Reflectance of Change within Space and the State of Human Sensation through Adaptive Re-Use of Old Spaces

ABSTRACT: Human sensations could be experienced within any type of space, whether it is old or contemporary. Change within spaces could initiate a major impact on a psychological scale of sensual response and perception of the space. Change could come in a variety of forms such as renovation/ adaptive reuse, conservation, re-functioning, remodelling, restoration. It is of importance to consider that change could harbour in a diversity of aspects regarding the physical elements of change and the emotional aspects of change. Therefore the adaptation or renovation of old spaces to a new context should be sensitively considered, within the possible outcomes that affect the experiential senses and emotions that are bound to the space prior to the renewal. This research aims to combine a synthesis of research and contribute to the knowledge of space & place, the human sensations and the aspects of physical and emotional change within the renovation/ adaptive reuse of old spaces. The issues that could occur within this type of research are that it is a subjective field, for the reason that it is intangible, immeasurable; every person has their own preference and perspective in the sense of values to space, this limits the research into focusing more on the scientific facts and grounded theories on the matter. The research focuses on the aspects that could affect the human sensations within the process of change. The data that forms the background knowledge of the subjects are derived from literature and grounded theory that is the main source that supports the discussions and arguments within the thesis. This study emphasises the sensitivity that needs to be considered within the idea that change brings major implications both physically and emotionally. The study aims to shed light on issues that could occur during the renovation or adaptive reuse of a space and signifies the important responsibilities of an interior designer. This thesis could serve an interior designer or researcher as a reference for further studies. In addition they could utilize the information present within the thesis as an ingredient within their approach to projects that aim to change a space from old to new in the sensual perspective. Keywords: Human sensations, interior design, renovation, adaptive reuse, space, perception. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………