Volume 3, Issue 8 (11-2025)
JORS 2025, 3(8): 19-8 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Bidkhouri Z, Momeni K. Study and Investigation of the Adaptive Reuse Approach in the Redesign of Nine Historic Castles in Europe. , JORS. 2025; 3 (8) : 2
URL: http://jors-sj.com/article-1-78-en.html
URL: http://jors-sj.com/article-1-78-en.html
1- Jundi-Shapur University of Technology Dezful, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning
Abstract: (5327 Views)
Historical buildings and sites are examples of architectural heritage whose preservation and restoration are of great value for future generations. Most of these buildings have lost their original function over time and have gradually become abandoned. One way to preserve and restore these buildings is to apply adaptive reuse, which can both change the function of the building and make it adaptable and coordinated based on new needs. For this reason, the preservation and restoration of these historical buildings is of particular importance. One group of these buildings that have a high capacity for adaptation and functionality are the stunning castles scattered throughout the European continent. The aim of the above research is to examine the methods of the adaptive reuse approach in nine iconic and historically valuable castles in Europe, each of which has been redesigned and restored with an adaptive reuse approach. These interventions have been carried out at three levels: the incorporation of new materials, the incorporation of new architectural elements, and the incorporation of new spaces. The approach of this research is qualitative and its strategy is analytical-comparative. The case studies were selected based on three criteria: a- the researchers’ access to design documents including maps, castle images, technical documentation, and castle analytical reports; b- the time of castle redesign is after 2000 AD; c- the significance of new interventions and additions while preserving the castle’s historical structure. The results show that from the study of historic castles in Europe, it can be said that for successful castle redesign with an adaptive reuse approach, focusing on new architectural elements and new materials is the most common in restoration and reconstruction projects, and the addition of new spaces is in the next order. Overall, the findings indicate that adaptive reuse, beyond a mere conservation approach, is a design strategy that can, through deliberate interventions at the three levels of space, element, and material, enable the coexistence of past and present times and transform historical monuments into dynamic platforms for cultural and social experience in contemporary times.
Article number: 2
Editorial: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/08/12 | Accepted: 2025/10/12 | Published: 2025/11/22
Received: 2025/08/12 | Accepted: 2025/10/12 | Published: 2025/11/22
References
1. مؤذن، سجاد و صبرنجی، شینا. (۱۴۰۲). معماری جدید در بناهای تاریخی (م. آزاد ارمکی، س. سلیمانینژاد و ا. رحیمیان، ویراستاران.). دانشگاه تربیت دبیر شهید رجائی.
2. Abdulhalim, A. N., Rashid, N. S., Ismail, N. H., & Yasin, M. A. (2025). Challenges and Opportunities in Revitalizing Colonial Building: Barriers to Adaptive Reuse in Malaysia. Journal of Semarak Proceedings of Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 1 (1), 16-10. [DOI:10.37934/spaset.1.1.1016a]
3. Alcântara, M. M. A., & Santos, A. de P. L. (2025). The Adaptive Reuse of Buildings in the Context of Sustainable Development: a Critical Literature Review. Revista De Gestão - RGSA, 19(7), e012951. [DOI:10.24857/rgsa.v19n7-095]
4. Alem, M. (2021). « MASJID EL AATIK » de Ammi Moussa. Connaissance et reconnaissance d'un patrimoine délaissé. ["MASJID EL AATIK" by Ammi Moussa. Knowledge and recognition of a neglected heritage, Thesis of Master]. Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University of Mostaganem, Algeria. http://e-biblio.univ-mosta.dz/handle/123456789/23261 [in French]
5. Alimirzaei, F., & Samanian, S. (2024). A Review of the Ethical Codes in the Profession of Conservation of Historical Relics. Research Institute of Cultural Heritage & Tourism, 6(4), 2-17. http://kcr.richt.ir/article-6-1738-en.html [DOI:10.61882/kcr.6.4.2]
6. Angrisano, M., Bottero, M., Cavana, G., Fabbrocino, F., Gravagnuolo, A., & Girard, L. F. (2025). Adaptive reuse of cultural built heritage: towards the implementation of the circular city model. Journal of Frontiers in Built Environment, 11(1), 1-20. [DOI:10.3389/fbuil.2025.1561982]
7. Arfa, F. H., Zijlstra, H., Lubelli, B., & Quist, W. (2022). Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings: From a Literature Review to a Model of Practice. The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 13(2), 148-170.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17567505.2022.2058551 [DOI:10.1080/17567505.2022.2058551.]
