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Introduction
Changing the uses and functions of buildings has occurred throughout history; however, adaptive reuse as a theory and practice has been formalised only recently; since the 1970s (Plevoets, 2014). Converting existing buildings to new functions is not new; in the past, structurally sound buildings have been changed to fit new functions or changed requirements with little concern and questioning (Cunnington, 1988). In most cases, interventions were carried out on a needs-based way with little conscious consideration for preserving heritage (Plevoets, 2014).
Adaptive reuse comprises a wide range of activities, from maintaining a heritage building because of its specific features and values to changing the function of the building, either wholly or partially, for other uses (Conejos et al., 2013; Douglas, 2006; Plevoets, 2014; Wilkinson et al., 2014; Yazdani Mehr et al., 2017). Some authors (Aplin, 2002; Bridgwood and Lennie, 2013; Douglas, 2006) asserted all changes to a heritage building must be reversible, focusing on the preservation of the cultural values. Therefore, prior to any adaptation work on a heritage building, all its heritage values and authentic features must be identified.
Adaptation of heritage buildings requires an understanding of the identity and values assigned to them (ICOMOS, 1994). However, as heritage buildings may have a series of values for different people or groups (ICOMOS, 2013), there can be challenges and even conflicts in adaptation. Jokilehto (2008b) believed that one of the most important reasons behind adaptation is the attached identity and values of heritage buildings. Heritage enhances a sense of community well-being (Taçon and Baker, 2019), thus needs to be preserved. Significantly, the Venice Charter (1964, p. 1) stated that heritage buildings must be delivered to future generations in “the full richness of their authenticity,” implying little or no change to the former, original state. Authenticity is defined as “the essential qualifying factor concerning values” (ICOMOS, 1994, p. 47), which indicates that compliance with authenticity is critical and requires that all tangible and intangible values are considered in adaptive reuse.
Genius loci give identity to a place and thus, not only distinguishes different places (Kepczynska-Walczak and Walczak, 2013) but also gives meaning and importance to them because it is related to events or actions, tangible or intangible values. For example, a prison...