Preserving the Past to Shape the Future: The Evolution of Office Spaces Through Historic Building Adaptation

Abstract

The adaptive reuse of historic buildings into contemporary office spaces prompts intriguing inquiries regarding its impact on employee satisfaction and workplace culture. This study explores the potential of adaptive reuse to transform historic buildings into functional, sustainable offices, using Erbil Citadel houses as a base for the study. Through this research study, user preferences and perceptions of the integration of historical features into the modern work environment were examined. Quantitative data were extracted from 60 survey respondents and analyzed in terms of medians, modes and the analysis of key themes, such as historical aesthetics, employee creativity, work satisfaction and environmental factors, including natural light and airflow. The findings emphasize the equilibrium between safeguarding the cultural heritage of the historical structure and the requirements of contemporary office environments. The findings underscore the need for sustainable practices and technological integration to enhance workplace functionality and team well-being, particularly in shared spaces. This paper highlights the importance of decision makers’ perspectives on heritage conservation, stressing the necessity for a culturally attuned and sustainable reuse strategy that addresses community requirements. This study offers a methodological framework for reconciling historical narratives with modern office requirements while also addressing broader discussions on adaptive reuse and the potential for enhancing workplace quality.

1. Introduction

Businesses are now beginning to see potential in turning historical buildings into modern-day offices, making the field of office design even more dynamic and changing than ever. The historical touch in the buildings gives corporate companies a chance to adjust their offices according to their cultural identity to bring out the best creativity, efficiency and employee well-being within their workspaces. This raises the question of the adaptation of history to organizational or employee experience [1].

The renovation of obsolete buildings into modern office spaces has become a trend; simultaneously, it is a statement of technological and cultural development in commerce. The realization is that office design conveys significant messages about a company, compelling corporations to be mindful of what their office environment communicates. The modern office is more than a workplace; it is the most profound representation of the identity and values at an organization’s core. In this regard, history helps companies achieve workspaces that genuinely resonate deeply with employees and clients. This concerns the physical features of such repurposed buildings and the intangible qualities they bring to create a holistic space. Historical significance and heritage provide great depth and character to the workplace [1]. Modern office designs that feature original architectural elements or materials with a particular historical value layer the work environment with inspiration for employees. These elements could bridge past and present—tradition and innovation take on a unique blend.

In addition, it is a trend complementary to the principles of sustaining development, in that it reduces the need for new constructions and advocates for preserving what already exists. The adaptive reuse of historic buildings can be considered an environment-friendly solution, since it encompasses the values of commitment to sustainability. This paper aims to investigate the opportunities that adaptive reuse presents in responding to contemporary issues, such as urbanization, work environments and environmental decay, showing how it plays a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and how it is a part of sustainable urban development. The adaptive reuse of historic buildings as a sustainable architectural practice has become a focus point in recent years, as by preserving and adapting historic buildings, it maintains the architectural and cultural heritage of cities and adheres to sustainability principles. It saves resources, reduces construction waste and fosters effective use of space; in addition, adaptive reuse provides a continuity of sense, having respect for the history of a community whilst still addressing its current needs. By doing so, this study intends to shed light on the environmental, cultural and social value of adaptive reuse, as well as demonstrating not only its place but also its importance in sustainable development and how adaptive reuse can balance the act of historical preservation with seamlessly integration into the modern-day world [2].

One of the ways to increase well-being and employee productivity is to integrate history with modern office spaces. It has been found that work environments enriched with background history can develop creativity and make employees feel both a sense of belonging and pride. These unique aesthetics and atmospheres would contribute to a more motivating and rewarding work experience. In addition, such spaces can attract an appreciation of history and modernity at a go and therefore improve the rate of recruitment and retention [1].

This approach can conserve a significant amount of energy and materials as existing buildings can be retained and repurposed, thus avoiding the energy costs and waste of demolition and reconstruction. Not only does this help protect the fabric and identity of the communities, but it also provides a sense of identity and continuity. In addition, responsible adaptive reuse brings vitality back to neighborhoods, boosts local business and combines modern usage with historical relevancy [3].

