Adaptive Re-Use Potentials of Post Office Buildings as Examples of British Colonial Heritage in Nigeria and North Cyprus

ABSTRACT: Adaptive Reuse is known to be one of the techniques used in conservation of historic buildings. Adaptive Reuse of historic buildings becomes more important as society develops. Architectural heritage refers to buildings which are inherited from past generations. There are tendencies that older historic buildings would be abandoned and deemed inappropriate to be used, this however leads to the demolition, construction of new buildings or adapting the old buildings to new functions. This makes it necessary for the British Colonial buildings to be conserved. The interior components within these buildings should be preserved within the new use. British Colonial buildings in Nigeria and North Cyprus are edifice from the past, coming from the Period of Colonial rule in both countries. These buildings hold characters of historic times, 1900-1960 for Nigeria and 1878-1960 for Cyprus with historic architectural styles, therefore sustaining and reusing them for new purposes is advisable in other to retain history. Thesis covers the historical background to Adaptive Reuse, from the inception of preservation of historic buildings. The main purpose of preserving these heritage buildings is to help prolong their architectural, historic and aesthetic characters. Beside of these, it is mentioned the importance of this heritage building, their potentials, the best way to conserve and Adaptive Reuse potentials of these periods building. The first chapter contains a general introduction about the thesis; chapter two includes theoretical background of historic building conservation; chapter three includes British Colonial Period in the World and selected countries; chapter four features case study analysis; chapter five includes case study findings and discussions. And chapter six includes conclusions and recommendations. Last parts of the study, references are given. Keywords: Colonial Buildings, Heritage, Adaptive Re-use, Nigeria, North Cyprus, Indoor Space. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………