved if it continues to function through adaption or adaptive reuse. In reality, this process encompasses complex decision-making and remains a challenge amongst stakeholders. This study aims to evaluate the contemporary challenges in the convoluted process of adaptive reuse of the Town Hall, a significant heritage building of the colonial times in Shimla. It aims to identify the varying challenges in the adaptive reuse of the Town Hall, Shimla through the Adaptive Reuse Assessment Model (ARAM). Qualitative content analysis through structured and semi-structured questionnaires along with case study method has been adopted. The study suggests that the adaptive reuse of Town Hall is significantly impacted by locational, legal, and social challenges, while political and technical challenges effect moderately. The study also brings out that environmental, physical, and economic challenges have insignificant impact on the adaptive reuse of the Town Hall.