This study explains the need to maintain historical integrity without compromising on modern functions and the role of sustainability practices in adaptive reuse projects and maintains that such initiatives provide not just economic but also socio-cultural benefits [4].

The adaptive reuse of historic structures into contemporary office environments is increasingly recognized as a sustainable and culturally enriching strategy for urban development. This transformation not only saves architectural heritage but also contributes to sustainability goals by lowering the material waste and energy consumption associated with demolition and restoration [5]. Researchers highlight that adaptive reuse is determined by economic viability, historical relevance and regulation, all of which influence building repurposing decisions [6]. Furthermore, research suggests that a strategic assessment model can examine the sustainability of adaptation, ensuring that buildings retain utility while preserving their historical integrity [5]. Additional research has demonstrated that combining modern workplace needs with existing historical components can improve employee well-being, creativity and company identity [7]. Furthermore, the reuse of old structures helps to promote environmental sustainability by reducing urban sprawl and resource depletion [8]. By balancing historical preservation with contemporary office requirements, adaptive reuse emerges as a key strategy for sustainable and resilient urban development.

2. A Literature Review of Adaptive Reuse in a Historical Context

Adaptive reuse is a sustainable approach that balances heritage conservation and modern functionality [8]. It prolongs the lifecycle of historic buildings by accommodating them for new functions without harming their historical and architectural significance [9]. Furthermore, the Erbil Citadel houses show adaptive reuse possibilities, illustrating how cultural and historical importance can be preserved while modifying areas to satisfy current safety and usability requirements [9,10].

Another significant example is the change of Battersea Power Station in London into a combined-use development project featuring modern office areas. This adaptive reuse project effectively merges the station’s famous industrial history with contemporary office design, establishing it as a cultural preservation and usability symbol [11].

Converting former historic buildings into office spaces requires careful planning while considering many factors. This must balance keeping the integrity of what is historic with integrating modern amenities and technology. This involves making sure that the space is comfortable, safe and functional and, at the same time, meets contemporary standards while keeping its historical character intact. Successful projects are often accomplished with the help of preservation professionals, architects and designers who have experience in harmoniously blending old and new elements [1,2].

In other words, converting heritage buildings into modern offices could be the best way for business enterprises to identify with their culture. This underlines other concerns like sustainability and employee well-being. Due to historical elements, it enables the company to create unique and purposeful workspaces that would be appropriate to transmit and build values inspiring their workforce. This attitude helps the organization safeguard cultural heritage and fosters the good practices of sustainable development [1,2]. Recent studies look at adaptive reuse as a process of “translation”, “shift” and “re-occupation”, going beyond standard architectural discussions into fields like heritage, memory studies and cultural geography. Research promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and a wider comprehension of its social, cultural and environmental effects by presenting adaptive reuse as both a design method and a procedural framework. Common methods involve focusing on the connection between old and new, balancing conservation with creativity, and tackling sustainability through reuse [12].

2.1. Erbil Citadel as a Historical Site

Erbil is in a fertile plain amidst the Great and Little Zab rivers, accompanied by the backdrop of the Zagros Mountains range. It is strategically located at the intersection of significant historical pathways from Iran to the Mediterranean, as well as from southern Iraq and the Gulf to Anatolia and Central Asia [2]. The enduring significance of Erbil can be attributed to this strategic positioning, in conjunction with the abundance of its agricultural resources. Serving as the nucleus of the modern capital of Kurdistan Region in Iraq, Erbil Citadel symbolizes the historic city [10,13].

