Overview of PhD's within research domain Trace

A comparative study between Dhaka, Flanders and Muscat.

• Nusrat Ritu
• 2022 - 2026
• Promotor: Prof. Dr Bie Plevoets
• Co-promotor: Prof Aslı Çiçek

This PhD approaches the complex matter of redesigning historic interiors for a new or continued use while retaining their historical features or characteristics. Despite the momentum gained by the field of adaptive reuse in the western world over the last few decades, there are fewer examples of adaptive reuse worldwide, and even fewer so with respect to interior adaptations. This research aims to contribute to establishing the discipline as a more common practice on a global scale.

When considering the reuse of historic interiors, it becomes inherently essential to understand the scope of the term “interior” – as its material components, as a space, as an ensemble, as a chronological experience vs. an experience as a whole, etc. The notion of interior exists as a totality and must therefore be perceived as such when looking through the conservation or adaptive reuse lens. In order to grasp such a totality, one would require not only an appreciation of the material and immaterial aspects of an interior but also the interpretation of such a term in a broader context across various cultures and traditions of living.

This research investigates the heritage value and adaptation of interiors in three different contexts – namely Dhaka, Flanders, and Muscat. In doing so, the possibility of adaptive reuse of historic interiors across three distinct sociocultural, economic, and climatic backgrounds is studied through a blend of research methodologies like literature reviews, precedent studies, real-time interviews, etc., thus presenting it as a viable solution for diverse cultures at risk of losing their architectural heritage identity.

Towards a Conceptual Framework for Adaptive Reuse.

• Colm mac Aoidh
• Promotor: Prof. Dr Koenraad Van Cleempoel
• Co-promotor: Maria Gil Ulldemolins

Re-reading modernist housing estates: an inquiry into the value of threatened heritage sites and the possibilities of adaptive reuse as a method for re-evaluation.

• Marie Moors
• 2018 - 2022
• Promotor: Prof. Dr Koenraad Van Cleempoel
• Co-promotor: Dr Bie Plevoets

This research project aims to address the challenges of modernist post-war housing estates in Flanders, more specifically the urban settlements and high-rise estates constructed according to Congrès Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne (CIAM) principles, whose initial ambitions have undergone a critical shift in meaning.

A considerable number of these sites are threatened with demolition because they are in poor (technical and social) condition. Nevertheless, there is an overall hiatus in the approach towards the modernist typology: the options for adaptive reuse remain unexplored as there has been very little research focused on the potential of other uses for modernist housing ensembles.

Therefore, the objective is to investigate the adaptive reuse potential of modernist housing ensembles and develop a theoretical framework that defines a set of strategies for intervention. Precise architectural interventions, based on a process of research by design, herald new possibilities. Regeneration scenarios will be developed for two Flemish case studies, each with diverse characteristics and potential for a redevelopment study.

In conclusion, the aim is to clearly evaluate and conceptualise different scenarios and regeneration strategies so that they are applicable for a broader (inter)national range of projects dealing with similar issues.

Towards an Integrated Framework.

• Nadin Augustiniok
• 2019 - 2023
• Promotors: Prof. Dr Koenraad Van Cleempoel, Prof. Dr Claudine Houbart (ULiège)
• Co-promotor: Dr. Bie Plevoets
• Joint PhD project between UHasselt and ULiège, supported by two research groups: Arck (UHasselt) and Diva (ULiège).
• Thesis

This PhD thesis investigates the assessment of values in adaptive re-use projects and their current reflection in legislation, focussing on two Belgian regions – Flanders and Wallonia.

Research Questions:

What kind of values can be identified in adaptive re-use projects? How does their assessment change during the development and execution process? How can a consideration of values in architectural theory contribute to the value assessment in adaptive re-use?

Throughout the centuries, buildings have been constructed, destroyed, reconstructed, changed or extended to adapt to new utilizations or new architectural trends. Therefore, adaptive re-use of buildings can be considered a building principle as old as architecture itself. Transformations of society and its environment have been influencing the handling of architectural evidence of the past ever since. The establishment of the ‚preservation of historical monuments‘ as a recognized approach in dealing with cultural heritage dates back to the 19th century. The two opposing approaches that are still discussed today are the principle of ‘restoration’ (Viollet-le-Duc ) and ‘conserving as found’ (John Ruskin).

The notion of values and their assessment as an evaluation instrument regarding the handling of protected monuments is an ongoing discussion. In 1994, the importance of values had officially been captured in the Nara Document on Authenticity, which states ‘conservation of cultural heritage in all its forms and historical periods is rooted in the values attributed to the heritage’. However, the definition of a value system and its implementation into legislation remains a challenge to historians, architects and policymakers alike. Furthermore, the constant societal, cultural, political, economic and environmental changes demand a continuous revision and adaptation of the value systems in use.

The interdisciplinary nature of architectural conservation, involving architects, historians, conservators, lawyers, archaeologists and others - whom all have difficulties in finding a common language – complicates the development of a set of guidelines. Re-thinking the assessment of existing, past and future values in the theory of conservation as well as in the theory of architecture and their practical implementation will be valuable for cooperative communication.

The differences between the Belgian regions of Flanders and Wallonia are not only manifested in another language and culture but also the varying urban development (Flanders: small scale agriculture economy; Wallonia: heavy mining and steel industrialization). The example of Belgium allows to compare two different approaches of legislation and policies regarding the re-use of existing buildings that originated from the same basis.

Re-vitalizing of protected Heritage for Urban Regeneration.

