1.2 Research Problem

old building and provide social or economic benefits to the surrounding context. However, in most cases, the identity of the space or site becomes lost.

There is no doubt that adaptive reuse and other solutions have played an essential role in preserving structures and spaces. However, in some cases, implementing a new programme may disconnect the original identity or history of the site or space. New programmes introduced with adaptive reuse are often justified on the ground that the previous programme has become obsolete. Some may argue that the original form and skeleton express the previous identity, but identity is more than a tangible object or sense.

Hayden (1995) describes a unique relationship between identity, memory and place. She states that: “identity is intimately tied to memory: both our memories (where we have come from and where we have dwelt) and the collective or social memories interconnected with the histories of our families, neighbours, fellow workers, and ethnic communities…urban landscapes are storehouses for these social memories, because natural features such as hills or harbours, as well as streets, buildings, and patterns of settlement, frame the lives of many people and often outlast many lifetimes” (Hayden, 1995:226). Thus , rather than considering other solutions for preservation to be wrong or unsuccessful, the distinction between Hayden (1995) and the other solutions is that there is a gap between the identity of the original site and new programme. The challenge may be to regenerate the derelict landscapes with the identity of the space as an active solution to reconnect the site back to the urban fabric.

This approach may be sensitive and demonstrate that, even if a building, place or space has been neglected, a new programme that is unrelated to the identity is not always the solution. Instead, it is important to consider how a new programme that incorporates the history and identity of the space may be used as a tool for regeneration.

1.2 RESEARCH PROBLEMS

1.2.1 General issue: Incorporating the old with the new

Adaptive reuse plays a vital role in preserving and contributing growth to old historical structures or derelict spaces. However, there is a disconnected conversation between the identity of the old structure (function and programme) and the atmosphere that a new programme evokes when the historical layers have been ignored or misinterpreted.

This study aims to establish a fundamental understanding of the current lens of adaptive reuse to create an alternative architectural lens that reflects the past functions of historical buildings as a design generator for a new programme that preserves the old and offers new social, economic and cultural values.

The study also investigates atmospheric architectural elements as an approach to spatial design functionality that may enhance the genius loci of old structures and pave a road to one’s linked to identity.

The adaptive reuse approach may place the identity of the historical building and atmospheric elements in a dialogue that reflects new approaches to social sustainability that can be adapted and formed for future alterations.

Fig 1: Creating a new identity with historical layers. (By author, 2021)

1.2.2 Urban issue

To understand the urban issue that a derelict space represents in the surrounding context, it is necessary first to distinguish between a disconnected site and a derelict site.

The theme of the regeneration of a disconnected site is explored in this study. In this case, a disconnected site is defined as the result of complete abandonment, with no human activity.

A derelict space can be described as an unmaintained, run-down, or neglected built environment. A derelict site does not always imply a disconnected site. Even if derelict sites show some form of neglect, they are frequently active and alive, and contribute to the surrounding context somehow.

The urban issue is that in social or economic terms, derelict and disconnected sites contribute little or nothing to the active urban fabric. Architecturally, the buildings on display serve no purpose and are frequently regarded as dangerous environments.

With such neglect and isolation, such a site eventually loses its identity in the surrounding fabric, especially if the place has already had a positive impact on the area around it in the shape of social and economic substance.

In this way, these sites become estranged from society, serving no purpose in the surrounding communities or more significant context. As a result, it is critical in the urban aspect to consider how these sites can become active and contribute to their surrounding contexts.