The property stands on an archaeological tell, where excavations at the site commenced under the supervision of High Commission of Erbil Citadel revitalization (HCECR). Therefore, the site and its irradiated and wider setting retain significant archaeological potential contributing to historical authenticity. The urban structure of the formerly fortified settlement of the Ottoman period is preserved to a sufficient extent, allowing for the conclusion of its present understanding. Destruction and abandonment did not come with modern, incompatible replacements in material and form, given that the substance and design of the historic city were relatively preserved. Materials from the existing buildings were used to create temporary housing for the newcomers who occupied the site for a few decades [13,14]. The significance of the Citadel emanates primarily from subterranean archaeology, followed by the preservation of historical brick architecture in the houses atop the archaeological mound and, lastly, the historic urban layout that encompasses them. Acknowledging its remarkable importance, this site was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in June 2014 [13,14]. The uniqueness of Erbil Citadel lies in its seemingly continuous inhabitation from its inception to the present day. The historical records of the Citadel date back to around 2300 BC, with archaeological evidence like surface discoveries of Ubaid-period pottery suggesting an age of at least 6000 years. The citadel’s urban form is another of its outstanding features. The foundations of the Citadel’s defenses were eventually overlaid with dwellings, and the unbroken facade of tall, 19th-century houses still clearly gives the visual impact of an invincible fortress towering above the city of Erbil (see Figure 1).

2.2. The House Conditions in Erbil Citadel—Building Analysis

The prevailing layout within the Citadel, observed in residences of any historical period, typically consists of a pair of chambers accessed through distinct entrances at the confined extremity. Some structures comprise two levels, featuring a chamber positioned above another. Dwellings erected pre-1880 frequently incorporate a slender storage area to one flank. At the same time, more spacious residences may encompass three chambers or an intermediate Iwan (an area lacking a frontal partition) segregating the dual chambers. Residences constructed post-1880 exhibit a significantly broader spectrum in size, ranging from single-chamber abodes to expansive estates with fully enclosed inner yards [9,15].

The Citadel consists of 330 historic houses and is the most critical group of traditional buildings in Kurdistan Region in Iraq. A unique characteristic of this housing is the brickwork of the external walls, which are distinguishable by their brick construction. The earliest houses had no windows for light, leaving large areas of walls available for ornament-formed recessed bricks or pierced brickwork, usually forming a pair of opposed triangles of chevrons. Walls often have curved corners. Late Ottoman-period houses have windows that require protection from the sun by tarmac supported on brick or timber columns or alabaster arms. They project the façade from rain-enabled plastering to be extended from the interior to the house’s exterior wall surfaces. Most walls were set in mud mortar to be easily dismantled, and the bricks were reused [14,16].

The spatial configuration of the Citadel settlement remains distinctly identifiable through its division into blocks and narrow pathways. Several demolitions carried out by the prior administration have resulted in the creation of open areas, while the architectural assets have experienced deterioration over the last five decades. Additionally, the social and operational cohesion of the Citadel as a populated community has encountered disruptions; however, these issues will be methodically tackled with the guidance provided by Erbil Citadel Management [14,16] (see Figure 2).

2.3. House—Perbal Agha’s House

Perbal Agha’s House is an architectural introduction to living inside Erbil Citadel. Built in the mid-eighteenth century, it was a home for generations before it was deserted.

The house’s specialized layout and design are convincing arguments supporting its status as an outstanding example of critical developments in Kurdish architecture in 19th- and early 20th-century Kurdistan. Physical aspects of the house aside, it holds significance within the local community; the house is not only a building but a name, a reputation and the continuation of family heritage. The family’s reputation and the building’s longevity reflect well on each other. Informants from Erbil explained that the occupation, marriage and naming ceremonies of the Perbal Agha descendants were ‘in the memory of this house’ and that people would come to discuss village matters [14].

Given Perbal Agha’s House’s architecture and historical significance, several recent efforts have emerged to restore and maintain it. Among others, a wall restoration project was carried out, which removed the structure’s cement layer, concealed the fire-damaged bricks holding it up, and erected a new entranceway. After the project’s completion, a plaque at the site noted that Perbal Agha’s House, a historic building located next to the entrance, was unfortunately demolished in 1940 but was completely restored in 2019. It was reported that an interest-free loan was made to buy back the secured property against the compound. The initial loan instalment was funded to conclude the property’s purchase [14].

