An inter-dependency between genius loci, adaptive reuse and architectural conservation

By

Ramola Helena Lewis (14559065) MA Interior Architecture and Design | Research Essay University of Lincoln, United Kingdom February 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Figures ............................................................................................................................ 2 List of Tables ............................................................................................................................. 2 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3 Structure ..................................................................................................................................... 4 Rationale .................................................................................................................................... 5 Research Question ..................................................................................................................... 6 Aim ............................................................................................................................................ 6 Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 6 Literature Review....................................................................................................................... 6 Character, Sense and Spirit of Place ................................................................................................... 6 Adaptive Reuse as an approach towards Architectural Conservation................................................. 7 Human Response towards existing case studies in the bygone era ..................................................... 9 Case Study 1 - Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands ................................... 9 Case Study 2 – GCW University Library, Lincoln, United Kingdom .......................................... 12

Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 15 Reasons for choosing Qualitative Research ...................................................................................... 15 Data Collection Processes ................................................................................................................. 15 Unstructured Observations: Time, Place and Participants ............................................................ 15 Interviews ...................................................................................................................................... 17 Visual Media Documents .............................................................................................................. 17 Gaining Informed Consent ............................................................................................................ 18

Ethics and Limitations ............................................................................................................. 18 Conclusions .............................................................................................................................. 19 Bibliography ............................................................................................................................ 22 Appendix .................................................................................................................................. 24 Informed Consent Form .................................................................................................................... 24

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands (Aldershoff, 2013) ......... 9 Figure 2 Study Stations (Aldershoff, 2013) ............................................................................. 10 Figure 3 Floor plan (Aldershoff, 2013) Edited by: Author ...................................................... 10 Figure 4 Exterior of the Dominican Church (Aldershoff, 2013) ............................................. 11 Figure 5 Cafe in the Apse (Aldershoff, 2013) ......................................................................... 11 Figure 6 The stairs leading to the various levels of the book shelf (Aldershoff, 2013)........... 11 Figure 7 GCW University Library, Lincoln, United Kingdom (Library, 2008) ...................... 12 Figure 8 The warehouse during 1984-1986 (Library, 1984) ................................................... 12 Figure 9 Steel work to strengthen existing structure (Library, 2008) ...................................... 13 Figure 10 Skylights on the roof on the topmost floor (Library, 2008) .................................... 14 Figure 11 Ground Floor plan (University of Lincoln, n.d.) ..................................................... 14 Figure 12 First Floor plan (University of Lincoln, n.d.) .......................................................... 14 Figure 13 Illustrated Model Edited by: Author........................................................................ 21

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Restoration features (Architecture.com, n.d.) Edited by: Author………………...…13 Table 2 Details for Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands for floor plan...........................................................................................................................................16 Table 3 Details for GCW University Library, Lincoln, United Kingdom for floor plan…………………………………………………………………………………………...16

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INTRODUCTION

The conservation of built structures not only contributes to the economic and environmental composition of a community, but also to its social and cultural identity, which helps to create dynamic places, and defines the concept of ‘genius loci’. This concept deals with viewing the architectural infrastructure along with the ‘spirit’ of place thus learning experiences and human responses with respect to the entire setting through place and time.

The conservation of heritage is becoming increasingly important in our fast-paced modern world today in order to revive the past for future generations. This is to celebrate the diversity, technique, architecture and history of a place along with its physical environment.

An imperative aspect of adaptive reuse projects is that the land or building which is being considered, had a previous use that is no longer suitable or the use remains unused in that type of building location, and therefore the potential value of the property will be maximized by adapting the place. The adaptive reuse of buildings can include modifications that are purely aesthetic, and are made to the building while retaining its structure and spirit of place.

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STRUCTURE

This research essay is comprised of a series of sections giving an in-depth insight about the topic. The next section is the rationale which gives an understanding into the research justification in terms of necessity, thoughts and problems faced leading to the research question.

Following this, the aim and objectives of this research are discussed, which details the approach towards this topic.

Going further, the literature review delivers the context with regard to the concept of genius loci, practice of architectural conservation and adaptive reuse. As such it is in three parts:

 An introduction to the essence of character, sense and spirit of place thus unveiling the concept of ‘genius loci’.

