Adaptive Reuse for Community Development

Abstract

Garli and Pragpur, a heritage village cluster in Himachal Pradesh, are known for their fading havelis, narrow lanes, and a distinctive blend of colonial, Sikh, and vernacular Himachali architecture. Once flourishing under the enterprise of the Sood community, these settlements today face neglect as many historic structures remain abandoned or underutilized, leading to a gradual erosion of cultural identity. This research explores adaptive reuse as a sustainable strategy to revitalize void heritage buildings for social welfare and community development. Through site observations, architectural documentation, and analysis of reuse approaches, the study examines how abandoned structures can be assigned new functions that respond to present societal needs. The findings reveal that heritage conservation must extend beyond physical restoration to address the social and functional dimensions of space. Buildings that lose their original utility risk falling into disrepair; however, adaptive reuse bridges the past and present by providing renewed purpose while respecting original character. The study concludes that integrating modern, community-oriented functions within heritage buildings can foster inclusive development, preserve cultural continuity, and revitalize neglected environments, positioning adaptive reuse as a key strategy for ensuring the sustainable survival of cultural assets and enhancing the quality of life for local communities.