8. Baiz, Z. H., & Atakara, C. (2025a). Practical model development of adaptive reuse under contemporary conservation concept: Sherwana Castle as a case study. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 1-22. [DOI:10.1080/13467581.2025.2472740]
9. Baiz, Z. H., & Atakara, C. (2025b). Toward Adjusting a Conceptual Model for Adaptive Reuse Practice in the Context of Sustainability: A Case Study of Historical Military Buildings in the North of Iraq, Sustainability, 17(2), 1-21. [DOI:10.3390/su17020742]
10. Basha, B., & Sağdıç, Z. (2025). Assessing Public Perception in the Adaptive Reuse and Preservation of Historic Buildings: A Case Study of the Elbasan Bazaar Hammam. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(2), 751_772.
https://doi.org/10.13189/cea.2025.130201 [DOI:10.13189/cea.2025.130201.]
11. Bermúdez, D. P. (2017). Baena. Museo Histórico Municipal. Nuevas metodologías 3D para el estudio y divulgación del patrimonio. Una aproximación al castillo medieval de Torreparedones mediante el análisis geométrico y un escenario virtual interactivo. [New 3D methodologies for the study and dissemination of heritage. An approach to the medieval castle of Torreparedones using geometric analysis and an interactive virtual setting]. Provincial Association of Local Museums of Córdoba. ISSN: 1576-8910. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=8503137 [in Spanish]
12. Brykowska, M., & Wółkowski, W. (2019). Zamek w Kazimierzu Dolnym w świetle badań architektonicznych. Ochrona Zabytków. [The castle in Kazimierz Dolny in the light of architectural studies]. Monument Protection, 1(1): 7_47. https://www.nid.pl/upload/iblock/8b5/8b527de1d0c9c0d46536d9b72b33a84d.pdf [in Polish]
13. Davies, P. J. E. (2023). Ghosts of Buildings Past: Adaptive Reuse in Ancient Rome. Theoretical Roman Archaeology Journal, 6(1), 1-34. [DOI:10.16995/traj.9886]
14. Devina, C., Nediari, A., & Fajarwati, A. A. (2025). Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Building for Youth Center with Betawi Culture. Journal of Aesthetics Creativity and Art Management, 4(1), 53-61. [DOI:10.59997/jacam.v4i1.3735]
15. Diwaan, E., & Diwaan, T. (2024). Revitalizing Heritage: Adaptive Reuse for Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development. An International Multidisciplinary Peer-Reviewed E-Journal, 10(1), 612-626. https://www.vidhyayanaejournal.org/index.php/journal/article/view/1982
16. Dotel, N. (2024). Adaptive Reuse of Existing Buildings: Contemporary Relevance. BMC Journal of Scientific Research, 7(1), 147-156. [DOI:10.3126/bmcjsr.v7i1.72954]
17. Drygiannakis, M., Vlachakis, G., & Tzigounaki, A. (2021). Long-Term Structural Health Monitoring of the Fortezza Fortress: Application of Damage Detection Techniques on Existing Cracks. 12th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historical, 1_12. [DOI:10.23967/sahc.2021.146]
18. Ejlali Diz, M., & Delshad Siahkali, M. (2024). Analyzing the Functionality of Adaptable Historical Buildings in Changing their Use to Cultural facilities (A Case Study of Tehran's Industrial Heritage). Urban Structure and Function Studies, 11(38), 33-46. [DOI:10.22080/usfs.2023.25495.2362]
19. Gayantha, K. (2025). Adaptive Reuse of the American Style House in Sri Lanka: With Special Reference to the Satellite Towns of Ratmalana and Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia. KDU Journal of Built Environment, 2(1), 1188-1192. [DOI:10.4038/kdujbe.v2i1.15]
20. Yazdani Mehr, S. (2019). Analysis of 19th and 20th Century Conservation Key Theories in Relation to Contemporary Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings. Heritage, 2(1), 920-937. [DOI:10.3390/heritage2010061]
