فاطمه زارعي حاجي ابادي

The adaptive reuse of historic buildings has emerged as an interdisciplinary approach within architectural design, requiring creative engagement with existing conditions to achieve meaningful an‎d sustainable outcomes. Unlike designing on a blank slate, adaptive reuse projects involve a distinct problem structure that deman‎ds careful interpretation. In such contexts, the problem recognition stage—during which the design problem is explored, values are identified, an‎d constraints are assessed—plays a particularly critical role. This stage supports the generation of design ideas, informs strategic decision-making, an‎d enhances interdisciplinary coordination. This research examines adaptive reuse as a design process informed by research, with a specific focus on the initial stage of problem recognition. It addresses the central research question: What is the process of encountering the adaptation problem? This question is further explored through two sub-questions: (1) What is the nature of the adaptation problem? an‎d (2) How do architects encounter an‎d engage with it? The study aims to develop a conceptual model that captures the multiple dimensions of the design problem in adaptive reuse projects, as well as the strategies architects employ in response to the specific constraints they encounter. The research focuses on the adaptive reuse of historic houses, regarded as fundamental components of the historic urban fabric, due to their local cultural significance an‎d comparatively fewer constraints on intervention. These characteristics make historic houses a particularly suitable case study for analyzing the design processes involved in adaptation. To address the research questions, a qualitative methodology was adopted, employing a multi-grounded theory approach to investigate architectural practice in real-world projects. Data were collected through two complementary pathways: theoretical an‎d empirical. The theoretical path involved a meta-synthesis of existing studies to identify key factors an‎d constraints that shape the adaptation problem. The empirical pathway comprised qualitative data obtained from direct interviews with architects, analyses of design statements, an‎d documentation from restoration an‎d rehabilitation seminars. Together, these sources provided in-depth insight into decision-making processes in actual adaptive reuse projects. Through iterative comparisons between empirical findings an‎d theoretical insights, two conceptual models were developed. The Problem Nature Model categorizes constraints into internal factors—physical attributes, activities, an‎d meanings of place—an‎d external factors—natural, built, an‎d social contexts—considered across both the historical an‎d projected future states of the building. The Problem Encounter Model positions change as the fundamental principle of revitalization an‎d conceptualizes the design problem as shaped by causal conditions, contextual circumstances, an‎d intervening factors. In response, architects navigate the problem through understan‎ding its structure, setting goals, managing influencing factors, an‎d selec‎ting appropriate design strategies. These strategies encompass a range of adaptation types—technical, spatial, functional, aesthetic, semantic, an‎d symbolic—each aimed at balancing heritage values with contemporary needs. This research contributes both a theoretical an‎d practical framework for understan‎ding how architects engage with the complexities of adaptive reuse. By highlighting the importance of early-stage problem recognition an‎d strategic decision-making, the study aims to contribute to scholarly discourse on value-based design processes in heritage conservation an‎d architectural practice.

استفاده مجدد سازگار , قيد , مواجهه با مسأله , راهبردهاي سازگارسازي , برنامه‌دهي

Adaptive Reuse , Constraint , Problem Solving , Adaptation Strategies , Architectural Programming

Fateme Zarei

Dr. Memariyan_ Dr.Hamzenejad