The inviting interior courtyard is at the heart of the design, filled with greenery, and functions as a place for socializing and resting. The house emphasizes seamless indoor–outdoor living with its covered outdoor transitional spaces and creates a beautiful connection between the enclosed rooms and the verdant courtyard area. The spacious home has over 14 enclosed rooms of various sizes to accommodate household demands and activities. It has an exterior balcony, which views the surroundings and adds to its allure. A demonstration of well-considered architecture, the house’s entrance is tucked away in an enclosed area, providing a feeling of seclusion and safety before opening onto the inner courtyard. A comfortable and refreshing living atmosphere is ensured by carefully placed windows that open to the surrounding outdoors and the inner courtyard. This allows for optimal cross-ventilation and natural light penetration (see Figure 3).

3. Office Literature and Criteria

Office space studies explore several essential factors that shape contemporary work environments. Examining the importance of technology and acoustics in work environments, highlighting the adverse effects of noise sources on workers’ well-being and output, like unnecessary talking and the evolution of office design and functionality, is crucial [17,18]. Environmental factors affecting workers’ health and productivity, such as indoor air quality, lighting and thermal comfort, are essential to a worker’s daily life in an office space [19,20]. In addition, past developments in office design and how they affected productivity are considered, highlighting the necessity of a human-centered approach when developing environments that are conducive to work (see

Table 1. Office categories, criteria and related questions. Source: the authors.

No	Category	Criteria	Related Questions
1	Acoustics and technology	Aesthetics, acoustics integration and modern amenities	Q1, Q14, Q8 and Q15
2	Office layout and function	Area, layout and dimensions, and outdoor access	Q7, Q6, Q5 and Q13
3	Environmental aspects	Natural light, ventilation, and modern sustainability practices and needs	Q4, Q16, Q12 and Q17
4	Historical context	Historical elements, ornate moldings and vintage fixtures	Q2, Q3, Q10 and Q18
5	Work productivity	Employee creativity, teamwork potential and job satisfaction	Q9, Q11, Q19 and Q20

).

This study develops this general theoretical framework by analyzing the relevant literature and survey results to identify five categories that shape the suitability of historic buildings for modern offices. The location of office spaces is crucial, carefully balanced between preserving historical importance and meeting modern workplace needs. The categories in Table 1 presents the office, its criteria and related questions which frame a comprehensive analysis of architectural, environmental and cultural dynamics underpinning employee experiences, elucidating the dialogue between historical importance and functional modernity in adaptive reuse projects.

3.1. Acoustics and Technology

Maintaining optimal acoustics in office settings is essential to sustaining productivity, particularly in spaces like service centers, where to focus is necessary. To achieve optimal sound control, acoustic design should minimize internal and external noise sources; use materials like absorbers for the walls, floors and ceilings; and add features like movable barriers or ceiling sails. Using technologically advanced solutions, like noise-cancelling headphones or sound-masking systems, can improve overall focus and reduce distractions, improving the work environment [21,22].

3.2. Office Layout and Functionality

Office layout design and functionality are essential to enhancing employee well-being and productivity. Offices can create an environment that benefits employee satisfaction by including design elements like space surfaces, furnishings, colors and spatial relationships among different areas [21]. Furthermore, designating office areas for other tasks—like silent work zones for focused work—and common areas like lounges and meeting rooms for team projects improves functionality and considers a range of work methods. It is ensured that the workspace will continue to be flexible and supportive of changing organizational needs by adopting an office design approach that reflects the company’s existing culture and future goals [21,22].

