Reviving Cultural Spaces: How Community and Policy Drive Sustainable Ancestral Hall Preservation Through Functional Adaptation

Abstract

This research explores the factors influencing the sustainable preservation of ancestral halls, focusing on the roles of community engagement, government policy support, and functional adaptation. The study aims to assess how these elements interact to enhance the long-term viability and cultural relevance of ancestral halls in modern society. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing structured questionnaires to collect data from 300 respondents involved in heritage conservation, including community members, policymakers, and heritage site managers. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0 for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the relationships between community engagement, government policy support, functional adaptation, and sustainable preservation. The study found that both community engagement and government policy support have a significant direct impact on the sustainable preservation of ancestral halls. Moreover, functional adaptation was found to mediate the relationship between these factors and preservation outcomes, illustrating its key role in ensuring that ancestral halls remain culturally and socially relevant while maintaining their historical significance. This research contributes to heritage conservation literature by providing a comprehensive model that links community involvement, policy frameworks, and adaptive reuse in the sustainable preservation of ancestral halls. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and heritage practitioners, advocating for a holistic, collaborative approach to preserving cultural heritage in an ever-evolving social context.