21. Gravagnuolo, A., Angrisano, M., Bosone, M., Buglione, F., De, T. P. & Fusco, G. Li. (2024). Participatory evaluation of cultural heritage adaptive reuse interventions in the circular economy perspective: A case study of historic buildings in Salerno (Italy). Journal of Urban Management, 13(1), 107-139. [DOI:10.1016/j.jum.2023.12.002]
22. Gravagnuolo, A., Bosone, M., Fusco Girard, L. (2025). The CLIC Multidimensional Impacts Assessment Framework: Criteria and Indicators for Circular "Human-Centred" Adaptive Reuse of Cultural Heritage. In: Fusco Girard, L., Gravagnuolo, A. (eds) Adaptive Reuse of Cultural Heritage. Springer, Cham. [DOI:10.1007/978-3-031-67628-4_8]
23. Gurnick, N., & Lah, L. (2019). Sustainable Conservation of Architectural Heritage. A Case Study of Negova Castle, Slovenia. Proceedings of Science and Technology, 2(2), 16-40. [DOI:10.21625/resourceedings.v2i2.603]
24. Hanachi, P., & Shahteimouri, Y. (2019). Developing a Conceptual Framework for Adaptive Reuse in Conservation of Heritage Buildings. Journal of Iranian Architectural Studies, 10(19), 25-45. [DOI:10.22052/jias.2022.111863]
25. Haval, A. M., & Mishra, N. (2025). An Innovative Approach to Modeling and Sustainable Conservation of Architectural Heritage in Historic Buildings. AIS - Architecture Image Studies, 6(1), 106-115.
https://doi.org/10.62754/ais.v6i1.108 [DOI:10.48619/ais.v6i1.1089.]
26. Hooshyari, M. M., Pedram, B., & Zamanifard, A. (2022). The traditional approach to architectural conservation in the orient. Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism, 13(1), 339-354. [DOI:10.30475/isau.2021.236601.1444]
27. Hoursan, F., & Mofidi, M. (2024). Revitalizing Golshan and Sharifieh caravanserais: a study in adaptive reuse and urban preservation. Journal of Discover Geoscience, 2(48), 1-19. [DOI:10.1007/s44288-024-00041-1]
28. Hussen, R. Najeb, M. Bisher, M. (2023). Neutrosophic Multinominal Logistic Regression Technique for Optimizing Adaptive Reuse of Historical Castles. International Journal of Neutrosophic Science, 21(3), 56-63.
https://doi.org/10.54216/IJNS.210305 [DOI:10.54216/IJNS.210305.]
29. Iida, K., & Fukushige, M. (2025). Additional neighborhood effects following renovation of historical heritage: an empirical investigation of the case of Himeji Castle. International Journal of Economic Policy Studies, 19, 183-208. [DOI:10.1007/s42495-024-00147-x]
30. Khademzade, M. H., & Khorami, R. (2024). Interaction of development and conservation, a strategy to sustainable conservation of historic sites. Maremat & Memari-e Iran, 14(37), 1-14. [DOI:10.52547/mmi.2176.14020128]
31. Khalil, I., & Üzümcüoğlu, D. (2025). Preserving heritage through a novel framework for the adaptive reuse of Mediterranean earthen houses. VITRUVIO - International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability, 10(1), 1-17. [DOI:10.4995/vitruvio-ijats.2025.23308]
32. Maha Shree, J., Yogesvar, S., Madhushri, R., Vishal, R., & Eunice, J. (2024). Adaptive Reuse of Cultural Heritage. International Research Journal on Advanced Engineering and Management, 2(4), 1188-1192. [DOI:10.47392/IRJAEM.2024.0158]
33. Marouf, O., Salama, K., Zahra, S., Gomaa, E., & Hamada, M. (2024). Integrating Heritage Conservation and Sustainability for Adaptive Reuse: A Case Study of Tarabish Factory in Fowah City, Egypt. Delta University Scientific Journal, 7(3), 322-342. [DOI:10.21608/dusj.2024.433475]
34. Milio, G. (2024). Preserving Cultural Heritage, Enhancing Social Development, and Fostering Sustainable Tourism: The Role of Architecture in Himara's Ancient Castle. Defensive Architecture of the Mediterranean. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València.
https://doi.org/10.4995/FORTMED2024.2024.18052 [DOI:10.4995/FORTMED2024.2024.18052.]
