Explaining the Evaluation Model for Adaptive Reuse of Tehran Heritage Houses (by F’ANP Model)

In a world where change is both permanent and inevitable, it is very important to adapt heritage buildings to today’s functions within the context of conservation methods in order to ensure their continuity. Buildings that are considered to be part of cultural heritage often undergo functional and physical changes over time with regards to their status and appearance. In case these buildings become unable to meet their original use over time, or in cases their relevant function becomes inappropriate in the current situation, it becomes necessary to make spatial changes within their structure. Towards revitalizing and generating sustainable values of these buildings, many heritage buildings of cultural and historic significance are being adapted and reused rather than being demolished. To ensure the conservation of cultural properties, cultural heritages, and their historical, cultural, and aesthetic values, as well as to ensure the continuity of the cultural link between the past and the future, it is important to consider their potential new uses and functions. Today, the adaptive reuse is considered as one of the main strategies for conserving architectural heritage in theoretical and practical discussions of conservation. This process generally refers to conservation of heritage buildings without transforming them for new uses and more appropriate functions, while keeping their original structure, character, and identity for future generations. Adaptive reuse is an important aspect of preservation and conservation, and involves the reintegration of a historical structure into daily life through a new function. Using buildings outside of their original intended purpose, and benefiting from these buildings by providing them with new functions through which they can service society, contributes to the interaction between individuals, the buildings and society. Adaptive reuse can provide the added benefit of regenerating an area in a sustainable manner. However, it is also necessary to find the proper balance between the preservation of a cultural property and the change of its functions. There is always a need for learning from past experiences, evaluating the mistakes and successes after adaptation and reuse; and due to the significance of a comprehensive view and an integrated approach in assessing reuse projects, it is necessary to identify comprehensive indices with relative weight and importance. Hence, with a mixed methodological approach, this paper tries to achieve a full understanding of adaptive reuse indices by reviewing literature review and international documents in this field and then provides the evaluation model for adaptive reuse of heritage houses in Tehran. Therefore, 19 indicators derived from adaptive reuse are divided by F’ANP to the forming dimensions and then their relative significance is determined through the network analysis process. The results of this study demonstrate that 4 criteria of "enhancing economic structure", "socio-cultural development", "physical sustainability", and "environmental considerations" have had the greatest impact on adaptive reuse of Tehran heritage buildings and the regional characteristics index is of the highest significance in assessment. Following these indices, the environmental considerations, physical potential for functional change, creating employment opportunities, conservation measures, tourism development, and cultural preservation are the subsequent priorities.