3.3. Environmental Aspects

The environmental components of office design include elements essential to ensuring employees’ comfort and well-being, like lighting, ventilation and thermal comfort. With rooms kept above 22 °C in winter and equipped with suitable air conditioning systems in summer, this configurable comfort level enables workers to work more comfortably [23]. Mechanical ventilation systems reduce the effects of changing external circumstances, preserve air quality and minimize doors, yet natural ventilation and intelligent designs are still important. Furthermore, maximizing the amount of natural light penetration and providing sufficient artificial lighting—while taking individual control and glare protection into account—creates an optimal working atmosphere that boosts output and lowers the risk of different health issues for staff members [21,23].

3.4. Historical Context

Research on the sense of place in heritage sites explores how distinct architectural elements evoke feelings, emotions and attitudes. For example, buildings with eye-catching features, like giant columns, can convey a sense of arrogance and power. Architects can embrace buildings with distinct features that reflect the local character and the people occupying them by considering the surrounding buildings and environment. This strategy ensures that the building is unique to this area and not a copy of a general approach located elsewhere, in addition to seeming like a natural extension of its location [24,25]. This also highlights the significance of designs that emphasize the importance of energy efficiency while responding to the building’s surroundings and meeting the needs and characteristics of individuals who occupy and work in them. In short, this methodology emphasizes the correlation between the significance of a location and the sense of identity it gives its users, which is an essential aspect of creating significant architectural experiences in historical contexts [24,25].

3.5. Work Productivity

Optimizing work efficiency in the office involves encouraging employee creativity by creating suitable conditions that promote idea sharing and collaboration [25]. Setting aside certain facilities, including meeting rooms and common areas like lounges and outdoor spaces, for communication fosters collaboration. It fortifies interpersonal bonds, increasing the output of work from employees. In addition, reaching a point of job satisfaction for workers means considering personal preferences and professional needs when creating spaces, whether by making dedicated areas for focused work or open spaces for group projects, which will eventually create a good balance between individual work and teamwork methods [25,26].

However, the idea of axis-organizing office design extends beyond its inner capacity for adaptive reuse. Organizing space with a historical setting and use in practice is the workaround for efficient office layout with the use of organized axes; this becomes more relevant when there is a need to design new functionality within an adaptative reuse scenario [27]. This perspective offers additional details for the conversation surrounding reconciling space design with historical value. Repurposing buildings, especially offices, is significant because it engages in both the ecological and the cultural aspects of sustainability; environmental and cultural motives are crucial to redesigning buildings into the office area. Research on sustainable approaches to the adaptation of historic buildings for office use highlights the role of environmental and cultural factors in ensuring their successful reuse [28].

4. Research Questions

Adaptive reuse raises essential questions about preserving and modifying historic structures for current business use while keeping their landmark fabric untouched. The derived critical queries from this study are as follows: What is the impact of the historical context on corporate work culture and employee satisfaction in reused office buildings? And are there tangible benefits to preserving and reusing these architectural gems? With the rise of businesses moving toward sustainability, the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings keeps the flow going, with these old structures being given another life and, to some extent, sharing the concept of sustainability while reducing the need for new constructions. In this field, there is significant potential for new insights and possibilities when one observes heritage conservation and contemporary business needs in an equivalent light. The problem of this research study is to identify the challenges of reusing the old structures—houses in Erbil Citadel—and discover the opportunities for contemporary works concerning the efficiency and function of these buildings. Also, it is possible to provide insight into creating environments that offer a sustainable culture by using the same building for a new function to promote the success of the organization system and employee satisfaction and production.

5. Research Scope

5.1. Methodology and Materials Used

This research methodology is broad and multi-pronged, best suited to understanding the practice of adaptive reuse in corporate environments. According to earlier studies, mixed techniques are crucial to architectural analysis and investigations, as they integrate qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of adaptive reuse. By combining structured questionnaires with methodical data evaluation, this methodology improves the study and ensures a thorough understanding of the functional and historical significance of repurposed office spaces for users [29]. Moreover, various architectural research methodologies provide a comprehensive examination of ancient edifices, employing case studies and expert consultations to maintain historical authenticity while accommodating contemporary corporate needs [30]. These methodologies facilitate the creation of a systematic framework for evaluating the influence of heritage presence on staff productivity and workplace happiness. Additionally, there is a necessity for post-occupancy studies that examine the use of transformed office spaces, as well as building performance evaluations, in adaptive reuse [31]. This study’s analytical techniques are enhanced by adopting these methodological approaches, which guarantees a balanced evaluation of historical preservation and present use.