35. Mira Rico, J. A. (2024). New uses of castles owned by municipalities in the province of Alicante (Spain) during the first quarter of the 21st century. Protection of Cultural Heritage, (20), 69-91. [DOI:10.35784/odk.6399]
36. Mubarakalgharib, A. (2024). Tarihi kale ve surlara yapılan çağdaş mimari eklerin koruma bağlamında değerlendirilmesi: Avrupa ve Türkiye'den örnekler. [Evaluation of Contemporary Architectural Additions to Historical Castles and Walls in the Context of Conservation: Examples from Europe and Türkiye. Thesis of Master]. Bursa University Uludag Institute of Sciences. https://hdl.handle.net/11452/49235 [in Turkish]
37. Mustafa, F. A. (2023). Adaptive Reuse of Historical Buildings Using ARP Model: The Case of Qishla Castle in Koya City. Sage Open, 13(3). [DOI:10.1177/21582440231193717]
38. Naziri, Z., & Fadaei Nezhad Bahramjerdi, S. (2022). Typology of Modern Heritage Values through, Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 27(2), 21-32. http://doi.org/10.22059/jfaup.2022.341204.672758
39. Nejad Ebrahimi, A., Farrokhi, S., & Shabahang, M. (2022). Criteria Affecting the Preservation of the Authenticity in Restoration of Sadaghiani's House in Tabriz. Bagh-e Nazar, 19(108), 91-108. [DOI:10.22034/bagh.2021.272178.4793]
40. Nezaratizadeh, M., & Vatandoust, R. (2023). Authenticity in the Nineteenth- and Twentieth-century Conservation and Restoration of Historical/Cultural Works Based on Expert Views. Journal of Iranian Architecture Studies, 11(22), 237-254. http://doi.org/10.22052/jias.2023.248587.1137
41. Özmen, A. (2025). Genius Loci in Adaptive Reuse: Bank Museums in Ankara. PLANARCH - Design and Planning Research, 9(1), 31-42. [DOI:10.54864/planarch.1638035]
42. Parrinello, S., & Pettineo, A. (2025). Databases and Information Models for Semantic and Evolutionary Analysis in Fortified Cultural Heritage. Heritage, 8(1), 29. [DOI:10.3390/heritage8010029]
43. Patel, M., & Patel, H. (2025). Abandoned territories in urbanscapes: adaptive reuse of Rajnagar Mill, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Journal of Discover Cities, 2(54), 17-1. [DOI:10.1007/s44327-025-00094-y]
44. Sanchaniya, R. J., Černeckienė, J., Gudumasu, N. S., & Kundziņa, A. (2025). Adaptive Property Reuse for Social Housing: Benefits, Challenges, and Best Practices. Baltic Journal of Real Estate Economics and Construction Management, 13(1), 1-9. [DOI:10.2478/bjreecm-2025-0001]
45. Shaded, W. (2025). Adaptive Reuse of Historic Dwellings into Cafés: Design Challenges and Planning Issues in Hebron. Journal of The Academic Research Community Publication, 9(3), 60-83. [DOI:10.21625/archive-sr.v9i3.1189]
46. Sommer, E., Koehl, M., & Grussenmeyer, P. (2025). Parametric Modelling Techniques for Rhine Castle Models in Blender. Heritage, 8(1), 31.
https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8010031 [DOI:10.3390/heritage8010031.]
