Interaction Between Internal Structure and Adaptive Use of Traditional Buildings: Analyzing the Heritage Museum of Abu-Jaber, Jordan

This paper analysis the three floors gallery plans of the Abu-Jaber Museum that correspond to the two stages in the evolution of the Abu-Jaber House: 1880, as were originally constructed to house the families of three affluent brothers; and 2007, as rehabilitated into a local heritage museum. Using a multi-method approach of ethnographic observations, 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.