ADAPTIVE REUSE: A TECHNIQUE THAT PROMOTES SUSTAINABILITY BY REPURPOSING EXISTING STRUCTURES, CONSERVING MATERIALS ENERGY, AND PRESERVING HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRITY

Abstract

The Taj Building, located in District Nowshera, Peshawar, Pakistan, is a significant historical and cultural landmark, exemplifying the architectural features of the Indo-Saracenic style of the twentieth century. Despite its importance, the building has suffered decades of neglect and underutilization, lacking both essential facilities and a comprehensive development plan to realize its full potential. Currently, its functional use is limited, serving only basic commercial purposes. This paper explores the adaptive reuse potential of the Taj Building to propose design guidelines aimed at preserving its unique architectural and cultural heritage while enhancing its functionality for the local community. The guidelines are grounded in a thorough heritage assessment, focusing on both the tangible and intangible aspects of the building. The research methodology integrates two main components: a comprehensive literature review and on-site fieldwork. The literature review examines the history, architectural features, and social context of the Taj Building, as well as the principles of adaptive reuse. This theoretical framework informed field visits, enabling a detailed evaluation of the building's current condition. The findings from both sections are synthesized to propose design guidelines for the future adaptive reuse of the Taj Building. In conclusion, this paper offers a sustainable development proposal for the Taj Building, balancing the preservation of its architectural and historical value with the provision of modern facilities to serve both visitors and the local community.