 An explanation of the theory of adaptive reuse as an approach towards architectural conservation.

 An identification of fundamental responses towards the above concepts in the bygone era covering case studies during the 20th and 21st centuries.

The next section deals with methods that will be employed to collect data to achieve the various objectives mentioned. This is followed by expressing the various ethics and limitations that would be faced during the research process.

It is finally concluded by suggestions, considerations and outcomes of the research, by using the specified methodology to achieve the research aims through an illustration forming an interdependency between the concept of genius loci, practice of architectural conservation and adaptive reuse.

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RATIONALE

Human ethics are linked with places. However, the changes that have occurred in our physical environment today have resulted in the loss of sense of place as it has been camouflaged by the mundaneness of technology. Therefore, the role of a designer should be to create places by connecting the past with the future to form a unique spatial experience. This also deals with the equality in promoting opportunity through the experience of building materials and their physical properties.

Every place has experienced warfare, uprisings and festivities through time that crystallises the soul of a city. Therefore, a deep insight about the background of a place blended with contemporary design facets and technology can achieve the preservation of the soul of a place.

Today, buildings experience threats that range from material to functional desuetude, demolition due to abandonment and lack of appreciation. Therefore, concern for preservation has grown. It is also important to look at the development of the protection of the twentiethcentury assembled fabric in order to determine the best way to approach conservation and adaptive reuse effectively. However, most of the projects where it is being applied the ‘character, spirit and sense’ of place is often missed.

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RESEARCH QUESTION

Why is the nature of relationship between the concept of genius loci, practice of architectural conservation and adaptive reuse important?

AIM

To explore a relationship that illustrates the interdependency of the concept of genius loci, practice of architectural conservation and adaptive reuse.

OBJECTIVES



To explore the concept of genius loci towards a phenomenology of architecture through the relevant literature review.



To demonstrate the importance of genius loci for practice of architectural conservation and adaptive reuse through case studies in Europe.



To understand human response towards both practices carried out in the 20th and 21st centuries in Europe through people’s experiences in the past and present reviews.

LITERATURE REVIEW

This section defines the concept of genius loci and its relevance in modern day practices that include architectural conservation and adaptive reuse, enlightening on how these three fundamentals are interlinked with each other with the aid of case studies and user’s experiences.

CHARACTER, SENSE AND SPIRIT OF PLACE

The concept of ‘genius loci’ is often misinterpreted with regard to the field of architecture. As modern architecture progressively becomes part of the field of architectural history, concern for further development blended with technology and fast pacing demand seems to be never ending. On the contrary the ‘Sense of Place’ is often missed leaving users lost in a materialistic world rather than breathing through place and time.

“In the eighteenth century, the Latin phrase was usually translated as ‘the genius of a place’, meaning its influence… We now use the current version to describe the atmosphere to a place, the quality of its environment.” (Jackson, 1994: 157-158) When looking in-depth into the theory of place as discussed by Norberg-Schulz (1980), there are three stages which include differentiating between natural and manmade phenomena,

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interior/exterior and character. He also discusses a possible relationship between natural and manmade phenomena which broadens to: 1. Envisage: A building demonstrates human understanding of nature by replicating what is seen in nature.

2. Balance: A building adds what is perceived to be lacking in nature.

3. Symbolize: A building demonstrates human understanding of nature and self by translating that understanding into built form.

Both built form and symbolic meaning of a place are vital for the genius loci concept as it allows human interpretation of emotional significance to the place. Lowenthal (1979) suggests that ‘the past’ exists as both individual and group identity, with common ethics and experiences thus linking to spirit of place.

Day (2002) visualizes that every place is formed by the past but for a building it is also inspired by the future, thus combination of both will create something new. He also shows us how to work towards a sustainable environment through socially inclusive processes that nourish the soul and spirit of the body. The world should be imagined as a place of inspirited matter grounded in present practical reality, linked with the past and envisaging the future thus creating a socially inclusive, nature respectful, and healing home for us.

Reflecting on these points, this essay explores its importance in the practice of architectural conservation and adaptive reuse.

ADAPTIVE REUSE AS AN APPROACH TOWARDS ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION

Cantacuzino (1989) discusses the history of adaptive reuse which explains that it is a process of reusing an old site or building for a purpose other than which it was built or designed for and its approach towards conservation practice.