• Hamid Syed Akbar
• 2018 - 2024
• Promotor: Prof. Dr Koenraad Van Cleempoel

This PhD research aims to look into the current condition of ‘British Protected Heritage in Pakistan and investiagtes the adaptive reuse potential in the heritage from British era in Karachi, Pakistan which have the protected status but still losing its existence. And how the concept of adaptive reuse can play an important role for rejuvenating this heritage positively in Pakistan.

In theoretical way, this study will try to revitalize the British Heritage of Karachi to, perceive the idea of adaptive reuse in Pakistani perspective that protected heritage can be unwritten as a discourse for sustainable development. The research will focus on finding the new approaches that will aim to the idea of finding values and meaning of the past that can be constituted and utilized in the present to revive the heritage for future.

The focus will be on the commercial, residential-commercial or commercial-residential typology buildings from the first protected enlisting of 1995-1997, in Karachi and reusing them as an agent for the sustainable urban regeneration of the city, and how these buildings can play part in the social-cultural and economic development for local communities.

Defining and justifying through international precedents the value of industrial heritage in urban regeneration.

• Naveed Iqbal
• 2018 - 2022
• Promotor: Prof. Dr Koenraad Van Cleempoel
• Thesis

This PhD research deals with Industrial heritage and its adaptive reuse practices and potentials. After the industrial revolution, there was a time of deindustrialization which left behind a lot of abandoned industrial buildings that were carrying a rich history of our modern development. Just as industrialization has been a new and unique economic and social phenomenon, so too the challenges posed by the conservation of its remains require innovative new approaches.

To preserve the industrial heritage and to reintegrate them into urban development most of these buildings are successfully adopted for new functions in the western world. Unlike western countries, most of such industrial buildings in developing countries like Pakistan are either abandoned or demolished after closure.

The research aims to study the industrial heritage reuse case studies in the western world and relate it to potential industrial sites in Pakistan. Focusing on the cities of Karachi and Lahore, its industrial history and its potential in urban regeneration.

Cloth maker’s moulage as an alternative thread to an architectural master plan

• Karen Lens
• 2012 - 2021
• Promotor: Prof. Dr Koenraad Van Cleempoel
• Thesis

Tools for a poetic approach in the discipline of adaptive reuse.

• Godfrey Ayubu
• 2017 - 2021
• Promotor: Prof. Dr Koenraad Van Cleempoel
• Thesis

Ngorongorro Conservation Area is a World Heritage Site under Natural and Cultural merits and therefore, it is also characterized by multiple land use.

The pastoral Maasai have been coexisting with the wildlife in Ngorongoro Conservation area for centuries. The built infrastructure in Ngorongoro Conservation Area is undergoing gradual transformation hence threatening the integrity of both the cultural and the natural landscapes.

Besides, it is barely understood how the social, economic, political, and environmental dynamics taking place within, or in the areas surrounding such communities are transforming the Maasai’s indigenous construction knowledge. This research is an attempt to expand and engage in the ongoing discourses about inclusive conservation through a transdisciplinary approach of architecture, anthropology and ecotourism.

The research sheds some light on how to engage all stakeholders in the preservation of cultural and natural heritage for sustainable tourism development.

An Interior View on Adaptive Reuse of Buildings

• Bie Plevoets
• 2008 - 2014
• Promotor: Prof. Dr Koenraad Van Cleempoel
• Co-promotor: Annemie Draye
• Thesis

This PhD research explores the concept of transforming historic buildings for retail use, a practice termed 'retail-reuse.' This study focuses on the intersection of architectural heritage and modern retail demands, emphasizing the interior perspective. It investigates the relationship between adaptive reuse and retail design, the added value for both sectors, and the specific interior qualities of reused buildings.
The research aims to develop a specialized lexicon for describing the nuances of adaptive reuse from an interior standpoint.

This lexicon includes new concepts that articulate the relationship between the building’s existing characteristics and the new retail functions. Plevoets introduces three approaches to adaptive reuse that consider the building’s soft values or interior qualities: translatio, imitatio, and aemulatio. Additionally, three core concepts of conservation and architectural theory—sustainability, authenticity, and genius loci—are examined from an interior perspective. Part two of the study focuses on retail-reuse in Flanders, outlining the legal framework, opportunities, and threats for both heritage preservation and retail sectors.

Through case studies and a SWOT analysis, the research presents a concept for stimulating adaptive reuse of protected historic buildings by the retail sector, proposing measures to enhance the overall quality and value of such projects.

Evaluating the Flemish Post-War Detached Dwelling and its Part in Contemporary Spatial Planning and Architecture.

• Marijn van de Weijer
• 2010 - 2014
• Promotor: Prof. Dr Koenraad Van Cleempoel & Prof. dr. Hilde Heynen (KULeuven)
• Co-promotor Prof. dr. Michael Ryckewaert (KULeuven)
• Thesis

This PhD research deals with Industrial heritage and its adaptive reuse practices and potentials. After the industrial revolution, there was a time of deindustrialization which left behind a lot of abandoned industrial buildings that were carrying a rich history of our modern development. Just as industrialization has been a new and unique economic and social phenomenon, so too the challenges posed by the conservation of its remains require innovative new approaches.

To preserve the industrial heritage and to reintegrate them into urban development most of these buildings are successfully adopted for new functions in the western world. Unlike western countries, most of such industrial buildings in developing countries like Pakistan are either abandoned or demolished after closure.

The research aims to study the industrial heritage reuse case studies in the western world and relate it to potential industrial sites in Pakistan. Focusing on the cities of Karachi and Lahore, its industrial history and its potential in urban regeneration.