Interaction between internal structure and adaptive use of traditional buildings: Analyzing the heritage museum of Abu-Jaber, Jordan

Abstract

This paper analyses the three-floor gallery plans of the Abu-Jaber Museum that correspond to the two stages in the evolution of the Abu-Jaber House: 1880, when it was originally constructed to house the families of three affluent brothers; and 2007, when it was rehabilitated into a local heritage museum. Using a multi-method approach of ethnographic observation, space syntax analysis, and interviews, we find that the 2009 spatial and morphological conversion constitutes a certain phenomenological departure from the spatial principles embedded in the original plans. We suggest that this is linked to a predominant approach in the process of adaptive use where the essence of the original spatial configuration is overlooked. We discuss the three-way interaction between spatial structure and its architectural language, interpretations of conservation priorities and curatorial principles.