An advantage of both these practices is that, it draws people from different cultural backgrounds together to promote national and social identity thus stimulating domestic and international tourism. Practically, it makes environmental and economic sense to use what is already there, rather than to waste a resource that remains available for exploitation (Orbasli, 2008).

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Based on this, three main strategies were identified by Plevoets and Cleempoel (2011), namely: typological, technical and strategic. Typological Approach deals with the various types of buildings involved in the practice of conservation and adaptive reuse. Technical Approach touches topics like services of the building, material decay, and damage and how to rectify the problems concerned with it. Strategic Approach focusses on the processes used for adapting important structures summarized as: 1. Building within (interior) 2. Building over (roofing) 3. Building around (landscaping) 4. Building alongside (pathways/roads) 5. Recycling materials (sustainable) 6. Adapting to a new function 7. Building style Proposals for new use of the building once redundant should be carefully considered for many reasons such as appropriate use, making sure the cultural importance is not wiped out by the new use and lastly financial considerations for these alterations.

To understand more in-depth, the following case studies namely - the Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands and the GCW University Library, Lincoln, United Kingdom were particularly chosen since both designs currently hold the same interior functional use. However, the former differed and analysing them would help to get an idea of how the practice has been carried out successfully covering all the three fundamental topics mentioned through the literature review.

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HUMAN RESPONSE TOWARDS EXISTING CASE STUDIES IN THE BYGONE ERA CASE STUDY 1 - BOOKSTORE SELEXYZ DOMINICANEN, MAASTRICHT, NETHERLANDS

Figure 1 Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands (Aldershoff, 2013)

The Dominican Church is a 13th century Gothic church located in the centre of Maastricht, Netherlands. Through the years, this church has undergone various transformations in terms of internal use.

In 1294, it was used as a monastery for the Dominican Order after which the dissolution of monasteries took place in 1794 by the French. At this time, the church was used for military purposes, was partially used as a warehouse and as a printing company. The monastic buildings were also used as schools for a short time. Later, it was a shelter for an orchestra, was also used as a platform to showcase many exhibitions and cultural events, and also as an ornate bicycle shed. Through 1912-1917, extensive restoration was carried out to re-establish it to its former glory as a Parish church (Smith, 2013).

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Through 2005-2006, the church along with the monastery

underwent

conservation

and

restoration along with the paintings, leading to a proposal for the conversion to a bookstore by the agency – Merkx + Girod.

The design was carried out carefully keeping in mind the spiritus loci of the church wherein the ground floor was positioned for toilets, staff canteen, installations for heating, ventilation, lighting, and book storage.

The following figure below is briefly described to its left pertaining to the respective numbered mapping through the floor plan.

Figure 2 Study Stations (Aldershoff, 2013)

1. The arrow pointing to the orange shaded region numbered ‘1’ highlights the installation of a towering, three-storey black steel book stack in the long, high nave with dimensions 30 meters long and 7.5 metres high each. It gives respect and emphasis to the structure and helps to retain the open spaces.

2. The arrow pointing to the yellow shaded region numbered ‘2’ highlights the installation of a cafe in the choir area. The central feature of the cafe is a long, cruciform table lit by a lamp suspended from the stone vaults in the semblance of a modern halo.

3. The arrow pointing to the brown and orange shaded regions numbered ‘3’ highlights that the books are reached by stairs within the book stack which is self-lit to avoid pollution in the interiors and captivate the users with a near-sighted view of the frescoes and two assimilated workstations. There is also a lift present.

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Figure 3 Floor plan (Aldershoff, 2013) Edited by: Author

Figure 4 Exterior of the Dominican Church (Aldershoff, 2013)

Figure 5 Cafe in the Apse (Aldershoff, 2013)

Figure 6 The stairs leading to the various levels of the book shelf (Aldershoff, 2013)

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CASE STUDY 2 – GCW UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, LINCOLN, UNITED KINGDOM

Figure 7 GCW University Library, Lincoln, United Kingdom (Library, 2008)

The Great Central Warehouse University library is situated on the campus of the University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom. Through the years, this warehouse has undergone various transformations in terms of internal use.

