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An Integrated Human-Centered Framework for the Sustainable Adaptive Reuse of Hypogeal Heritage Spaces
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DOI：10.3390/su18168270.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Underground heritage spaces represent a distinctive yet underexplored asset of the built environment, characterized by stable microclimatic conditions, limited natural lighting, strong material identity and complex perceptual dynamics. Despite their potential for sustainable regeneration, existing adaptive reuse approaches often fail to establish explicit links between environmental diagnosis, heritage conservation and user-centered design. This study proposes an integrated human-centered framework for the sustainable adaptive reuse of hypogeal heritage spaces, structured into three sequential phases: multisensory environmental diagnosis, reversible architectural design and virtual reality (VR)-based perceptual validation. The framework is applied to a disused historic underground complex in Dugenta (southern Italy), where an underground cavity is being repurposed within a hospitality-oriented redevelopment project. The diagnostic phase combines LiDAR-based geometric acquisition, indoor environmental monitoring and acoustic analysis, translating measured parameters into sensory indicators and a diagnostic criticality matrix. These outputs inform the development of a reversible liner/shell architectural system designed to improve environmental quality while preserving the integrity of the heritage fabric. Finally, alternative multisensory design scenarios are assessed through an exploratory VR-based evaluation focused on perceived restorativeness and spatial experience. The results demonstrate how environmental data can be systematically transformed into traceable design decisions, supporting conservation, user well-being and sustainable heritage regeneration. The proposed framework contributes a replicable methodology for integrating environmental performance, heritage preservation and human-centered design into the adaptive reuse of underground built heritage.
Keywords:
adaptive reuse
underground built heritage
multisensory design
virtual reality
human-centered design
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3.3
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10.5W
Citations:
28.4W
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Cited Papers