Interior Adaptation Within the Existing Built Environment: A Comparative Study of Restoration, Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Abstract

This thesis explores the fundamental aspects of interior architecture regarding the existing built environment. It focuses on the necessity of restoration, preservation, and adaptive reuse as possible solutions when approaching a new project concerning an existing building. Through the study of books, current journals, and relevant projects, a universal understanding is formed about approaches that can be used to react to the existing built environment. Also discussed are the more challenging situations that can arise, such as how to deal with heritage, contentious places, or the concept of memory of place. Examples and case studies are worldwide to appeal to a greater audience. The thesis outlines and defines possibilities for repairing, restoring, and protecting the existing built environment while keeping them practical in the current time. Before concluding the thesis, a design project, done in conjunction with the thesis, is discussed and explores how the different approaches and interventions discussed can be used to react to a site based on the specific site's history, value, and intangible qualities. Keywords: interior architecture, built environment, restoration, preservation, adaptive reuse, heritage, contentious places, memory of place, design project, interventions