In 1907, it was known as ‘The Great Central Goods and Grain Warehouse’ and was sold later to Pattinsons in 1967. In 1972, Harcros used the site which went on for 30 years. By 1998, the structure was unused and thus decayed in time. In 2006, the structure was converted into a library by the University of Lincoln on campus (University of Lincoln, 2006).

Figure 8 The warehouse during 1984-1986 (Library, 1984)

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In 2003, the redundant warehouse was revitalised into a library for students of the University

by Stem Architects Ltd. The design was carried out carefully after the restoration of the structure was completed keeping in mind the large spaces of the existing warehouse. The following table below details the present day state of the materials/structures showing the new transformation.

Material/Structure

New Use

Brickwork

Cleaned and left exposed as facade

Steel work

Strengthened and painted to preserve

Wincing gear

Cleaned to preserve

Roof lights

Replaced with skylights for natural lighting

Spatial floor and height

Divided into four levels

Timber loading bays

Glass

and

charcoal

concrete

extension

panels

for

meeting/conference rooms, IT labs and services.

Eastern side – Emerging Glazed viewing area with a window seat overlooking the path locomotives

of the riverside boardwalk.

Staircase

Computer-controlled illumination highlights the cantilevered glass reading cube and four-storey staircase.

Table 1 Restoration features (Architecture.com, n.d.)

Edited by: Author

Figure 9 Steel work to strengthen existing structure (Library, 2008)

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Figure 10 Skylights on the roof on the topmost floor (Library, 2008)

Figure 11 Ground Floor plan (University of Lincoln, n.d.)

Figure 12 First Floor plan (University of Lincoln, n.d.)

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METHODOLOGY

This section details the deliberation that led to the research which inclines towards the qualitative methods.

REASONS FOR CHOOSING QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative Research is a form of social inquiry that focuses on the way people interpret and make sense of their experiences and the world in which they live in (Holloway, 1997). The reasons for the choice for this research mainly deals with understanding the existential world through time and perception of every version of it. It will help to understand the new experiences involved, growing patterns of biography and the fading social inqualities of the past transforming into new diversities. The following processes have been categorised below to help achieve this methodical approach.

DATA COLLECTION PROCESSES UNSTRUCTURED OBSERVATIONS: TIME, PLACE AND PARTICIPANTS

Unstructured observation of events, behaviours, and objects in the social setting chosen will be derived on spot based on live events that occur at the particular time frame selected for the observation (Mulhall, 2002). This aids in approaching an obtrusive observation method with prior consent to avoid discomfort to users on site.

The researcher will take field notes which allows one to record the behaviour, events and surroundings on site. This will contain observations based on date, time, physical setting and details of what or who is being observed (Savin-Baden and Major, 2013).

These notes will be carried out during the following time lapses, which have been decided to understand the library routine pattern of the users and activities spread out during each day of the week:

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

Morning (9.00 am – 11.00 am)



Afternoon (2.00 pm – 4.00 pm)



Evening (7.00 pm – 9.00 pm)



Peak Season (University Assessment week)



Non – peak season (University Vacation week)

Choice of spaces for the observation bring together the main functional uses and services present in the respective case studies. The following are the details tabulated by the author for the respective case studies which covers the reasons and time required for choice of spaces to be observed:

Reason for studying spaces other than for

Approx. time required

human response

(mins.)

Apse – café

Lighting and furniture design

30

Children’s corner

How are children fascinated by the area

30

Construction and self-lit design

60

Working of spaces

30

Structural stability

30

Lighting

Most important aspect in a bookstore

30

Material/Structural

How it retains spirit of place

amendments

(interior/exterior)

Spaces

Book storage unit - shelving area Study stations Services – lifts and stairs

60

Table 2 Details for Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands (See Figure 3, page 10 for floor plan)

Reason for studying spaces other than for

Approx. time required

human response

(mins.)

Lighting and furniture design

60

First floor

Study/work station space design and book

30

Third floor

shelving units

30

Structural stability

60

Lighting

Most important aspect in a library

30

Material/Structural

How it retains spirit of place

amendments

(interior/exterior)

Spaces Ground floor reception, group study area

Services – lifts and stairs

60

Table 3 Details for GCW University Library, Lincoln, United Kingdom (See Figure 11 & Figure 12, page 14 for floor plan)

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Choice of participants for observation will be decided on site depending on what stands out for the observer and will not be decided prior.

