Overview of PhD's within research domain Trace

• Zeynep Selvi
• 2024 - 2028
• Promotor: Prof. dr. Koenraad Van Cleempoel
• Co-promotor: Prof. dr. Bie Plevoets

This PhD research explores traditional domestic vernacular interiors through the methods of 'reading' and 'translation,' uncovering the cultural, social, and environmental knowledge embedded in everyday spaces. By examining architectural features, social values, and seasonal adaptations, the study reveals how these interiors serve as repositories of memory, culture, and identity while evolving to meet contemporary needs.

Grounded in the resourcefulness and adaptability of vernacular traditions, the research identifies design principles addressing sustainability, communal living, and resilience. It positions the interior as a mediator, reinterpreting vernacular principles to bridge historical practices with contemporary needs. Inspired by themes from recent Venice Architecture Biennales like the pavilion of Slovenia ‘In search of well-tempered architecture’ (2023), it situates vernacular interiors within global discourses on memory, identity, and ecological challenges, offering insights into how we dwell together.

Through detailed case studies and cross-cultural analysis, the study reinterprets vernacular interiors not as nostalgic artifacts but as sources of design strategies for contemporary societal challenges. It highlights their potential to inform resilient, culturally meaningful environments that respond to modern social and ecological demands.

Picture: In Search of Well-Tempered Architecture. Stove as a social centre of the house; Stara Fuzina, Slovenia

• Joshua Kempen
• 2024 - 2028
• Promotor: Prof. dr. Bie Plevoets
• Co-promotor: Prof. Aslı Çiçek

This PhD project will work on the reuse of architectural fragments, focusing on the meaning and cultural significance of material reuse in architectural and interior design.

While the reuse of architectural fragments, including valuable materials, as a strategy for the adaptive reuse of heritage is gaining attention, it has yet to be conceptualised from a cultural perspective. Moreover, there is lack of clarity regarding the design methodologies employed in the process of reusing fragments. A critical approach will be developed towards working with fragments, that is to reconfigure them.

This research will go beyond the technical approaches of circular materiality or reuse, by focussing on design qualities and meaningful alterations. This proposed strategy fits into a wider European aspiration to enhance cultural values of the built environment, thereby gaining crucial and vital contributions to a sustainable society.

The project Echoes of Heritage contributes to the field of (interior) architecture for both academics and practitioners to fill this missing gap, not as an alternative to the current adaptive reuse culture but to complement it. By proposing useful strategies for the preservation of architectural fragments and valuable materials of our built heritage, it seeks to steer a more meaningful and high-quality Baukultur.

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

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

This research project explores the methodological approach of research by design in the context of contemporary heritage theory on modernist architecture. The research applies the research by design method to an extended case study of the modernist housing ensemble Arenawijk by Renaat Braem in Antwerp.

The Arenawijk is in a vulnerable position today, as it will be partially demolished —like many other projects. Yet, its potential for adaptive reuse remains unexplored. The research question is: To what extent can the method of research by design be used to investigate the potential for adaptive reuse of the Arenawijk? The question is answered in three parts.

Part 1, entitled ‘As Found: From Modernist Housing Ensemble to the Arenawijk’, covers the concepts and ideologies that led to the construction of post-war modernist housing ensembles through an interactive timeline. It also includes an in-depth analysis of the as found of the Arenawijk and examines the future (demolition) plans.

Part 2, ‘Intervening on the As Found’, discusses the hidden potential of the Arenawijk and proposes an alternative design: the ‘contre projet’. The counter project reflects on notions of adaptation, transformation, repair, and reuse from the perspective of the potential and discusses them through five design motives.

The concluding section defines the new insights gained from the Arenawijk project on a fundamental and methodological level. Respectively, it presents the ‘ensemble’ as a historical, spatial, and social construction. The approaches and tools used are extrapolated into design education in the form of a design guide, taking into account the specific conditions of the ‘as found’. In that way, the current frame of reference of research by design is extended.

Picture: Perspective drawing from the 'contre-projet' for the Arenawijk in Antwerp, with one of the existing entrance gates framing the view of the new design intervention, 2023 (c) Marie Moors

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

This PhD research explores how the nature of (catholic) monasteries can be the start to their survival through adaptive reuse. Monastic communities face one of their most significant challenges: disinterest. Their premises are enclosed islands of peace and quietness and relics of flexibility and resilience over 1.700 years. These sites evolved because and thanks to their consecutive inhabitants in a continuous and un-consistently adaptive reuse process. Dealing with disagreements is a historical strength of monastic sites.

Despite their spatial and social recognizability, they are not strictly classifiable into (sub-)typologies. This study argues that the monastic complex and evolving nature challenges conventional master planning approaches. The research critiques the reliance on rigid master plans, advocating for a more ongoing approach that embraces uncertainty and chance as integral to successful heritage preservation. The study proposes using three theoretical and practical lenses to guide the adaptive reuse process of monastic heritage, viewing it as a continuous, creative reconfiguration rather than a fixed procedure: (1) tailoring metaphor moulage combining coupe and draping; (2) six monastic anchors (spirituality, community/collective living, hospitality, services, logistics and cultivation); and (3) master planning.

The principal methodology in this study is research by design, strengthening both the adaptive reuse and monastic thread based on an interdisciplinary attitude. The resulting drawings are a way to detect what exists and consider different future options or scenarios, provoking necessary discussions and bridging the gap between an extensive literature study and fieldwork in collaboration with master and third bachelor (interior-)architecture students in a pedagogical trajectory through the following six cases: Herkenrode Abbey, Achel Abbey, Franciscans of Sint-Truiden, Marienlof Abbe, Black Sisters in Antwerp and Oudezijds in Amsterdam.

The seven years of follow-up and research by design of the hybrid nature of monastic heritage aims to contribute to the understanding and ameliorating of never-ending adaptive reuse processes in general.

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 research examines the potential of transforming post-war, detached dwellings and low-density neighborhoods in Flanders to meet contemporary housing standards and demands. It forms part of the FWO-funded project "Large, Underused Dwellings in Flanders," incorporating typological and design-based research alongside geographical and discursive analyses. Focusing on 10 municipalities with a high concentration of detached homes, the study addresses the mismatch between current housing models and socio-economic developments, emphasizing the need for smaller, compact residences near urban centers. The study highlights the environmental and infrastructural issues associated with continued suburbanization, advocating for alternative transformation strategies.

The thesis explores designerly research as a methodology in architectural studies, proposing a framework for integrating scientific and design-based approaches. This transdisciplinary method aids in understanding design strategies for residential transformation across different scales. The research incorporates inhabitants' perspectives, typological analyses of 65 dwellings, and professional insights into potential adaptive strategies. A workshop with architecture students further investigates the implementation of transformative designs.

The study concludes by synthesizing diverse perspectives and proposing three transformation visions: reconfiguration (retrofitting existing dwellings), replacement (demolishing and replacing dwellings on-site), and removal (demolishing dwellings in remote areas and densifying central locations). These strategies aim to evolve Flemish residential neighborhoods towards greater differentiation and densification.