47. Sulaiman Goriel, W. A., Zoltán, E., & Molnár, T. (2024). Evaluating the Viability of the Erbil Citadel Houses for Adaptive Reuse Process. YBL Journal of Built Environment, 9(1), 62-75. [DOI:10.2478/jbe-2024-0007]
48. Surugiu, M.-R., Vasile, V., Surugiu, C., Mazilescu, C. R., & Vasile, R. (2025). Revealing Elegance and Enchantment: Analysis of Travelers' Reviews of Romanian Palaces and Castles. Tourism and Hospitality, 6(1), 26.
https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6010026 [DOI:10.3390/tourhosp6010026.]
49. Suteja, K., & Mudra, I. W. (2024). Architectural analysis and adaptive reuse design as a sustainable design approach at the Hermitage Hotel, Jakarta. Journal of BIS Humanities and Social Science, 1(V124021), 1-9. [DOI:10.31603/bishss.200]
50. Swai, O. (2025). Adaptive reuse strategies for interior design: promoting living heritage in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology, 9(10), 1188-1192. [DOI:10.1186/s41257-025-00133-x]
51. Tahmasebi, A., & Nasekhian, S. (2020). Explanation to the Concept of Rehabilitation in Historic Buildings by Comparative Study of Different Functional Interventions. Parseh Journal of Archaeological Studies, 4(13): 207-223. [DOI:10.30699/PJAS.4.13.207]
52. Takva, Y., Takva, Ç., & İlerisoy, Z. Y. (2023). Sustainable Adaptive Reuse Strategy Evaluation for Cultural Heritage Buildings. International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 10(2), 25-37. [DOI:10.11113/ijbes.v10.n2.1060]
53. Taylankucukali, T. (2022).Bir yeniden işlevlendirme müdahalesi olarak kale harabelerinin çağdaş eklentilerle iyileştirilmesi. [The enhancement of castle ruins with contemporary additions as an adaptive reuse interventions. Master thesis]. Yashar University. https://acikerisim.yasar.edu.tr/handle/123456789/581 [in Turkish]
54. Vafaie, F., Remøy, H., & Gruis, V. (2023). Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings; a Systematic Literature Review of Success Factors. Habitat International, 142, 1-18. [DOI:10.1016/j.habitatint.2023.102926]
55. Vafaie, F., Remøy, H., & Gruis, V. (2025). From theory to practice: evaluating success factors of adaptive reuse through a case study. Journal of Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 15(3), 432-449. [DOI:10.1108/BEPAM-12-2023-0236]
56. Valdiviezo, A. C. (2025). Adaptive vs. Traditional Reuse. International Journal of Architecture, Arts and Applications, 11(3), 140-150. http://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaaa.20251103.15 [DOI:10.11648/j.ijaaa.20251103.15]
57. Vardopoulos, I., Giannopoulos, K., Papaefthymiou, E., Temponera, E., Chatzithanasis, G., Rizou, M. G., Karymbalis, E., Michalakelis, C., Tsartas, P., & Sdrali, D. (2023). Urban buildings sustainable adaptive reuse into tourism accommodation establishments: a SOAR analysis. Journal of Discover Sustainability, 12(4), 1-17. [DOI:10.1007/s43621-023-00166-2]
58. Wong, L. (2023). Adaptive Reuse in Architecture: A Typological Index. Birkhäuser. ISBN-13: 978-3035625639 [DOI:10.1515/9783035625646]
59. Yan, S., Geng, S., Chau, H.-W., Wang, T., Jamei, E., & Vrcelj, Z. (2024). Adaptive Reuse of Russian-Influenced Religious Architecture in Harbin: Architectural Identity and Heritage Tourism. Heritage, 7(12), 7115-7141. [DOI:10.3390/heritage7120329]
60. Zabihzadeh, S. M., Aberoumand Azar, P., Beladi Dehbozorg, S. E., & Ghorbani, A. (2024). Explaining the Protection Strategies of the Historical Complex of Tabriz Bazaar based on the Recognition and Pathology of the Cultural-Historical Values of the Architectural Heritage. Bagh-e Nazar, 21(137), 61-74. [DOI:10.22034/bagh.2024.417422.5455]
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |