Narrative as Ethos: A Method for Adaptive Reuse

Abstract

This thesis proposes a method of studying architectural heritage that develops a narrative as an adaptive reuse methodology of conservation to discover what is truly valued within a heritage site. The personification of architectural elements as characters within this narrative, derived from an analogical reading of the site, allows the designer to develop a deep understanding how the architectural elements have changed over time, both spatially and historically. The narrative is how one is able to interpret and convey, using analogy, a partial understanding of the site’s ethos, which is the established fundamental character and credibility of an architectural artifact with relation to its context. The result of using this method is a design that utilizes the most valued elements, develops architectural relationships between them, and provides a narrative direction for adding in new program and elements to realize the potential of the site.