Short answer

Prioritize community consultation to ensure that adaptive reuse projects for historic buildings are relevant, supported, and sustainable.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
Civil Engineering and Architecture (2025)
Method
Mixed-methods research
Sample
Not specified, but described as 'randomly distributed to residents of Elbasan'.
Evidence
Strong effect

Engaging the public in the decision-making process for heritage projects fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that the community's needs and desires are integrated into the preservation and adaptive reuse of historical structures. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Civil Engineering and Architecture. Using Mixed-methods research with Not specified, but described as 'randomly distributed to residents of Elbasan'., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize community consultation to ensure that adaptive reuse projects for historic buildings are relevant, supported, and sustainable.

Study
User-Centred DesignNew This WeekStrong effect

Community input significantly enhances the adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

Engaging the public in the decision-making process for heritage projects fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that the community's needs and desires are integrated into the preservation and adaptive reuse of historical structures.

Civil Engineering and Architecture · 2025

01

Key Findings

  • 01There is significant public interest in preserving the Elbasan Bazaar Hammam.
  • 02The community has diverse suggestions for the reuse of the Hammam.
  • 03Public opinion is crucial for the long-term sustainability of heritage treatments.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Prioritize community consultation to ensure that adaptive reuse projects for historic buildings are relevant, supported, and sustainable.

How to apply

Before initiating any design project involving historic buildings or community spaces, conduct surveys, focus groups, or public forums to gather input on desired uses and preservation approaches.

Project actions

  • 01Clearly define the target community for your design project.
  • 02Develop user personas based on research into community needs and desires.
03

Method & Evidence

AimWhat are the public perceptions regarding the adaptive reuse and preservation of the Elbasan Bazaar Hammam, and how can community participation inform future heritage management strategies?
MethodMixed-methods research
ProcedureThe study involved a literature review, case study analysis, field visits, and a questionnaire survey distributed to local residents. The survey assessed awareness, current use perceptions, potential future uses, and community impact. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
SampleNot specified, but described as 'randomly distributed to residents of Elbasan'.
ContextHeritage preservation and adaptive reuse of historical buildings, specifically focusing on the Elbasan Bazaar Hammam in Albania.

Variables

IVPublic participation in decision-making processes.
DVSuccess of adaptive reuse and preservation of historic buildings (measured by community satisfaction, sense of belonging, and long-term sustainability).
CVType of historic building (Hammam), historical period (Ottoman), location (Elbasan Bazaar).
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Utilizes a case study approach for in-depth analysis.
  • +Combines multiple research methods (literature, field, survey).

Limitations

The findings are specific to the Elbasan Bazaar Hammam and may not apply to other types of historic buildings or different cultural contexts.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the questionnaire could be improved with a larger, more diverse sample size and pilot testing. Validity is supported by the mixed-methods approach and direct inquiry into perceptions.

Think critically

To what extent can public opinion dictate the preservation and adaptive reuse of a historic site, especially when commercial or expert opinions might differ?

05

Design Principles

"Involve end-users and stakeholders in the design process to ensure project relevance and long-term success."

Understanding public perception is vital for the successful long-term viability of historic building projects. Incorporating community feedback can lead to more relevant and sustainable uses, increasing public engagement and support for heritage conservation efforts.

06

What This Means for Your Design

When you're designing something old, ask the people who live nearby what they think and what they want it to be used for. They care about it and have good ideas!

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this research to justify the importance of user research in your design process, especially when dealing with existing or culturally significant sites.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the critical role of public perception in the successful adaptive reuse of historic buildings. By involving the community in decision-making processes, designers can ensure that projects are not only preserved but also meet contemporary needs and foster a sense of local ownership, as demonstrated by the case of the Elbasan Bazaar Hammam.

09

Source

Civil Engineering and Architecture

Assessing Public Perception in the Adaptive Reuse and Preservation of Historic Buildings: A Case Study of the Elbasan Bazaar Hammam

journal · 2025

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about community input significantly enhances the adaptive reuse of historic buildings?
Prioritize community consultation to ensure that adaptive reuse projects for historic buildings are relevant, supported, and sustainable. Evidence: Civil Engineering and Architecture (2025).
Why does "Community input significantly enhances the adaptive reuse of historic buildings." matter for design?
Understanding public perception is vital for the successful long-term viability of historic building projects. Incorporating community feedback can lead to more relevant and sustainable uses, increasing public engagement and support for heritage conservation efforts.
How can designers apply this research?
Prioritize community consultation to ensure that adaptive reuse projects for historic buildings are relevant, supported, and sustainable.
What were the main findings?
There is significant public interest in preserving the Elbasan Bazaar Hammam.. The community has diverse suggestions for the reuse of the Hammam.. Public opinion is crucial for the long-term sustainability of heritage treatments.
What research method was used?
Mixed-methods research with Not specified, but described as 'randomly distributed to residents of Elbasan'..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from Civil Engineering and Architecture.
What should I do differently in my next project?
Before initiating any design project involving historic buildings or community spaces, conduct surveys, focus groups, or public forums to gather input on desired uses and preservation approaches.
What are the limitations?
The study is a single case study and may not be generalizable to all heritage sites. The questionnaire was distributed randomly, and the specific demographic breakdown of respondents is not detailed.