Repurposed Neglected Heritage Building Interior Architecture for Commercialisation: Issues and Challenges

Authors

  • Siti Nur Nabilah Sa’ari Postgraduate Studies, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia
  • Muhammad Adam Che Yusof Studies of Town and Regional Planning, School of Town Planning and Landscape Architecture, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 40450 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Marina Mohd Nor Studies of Town and Regional Planning, School of Town Planning and Landscape Architecture, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 40450 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v22iSI.5458

Keywords:

Adaptive Reuse, Neglected Heritage Building, Commercialisation, Interior Architecture

Abstract

This research explores the significance of heritage in conserving cultural identity, focusing on neglected heritage buildings in Malaysia, particularly Istana Bandar. Despite their deterioration, these buildings hold historical, cultural, and artistic value. Adaptive reuse, a key concept in interior architecture, involves repurposing historic buildings while preserving their structural, environmental, aesthetic, contextual, and functional integrity. The aim of this research is to investigate the possibilities of adaptive reuse approaches to protect neglected heritage buildings in Malaysia, such as Istana Bandar in Jugra, from deindustrialisation, suburbanisation, and population shifts. The study highlights several critical challenges and issues the adaptive reuse, including maintaining authenticity, high restoration costs, economic viability, balancing preservation with modernisation, sourcing replacement materials, and a shortage of skilled heritage conservation workers. Through a comparative analysis of six (6) heritage buildings, including the successful adaptive reuse of Taj Falaknuma Palace, the study identifies effective strategies such as public-private partnerships, sustainable funding mechanisms, and community involvement in conservation efforts. Findings reveal that while commercialisation can generate revenue for maintenance and preservation, it must be carefully managed to ensure cultural sustainability and prevent heritage sites from losing their authenticity. By demonstrating how interior architecture can transform neglected heritage buildings into thriving spaces, this research provides valuable insights into adaptive reuse as a viable solution for heritage conservation in contemporary contexts.

Author Biographies

Siti Nur Nabilah Sa’ari, Postgraduate Studies, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia

Siti Nur Nabilah Sa'ari is a master’s student at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, where she is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Heritage and Conservation Management. She began her academic journey with a Diploma in Interior Design from Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA Rembau (KKTMR) in 2019, followed by earning her Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons.) degree from UiTM Puncak Alam, under the College of Built Environment, in 2023. She can be reached through her email at nurmabilahh98@gmail.com.

Muhammad Adam Che Yusof, Studies of Town and Regional Planning, School of Town Planning and Landscape Architecture, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 40450 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Muhammad Adam Che Yusof, PhD is a senior lecturer in the Department of Town and Regional Planning at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus. He holds a Ph.D. in Building Conservation, with specialized expertise in heritage conservation and urban design. His academic and professional work is dedicated to preserving cultural heritage while integrating sustainable urban design principles. He welcomes inquiries and collaborations and can be reached via email at adam828@uitm.edu.my.

Marina Mohd Nor, Studies of Town and Regional Planning, School of Town Planning and Landscape Architecture, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 40450 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Marina Mohd Nor, PhD has been a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) since 2023. Prior to joining UiTM, she worked as a part-time lecturer at Universiti Malaya. She obtained a degree in Architectural Studies from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Following her interest in macro design scale, she pursued and received her Master's and Doctorate in urban planning, specializing in morphology study, which integrates urban design and urban planning. She believes that the psychology of space and design is a dynamic and fascinating field to explore, which influences the character of people, space, and environment. She can be reached through her email at marinamn@uitm.edu.my.

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Published

23-08-2025

How to Cite

Sa’ari, S. N. N. ., Che Yusof, M. A., & Mohd Nor, M. . (2025). Repurposed Neglected Heritage Building Interior Architecture for Commercialisation: Issues and Challenges. Built Environment Journal, 22(SI). https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v22iSI.5458

Issue

Vol. 22 No. SI (2025): Built Environment Journal

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Siti Nur Nabilah Sa’ari, Muhammad Adam Che Yusof, Marina Mohd Nor

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