The estimated time to conduct both case studies will require a duration of two months and will achieve the best upshots during the months of April and May due to apt weather conditions, university term schedules, breathing space between interviews and travel time.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews are considered a common form for qualitative research approach. Using unstructured/open-ended questions will help in revealing a broader aspect of the interviewee’s knowledge and emotional experiences in-depth without restrictions, thus possessing a clear agenda (Creswell, 2014). Such questions will allow the user to possibly think deeper, however the pressure is on the researcher to analyse and code the information received. ‘Homogeneous’ sampling method has been adopted for this research since it allows variation and simplifies analysis (Patton, 2001). According to Nastasi (2015), the thumb rule based on phenomenological data collection, at least ten people should be accessed per case study and the thumb rule based on Homogeneous sampling, a total of three different age groupings, comprising of six groups, that gives three age groups for each gender.

Therefore, the following groupings will be considered: (18-30 years), (30-40 years) and (4060 years) and will cover at least ten interviewees per case study.

Choice of participants for the interview shall be contemporary users of the site since the main goal of this process is to understand their connection with the place in a still time frame only.

The number of people that is aimed to be interviewed in a day is approximately 8-10 nos. for a duration of 20 minutes each.

Questions will be put forth that will cover themes namely: striking features, emotional value, spatial characteristics, materialistic views, atmospheric likes and dislikes and general experience of people who are users on site. Hence, the interview will be carried out in one shot on site using means of recording (digital voice recorder), video recording or taking notes.

VISUAL MEDIA DOCUMENTS

Historical photographs from online archives shall be used to study the past construction details and techniques used on site. This will give an in-depth insight of the bygone eras, thus enabling

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one to decipher every visual to its best precision in order to draw comparisons and transformations with the present.

Research-produced visual media shall include photographs, video recordings and sketches on site as well as online archives and will be used to study the present day state of the site.

The following online archives denote the source of photographs needed and their use in this research: 1. Photographs by Aldershoff (2013) to study the construction details, furniture design, lighting systems, materials used and spatial distances of present day at Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands.

2. Photographs by U.o.L. Library (1984) and U.o.L. Library (2008) to study the construction details (interior/exterior) and materials used in 1984 and today at the GCW University Library, Lincoln, United Kingdom.

GAINING INFORMED CONSENT

This is an essential part of this process as not all participants will share their insights or be comfortable in complete transparency with the observer/interviewer. Therefore, before commencing the interview and observation process, a consent form will be signed by the respective case study sites and participants for the interview on spot. The consent form will cover subjects defining: purpose of the research, details about the research study, types of participants involved, responsibilities as an interviewer, voluntary aspect and confidentiality of the participant and contact details of the researcher.

See APPENDIX on page 24 for the informed consent form which will be handed over to the respective sites chosen for the study and individual participants for interviews.

ETHICS AND LIMITATIONS



Ethical issues involve in maintaining privacy to each user in a space. Since observation may take time, the users in the process should not be uncomfortable in their environments. This would occur while video filming certain shots needed to get a good outcome, however if users get conscious, it will turn out inaccurate. This same concept shall be followed during interview sessions, with well written questions to avoid

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inaccuracy in results. Also, prior consent from users and the respective site chosen shall be taken to avoid discomfort or disruption of activities. 

For the case study - Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen in Maastricht, Netherlands, travelling to the country would have some drawbacks, including the strenuous visa process and time involved in travelling.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this research aimed at exploring a relationship through the interdependency between the concept of genius loci, practice of architectural conservation and adaptive reuse through a qualitative approach. This interpreted the social world with experiences aiding to revert to the question of the importance of the nature of relationship. The literature review gave a strong insight of the following: 

Spaces are defined by the people and experiences that come about, thus architecture has evolved and grown through the years and has been influenced and fused with the ever changing spirit of place to create a new experience.



Since architectural conservation is emerging in demand in the architectural field, heritage is brought back to life to preserve its genius loci. However, if the same setting turns redundant, a new use can help revitalize this setting and merge the former setting with the new inspiriting beauty created which is termed as adaptive reuse.