This study will delve fundamentally into the history of the site or building, fostering a deep awareness of its history and underlying principles. Among the first steps are intensive consultations with preservation professionals to devise and organize a cautious design plan to maintain the historical fabric while integrating the new business needs.

Structured questionnaires can provide valuable insights into user satisfaction, preferences and interests, and the relevance of contemporary use to ensure that heritage projects are both historically preserving and contemporary relevant [32]. In this case, the questionnaire contained questions specially outlined to enable the subjects to provide detailed responses about their experiences and perceptions of historical office spaces. Also, those questions concerned architectural features, focusing on the historical context in workspaces and the role of heritage presence in employee productivity. A systematic analysis of the data collected from the questionnaire was designed to establish common themes and patterns in trends. The analysis was, therefore, directed at understanding how the re-used office buildings’ historical context influences corporate work culture and employee satisfaction. This study further looked to establish if there are some prospective benefits to conserving and reusing these architectural treasures.

By adopting the following approaches, this research study is assumed to present a deeper analysis of the critical success factors that enable the smooth incorporation of historical elements within contemporary office settings. Historical insights, expert advice and formal data can form a robust framework for analyzing adaptive reuse projects of historic buildings. The current offering is an integrative approach toward a deeper insight into how business can be steered in a more sustainable and motivational workspace by embracing innovative preservation methods and understanding the impact of historical context on workplace dynamics.

5.2. Method Steps

This comprehensive and diverse methodology is the most adequate for understanding the nature of adaptive reuse practice within corporative contexts. It goes directly to the roots of the site’s or building’s history, creating an awareness of the pace and rationale behind its history. The steps are as follows:

• Historical Analysis

We conducted archival research and on-site visits to document the architectural and cultural significance of the buildings studied.

• Survey Design and Administration

This involved designing a qualitative and quantitative questionnaire targeting 60 subjects from diverse backgrounds.

• Data Analysis

We employed thematic analysis to review the survey data for patterns and, in the historical context, employee satisfaction and preference for open or architectural styles.

• Expert Validation

We ensured methodological rigor and reliability by cross-referencing findings with insights from heritage preservation experts and the existing literature.

Along with a detailed enumeration of the critical success factors associated with the seamless integration of historic components in modern-day office spaces, this research study is determined by the developed approaches.

5.3. Research Limitation

This study concentrates on Erbil Citadel and similar historical settings, which can create a challenge when applied in other places that share diverse cultural and architectural histories. Balancing the needs of modern office functionality with historical preservation will inherently be challenging, and this study does not address all the challenges that such changes might pose practically speaking (for example, the cost and technical aspects of fitting out historic areas of the building). Finally, while the panel consultations were educative in some ways, access to a broader range of expert opinions would have provided enhanced qualitative depth in the analysis. Not surprisingly, these limitations outline potentially fruitful areas for further research, such as more extensive sample studies of cases or longitudinal work oriented toward the long-term impacts of adaptive reuse across different contexts.

6. Questionnaire

6.1. Questionnaire Design

This paper investigates what architects, architectural educators and beyond—students, academics and those working in architecture—perceive as producing and comprising diverse perspectives in architectural education and practice. This paper presents findings from analyzing responses to an online questionnaire that gathered qualitative data. In the following sections, after reflecting on the choice of the questionnaire as a methodological strategy and discussing data gathering procedures and analytical strategies, we present results organized into two key themes: (1) sixty respondents’ perceptions and understandings of diverse perspectives in architecture and (2) participants’ attitudes towards the necessity (or otherwise) of engagement with diversity in their endeavors. The questionnaire was filled out by 60 people with mixed backgrounds, including workers, architectural professionals, architects and academics in architecture, among other groups. This way, the view is based on personal experience, knowledge and participants’ preferences. The data collected were used according to the scientific research guidelines and analyzed systematically, helping trace repeating topics in the responses and any trend or taste.

