Problem Statement
Drawing on past architecture has long been a common source of architectural creativity. However, the diversity of historicist approaches and the contradictory reading of past-oriented architectural works necessitate the establishment of a robust theoretical framework for reading such works. A review of the literature indicates that, despite the wide range of perspectives on references to the past in architecture, most readings rely primarily on visual characteristics, or are limited to certain theories such as intertextuality. By contrast, in disciplines such as literature and cinema, theories related to past-oriented concepts—particularly adaptation—constitute fundamental frameworks for the creation, criticism, and reading of works.
Research Objectives
Given the current interdisciplinary research aimed at expanding knowledge boundaries requires its own methodological considerations, adaptation theories in other disciplines than architecture are likely to be beneficial for reading retrospective architecture. This research aims at adopting Linda Hutcheon's theory of adaptation—a prominent theory in literary criticism—to a theoretical framework for architecture.
Research Method
The present study can be categorized as "fundamental-theoretical" with the aim being "theoretical adoptation." Given the nature of its objective, the research adopts a qualitative-analytical approach, focusing on the production of theoretical knowledge through conceptual analysis and logical reasoning. The applicability of the proposed framework is ultimately evaluated through a case study.
Conclusions
Emphasizing the creative role of adaptation in contemporary architectural design, this study demonstrates that some aspects of architectural adaptation can be systematically explained through Hutcheon's theory of adaptation. The resulting theoretical framework shifts the reading of retrospective architecture beyond conventional formal analysis towards its experiential dimensions. These include responsiveness to users' needs, the autonomy of adaptive works, and compatibility with their social, physical, and historical contexts as essential conditions for meaningful architectural adaptation.