In comparison with the two case studies, both achieved in preserving the genius loci of the setting respectively by making use of spaces in an organised and effective manner, conserving the existing structure by restoration techniques and creation of new additions without overpowering the structure.

For further research, different typologies for case studies will be looked at to understand the diverse techniques and solutions involved in reusing, while preserving its genius loci.

The model generated in the diagram below is aided by key words mentioned throughout the research to summarize the interdependency between the concept of genius loci, practice of architectural conservation and adaptive reuse. The reason for concluding the topic diagrammatically aims at simplifying multifaceted material, proves eye-catching, is more multi-dimensional and helps spot latent connections.

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As seen, the critical key word is ‘Social’ in all the fundamentals mentioned. This therefore concludes that it is an important aspect for the interdependency with each other because every space created needs the user, and consequently its experiences involved which would constitute genius loci. As a result of this, architectural conservation becomes essential to revive the past for future generations to promote social identity. Based on this, if the space turns to material/functional desuetude, adaptive reuse is carried out by connecting the past experiences with the future to form a new genius loci of the space.

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Figure 13 Illustrated Model Edited by: Author

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aldershoff, R. (2013) National Traveller, [Online], Available: http://www.nationaltraveller.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=251:selexyzdominicanen-bookstore [26 November 2015].

Architecture.com, [Online], Available: https://www.architecture.com/FindAnArchitect/ArchitectPractices/StemArchitectsLtd/Project s/TheGreatCentralWarehouse-99828.aspx [12 December 2015].

Cantacuzino, S. (1989) ReArchitecture: New buildings/Old uses, New York: Abbeville Press Publishers.

Creswell, J.W. (2014) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th edition, California: SAGE Publications, Inc. Day, C. (2002) Spirit and Place: Healing our environment, Healing environment, Massachusetts: Architectural Press.

Holloway, I. (1997) Basic concepts for qualitative research, Oxford: Blackwell Science.

Jackson, J.B. (1994) A Sense of Place, A Sense of Time, New Haven and London: Yale University Press.

Library, U.o.L. (1984) Flickr, [Online], Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/universityoflincolnlibrary/ [12 Decemeber 2015].

Library, U.o.L. (2008) Flickr, [Online], Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/universityoflincolnlibrary/ [12 december 2015].

Lowenthal, D. (1979) 'Environmental perception: preserving the past', Progress in Human Geography, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 549-559.

Mulhall, A. (2002) 'Methodical issues in nursing research. In the field: Notes on observation in qualitative research', Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 306-313.

Nastasi, D.B. (2015) Qualitative Research: Sampling & Sample Size Considerations, Available: https://my.laureate.net/Faculty/docs/./qualit_res__smpl_size_consid.doc [9 December 2015].

Norberg-Schulz, C. (1980) Genius Loci: Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture, New York: Rizzoli.

Orbasli, A. (2008) 'Part I: Theory and Principles', in Architectural Conservation: Principles and Practice, Oxford: Blackwell Science Ltd. Patton, M.Q. (2001) Qualitative evaluation and research methods, 3rd edition, California: SAGE Publications.

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Plevoets, B. and Cleempoel, K.V. (2011) 'Adaptive reuse as a strategy towards conservation of cultural heritage: a literature review', in Terme, C.B.a.L.B.C. (ed.) Structural Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture XII, Italy: WITpress.

Savin-Baden, M. and Major, C.H. (2013) Qualitative Research: The essential guide to theory and practice, Oxon: Routledge.

Smith, A. (2013) Urban Ghosts, 21 March, [Online], Available: http://www.urbanghostsmedia.com/2013/03/boekhandel-selexyz-dominicanen-800-year-oldchurch-most-beautiful-bookshop-in-world/ [12 December 2015].

University of Lincoln, [Online], Available: http://library.lincoln.ac.uk/home/customerinformation/maps/ [12 December 2015].

University of Lincoln, A.W. (2006) The Great Central Warehouse University Library / University of Lincoln.