The main categories produced from the previous studies and the related questions are detailed below.

The main aim of the survey was to support our hypothesis that adding historical architectural features to office spaces and rehabilitating historical architectural treasures can help make employees happier, more productive, and healthier. The answers mostly show popular opinions about the beauty of old-fashioned styles, the importance of modern comforts and the significance of fresh-air circulation and sunlight in buildings. By following these known preferences, the survey supports our idea that combining historical character with modern functionality in workplace design can be beneficial.

6.2. Survey Data and Analysis

The age group distribution in this dataset indicates a clear demographic split. The most significant number of respondents were 25–35 years old, with a 41.7% proportion among the respondents (see Figure 4a,b). It can be concluded that the dataset mainly features people in their late thirties and forties. The second-largest group is the 36–45-year-olds, comprising 26.7%. Thus, in the dataset, there are mainly middle-aged individuals who are well-established both in personal development and career track. Interestingly, the least present groups are those of over 45, with 11.7%, and under 25, with one-fifth of the dataset. Thus, it is possible to conclude that quite a few older people also participated in the survey. At the same time, the sample is, in general, diverse.

Number of responses for age group and work field: 60 responses for general questions.

Q1: On a scale of 1 to 5, how important is the aesthetic appeal of your workspace to you?

More than half of the respondents (56.7%) think that the aesthetic appeal of their places of work is essential. This shows that they place a lot of stress on what they see around them while working, affecting their output and satisfaction. Additionally, 26.7% ranked it as very important, implying that many people attach great significance to making their working areas attractive for better performance and comfort. On the other hand, just 3.3% describe this factor as slightly necessary, whereas none mark any office as unimportant, thus indicating that all participants believe its value varies among individuals (see Figure 5).

Q2: How do you perceive the integration of historical elements into a workspace?

The survey answers show different views on including historical elements in office design. Approximately 41.7% of people like these features because they think they give character, while 26.7% find them thrilling and motivating. A total of 26.7% of people are neutral if functionality is unaffected, while 4.9% believe historical elements might clash with modern needs. Different perspectives show that historical aesthetics are valued for their character and inspiration, while practical considerations for functionality are also crucial to creating a well-balanced office environment (See Figure 6).

Q3: Would you be comfortable working in a space where historical architectural features (e.g., ornate moldings and vintage fixtures) are preserved?

The survey shows that people like working in places with old-fashioned architecture, like fancy moldings and vintage fixtures. A total of 80% of people said they feel good about these features because they like how historical things look at work. Only 18.3% were unsure, and a slight 1.7% felt uncomfortable. These answers indicate that old architectural elements can make employees feel more comfortable and satisfied. This can create a better atmosphere in the workplace and may increase morale and engagement (see Figure 7).

Q4: How important is natural light in your ideal workspace?

In their ideal workspace, the majority of people deeply value natural light. It is noteworthy that 66.7% of those who were surveyed consider it to be essential. This shows that individuals recognize how natural light can impact their emotions, productivity levels and overall health. In addition, 20% also say it is significant; thus, most acknowledge that abundant natural light is necessary for creating the best working conditions (see Figure 8).

Q5: Do you value having outdoor access or green spaces within or near your workspace?

The people’s opinions obtained through the survey show that it is essential for them to be able to go outside at work. A total of 53.3% said that this was very important for their well-being. This is not just a few people—a total of 43.7% also want these facilities available at or near their place of work. These results indicate that many individuals understand how helpful nature can be in making jobs more satisfying for staff members and increasing organizational productivity. These findings point out an increasing desire among employees for their welfare to be catered for through provisions like greener office spaces that foster interaction among people (see Figure 9).

