Sustainable adaptive reuse of historic buildings: development of a framework from systematic review

Abstract Adaptive reuse of historic buildings is increasingly recognised as a sustainable approach to architectural conservation and urban regeneration, yet its factors and frameworks have lacked systematic synthesis. This study conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA method to identify factors influencing sustainable adaptive reuse of historic buildings. A total of 104 factors were identified and categorised into seven aspects: architectural, economic, social, cultural, environmental, policy and regulatory, and technical and implementation. Architectural factors were most frequently cited. The increasing focus on intangible aspects highlights the importance of conceptual and value-driven considerations. More importantly, these factors are deeply interconnected, forming a multi-faceted web of influence. Building on these insights, an integrated framework was developed, which clarified hierarchical relationships and interdependencies between factors. The proposed framework offers actionable guidance to facilitate stakeholders in prioritising interventions, managing trade-offs, making informed decisions, contributing to a sustainable paradigm for adaptive reuse amid rapid urban change.