Impact analysis on adaptive reuse of obsolete ecclesiastical cultural heritage

Abstract

Today, many churches all around the world are in various states of disrepair, which would be an irreparable loss. This research paper examines the new, mixed or extended adaptive use of underutilised and abandoned ecclesiastical cultural heritage with specific reference to human-centred impact analysis and the creation of added value. Sixty-five (65) international case studies are analysed to explore creative holistic solutions to re-integrating underutilised and disused religious assets back into contemporary urban and rural landscapes. The case study analysis encompasses: ecclesiastical stakeholder valorisation; forms of obsolescence; dimensions of adaptability; interpretation of complex value relationships and human-centred impact analysis. The case study findings indicate that sensitive adaptive reuse of obsolete religious structures to Post Religious Uses has the potential to encourage positive inflows of investment capital with corresponding positive impacts on the economic values attached to new and extended uses in addition to spiritual, cultural, social, environmental and economic values for society. The research proves that churches which are brought back into the contemporary urban fabric of communities has the potential to yield benefits that contribute to sustainable development and contribute to cultural capital.