Towards an evolution heritage design

Abstract

This paper explores the balance between heritage values and new identities in the redesign of 20th-century Dutch shopping mall skins. The skin of a building plays a crucial role in its external identity and communicates its history, style, and cultural context. Shopping malls, in particular, require constant redesign to keep up with changing trends and provide a fresh stimulus to consumers. However, there is a lack of strategies for balancing necessary updates while preserving heritage values. Using the case study of Hoog Catharijne shopping mall in Utrecht, the research highlights the transformation of various tangible attributes of the HC skin, such as materials, patterns, signage, and elements, as well as intangible aspects like context relation, exterior and interior character, and perception. The results indicate that the redesign significantly transformed the mall’s appearance, leading to increased footfall and commercial success. However, there are mixed opinions about the new design, with concerns about sustainability and the loss of historical and cultural values. This research contributes to the field of heritage architecture by providing a framework and guiding principles for achieving a balanced and effective skin redesign in non-listed heritage buildings. By encouraging designers to explore the cultural and historical values embedded in building skins, the study aims to reduce casual demolition and promote sustainable and circular design practices.