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APPENDIX INFORMED CONSENT FORM

RESEARCH FOR INTERDEPENDENCY BETWEEN CONCEPT OF GENIUS LOCI, PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION AND ADAPTIVE REUSE RESEARCHER’S DETAILS: Ramola Helena Lewis Student University of Lincoln Brayford Pool Lincoln LN6 7TS United Kingdom Contact No.: +447341162538 Email: ramola29@hotmail.com PURPOSE OF STUDY: You are being asked to take part in this research study. Before you decide to participate in this study, it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will include. Please read the following information carefully and ask the researcher if there is anything that is not clear or if you need more information.

The purpose of this study is to understand the importance of the relationship between the concept of genius loci, practice of architectural conservation and adaptive reuse. It will involve in exploring beliefs, perception, body response and memoirs of people with a place in time. By conducting this interview, it will lead to discovering the experiences in different habitual frames.

STUDY PROCEDURES: A series of field notes at each of the case studies will be noted down by the researcher considering the following time lapses which have been decided to understand the library routine pattern of the users and activities spread out during each day of the week:

24



Morning (9.00 am – 11.00 am)



Afternoon (2.00 pm – 4.00 pm)



Evening (7.00 pm – 9.00 pm)



Peak Season (University Assessment week)



Non – peak season (University Vacation week)

Choice of spaces for the observation bring together the main functional uses and services present in the respective case studies. The following are the details tabulated by the author for the respective case studies which covers the reasons and time required for choice of spaces to be observed: 1. Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands 1 Reason for studying spaces other than for

Approx. time required

human response

(mins.)

Apse – café

Lighting and furniture design

30

Children’s corner

How are children fascinated by the area

30

Construction and self-lit design

60

Working of spaces

30

Structural stability

30

Lighting

Most important aspect in a bookstore

30

Material/Structural

How it retains spirit of place

amendments

(interior/exterior)

Spaces

Book storage unit - shelving area Study stations Services – lifts and stairs

60

2. GCW University Library, Lincoln, United Kingdom1 Reason for studying spaces other than for

Approx. time required

human response

(mins.)

Lighting and furniture design

60

First floor

Study/work station space design and book

30

Third floor

shelving units

30

Structural stability

60

Most important aspect in a library

30

Spaces Ground floor reception, group study area

Services – lifts and stairs Lighting

1

25

The consent forms for both case study sites will be separate with their respective ‘choice of spaces’ table respectively.

Material/Structural

How it retains spirit of place

amendments

(interior/exterior)

60

Choice of participants for observation will be decided on site depending on what stands out for the observer and will not be decided prior.

The estimated time to conduct both case studies will require a duration of two months and will achieve the best upshots during the months of April and May due to apt weather conditions, university term schedules, breathing space between interviews and travel time.

Choice of participants for the interview shall be contemporary users of the site since the main goal of this process is to understand their connection with the place in a still time frame only.

The number of people that is aimed to be interviewed in a day is approximately 8-10 nos. for a duration of 20 minutes each.

The following groupings will be considered: (18-30 years), (30-40 years) and (40-60 years) and will cover at least ten interviewees per case study.

Questions will be put forth that will cover themes namely: striking features, emotional value, spatial characteristics, materialistic views, atmospheric likes and dislikes and general experience of people who are users on site. Hence, the interview will carried out in one shot on site using means of recording (digital voice recorder), video recording or taking notes.

CONFIDENTIALITY For the purposes of this research study, only your views, gender, profession and age will not be anonymous. Every effort will be made by the researcher to preserve your confidentiality including the following: 1. Assigning pseudonyms/numbers for participants that will be used on all research notes and documents.

2. Keeping notes, interview transcriptions, and any other identifying participant information in a locked file cabinet in the personal possession of the researcher.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION Your participation in this study is voluntary. It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part in this study. If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to sign this consent form. After you sign the consent form, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without

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giving a reason. Withdrawing from this study will not affect the relationship you have, if any, with the researcher. If you withdraw from the study before data collection is completed, your data will be returned to you or destroyed.

I have read and I understand the provided information and have had the opportunity to ask questions. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any time, without giving a reason and without cost. The procedures regarding confidentiality have been clearly explained (e.g. use of names, pseudonyms, anonymization of data, etc.) to me. I understand that I will be given a copy of this consent form. I voluntarily agree to take part in this study.

Participant's signature ______________________________ Date __________

Researcher's signature _____________________________ Date __________

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