Assessment of Adaptive Reuse Practices of Built Heritage Situated at Mall Road, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Cultural heritage buildings play an effectual role in transferring cultural values to future generations as they are a significant source of sustainability in maintaining the cultural heritage. With the passage of time, these historical buildings have lost their actual character and aesthetic value. The only way to retain the position of these historical buildings is by following Adaptive Reuse as a particular method to sustain the traditional and cultural heritage of the colonial buildings situated at Mall road. This method proved to be helpful in preserving the heritage buildings when they start losing their originality. The reuse of buildings and adapting buildings for some other functions has become a growing trend now a days. As the revival of these buildings have not only minimized the construction, storage, and energy consumption by using adaptive reuse techniques, but it has also provided a sustainable ecosystem. The current research identified the need to understand the negligence factors implicated by the Adaptive Reuse practices of colonial buildings situated on Mall Road, Lahore, Pakistan. The negligence shown towards the colonial buildings identified the lacking practice which can only be recovered by incorporating reuse methods for the sustainability of built heritage. Therefore, the improvisation of factors like ignorance and lack of bylaws and policies, would lead to the achievement of productive and efficient reuse of built heritage. The current study was conducted in an urban area situated on the Mall Road, Lahore, by using both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies a mixed methodology. Through this methodology, the researcher conducted and analyzed interviews which led to some suggestions, which can be considered at micro and macro level to monitor adaptive practice of heritage buildings. There is a dire need to take effective measures through proper investigation to preserve these colonial heritage buildings.