Revitalization of The Ex-Bank UOB Building with an Adaptive Reuse Approach to Become a Center of Creative and Retail Activities in the Old Town Area
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Jakarta's Old Town area holds significant historical value as a colonial-era commercial center; however, many of its heritage buildings have been abandoned or have lost their original functions. This study aimed to examine strategies for revitalizing the former United Overseas Bank (UOB) building in Jakarta's Old Town through an adaptive reuse approach, transforming it into a center for creative and retail activities. The adaptive reuse of cultural heritage buildings presents challenges in balancing the preservation of historical significance with contemporary functional requirements and long-term sustainability. Employing a qualitative approach with an in-depth single-case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including conservation architects, area managers, and creative industry practitioners, supplemented by field observations and archival document analysis. Thematic analysis identified three principal themes: the integration of historic spatial elements with contemporary functional requirements, the development of retail spaces responsive to the architectural characteristics of heritage buildings, and the establishment of a creative ecosystem that encouraged public interaction. The findings suggested that adaptive reuse could extend beyond physical and functional transformation by contributing to the revitalization of an area's socioeconomic value while maintaining its historical and architectural integrity. The study provided practical insights for architects, conservation professionals, and policymakers in developing adaptive conservation design guidelines for historic urban areas. Further research was recommended to evaluate post-occupancy performance, long-term economic sustainability, and socioeconomic impacts on local communities.
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