Reimagining the interior architecture of Albanian Hammam baths : identifying design strategies in the adaptive reuse of Bazaar's Hammam
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2020
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Abstract
"This research thesis explores the architecture of Hammam typology and proposes a strategy of adaptive reuse to save these buildings upon a specific region, in Albania. Hammam structures, which used to combine daily and sacred life by providing water to support body and soul, should be regarded as gems of cultural heritage that reconnect people to their past but also to their future. After the introduction aiming to present the reader with the research aim and methodology, a short historic architectural overview is done. Two of the most representative cases of Albanian Hammam typologies still exist, in the city of Elbasan, although abandoned and forgotten in time. The research addresses two consequences of the historical heritage Hammam's development. Firstly, the way in which Hammam's heritage has been leftover and is being demolished; secondly, the need to rebuild heritage and community without any loss of identity in the city. The research leads to a design project exemplifying the adaptive re-use approach, when dealing with a historical structure, witnessing cultural values. Remodeling and alterations are necessary to result in new possibilities of saving these structures from degradation and complete demolition. The attempt of the research, as well as the project, is to re-imagine the interior qualities of Hammam in the present time."