BALANCING HERITAGE WITH SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

As the world experiences extremities due to global warming, movement towards a more sustainable future has led to a rise of technological advancement in the sustainability sector. However, despite the introduction of these advancements, many heritage buildings still face problems integrating such solutions. A key issue being the maintenance of aesthetic and heritage significance after the introduction of sustainable technology such as the integration of photovoltaic on their buildings. This dissertation, thus, uncovers through an investigation via survey on the perception of people after the implementation of solar deployment on the NUS Baba House. A 3D simulation model was developed through the use of SketchUp and Skelion to simulate the above hypothetical scenario for better understanding of solar deployment on heritage buildings. A total of 203 responses were gathered and utilised in understanding the perception changes towards the PV integration on the building. Analysis was conducted using graphs, charts, and statistical description to ascertain the hypotheses of this study. Overall findings show that the aesthetic factor of heritage buildings is important to the respondents. Additionally, the aesthetic value rating of the building affects both the respondent’s openness to the integration of PV and their perception on the integration impact on aesthetic value. Although priorities in conserving heritage buildings affect respondent’s support in sustainable efforts adoptions, the perception of how important sustainability efforts are to the respondents does not have any significant impact on their inclination towards heritage buildings adopting sustainability efforts. These findings show potential in heritage building’s adopting PV solutions if aesthetic of the building is not compromised. Hence, this dissertation developed a suggested revision of the current guidelines that factored the above findings to enable incorporation for increase feasibility.