Q6: How do you feel about the potential limitations in terms of layout and functionality that might come with working in a historic house?

The responses among participants vary about potential problems when working in historic houses. A good number (40%) are willing to change if these matters are not severe. However, some would still prefer to work in more flexible modern spaces that can be easily transformed (28.3%) to increase functionality rather than what has been seen before. This number is surprisingly high given that these structures not only allow for difficulties associated with them alone but also present an opportunity to appreciate beauty together with their history, according to 31.7% of people questioned about this issue (see Figure 10).

Q7: Would you be open to participating in restoring or adapting a historic house into an office space?

For 56.7% of the respondents, transforming an old building into a workspace showed a desire to immortalize the past while creating functional workstations. On the opposite extreme, just 6.6% were interested in design; thus, they might have different ideas about how this should be achieved. Again, 36.7% would only participate if necessary, signaling their pragmatism in self-managing projects (see Figure 11).

Q8: Considering the potential challenges of working in a non-modern office space, how important is it for you to access modern amenities and technology?

The survey shows that people like having access to modern technology and amenities, even in offices that are not considered modern. According to this study, 40% of people rated access to modern amenities as extremely important (5) on a scale from 1 (not necessary) to 5 (extremely important). Another 36.7% rated it as very important (4). The total of 76.7% shows how necessary modern facilities are for keeping productivity and comfort in a space with a historical look. A total of 21.7% of people rated it as moderately necessary. Only 1.7% rated it slightly necessary, and no one chose the lowest importance level. The results show that mixing historical features with modern functions is essential to a helpful workspace (see Figure 12).

Q9: How would working in a historic house environment impact your creativity and productivity?

According to the survey outcomes, 68.3% of the people surveyed consider themselves primarily encouraged by the opportunity to work in a house atmosphere regarding their creativity and productivity. Ultimately, people expect working in this place to enhance their overall job experience. Among the respondents, a meaningfully smaller share expressed doubts about this statement. While the number of these individuals was relatively small, 3% said they were concerned that it could disrupt their ability to focus. This is because some exciting and unfamiliar surroundings can hardly help people concentrate (see Figure 13).

Q10: How interested are you in working in a non-modern office space adapted from a historic house?

While the results demonstrate a varying level of interest in occupying an office derived from a historic building while being non-modern, it can be concluded that all other results compare desirably to the above. Thus, 38.3% expressed some interest, and 23.3% indicated high interest. In contrast, 37.3% remained neutral. This means that some respondents need more information or persuasion to form their opinion. Still, it is worth mentioning that the smallest number of respondents, 5%, are not interested; from these results, it can be derived that the chance is approached with an open mind (see Figure 14).

Q11: Does a historical space affect your productivity?

Around 33.3 percent support its significance, while 26.7 percent are against it. Further investigation or clarification is necessary to grasp historical settings’ potential impact on job performance. The leading group, comprising 40%, is undecided on this issue, emphasizing the need for more research. Diverse viewpoints on the elements influencing individuals’ efficiency in specific settings highlight the complexity of this matter (see Figure 15).

Q12: How important is natural/nonmechanical ventilation in your workspace?

The survey results show that people think natural ventilation in the workspace is essential. A total of 41.7% of people rated natural ventilation as extremely important (5) on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. A total of 33.3% of people rated it as very important (4). This means that most people prefer fresh air and natural airflow at work. Meanwhile, 21.7% thought it was somewhat important (3), and a small number (3.3%) saw it as slightly necessary (2), with no one choosing the lowest level (1). These findings show that natural ventilation makes old office buildings comfortable and promotes well-being (see Figure 16).

Q13: On a scale of 1 to 5, how important is the workstation area zone of your office?

The responses reflect the significant importance of the workstation area in the office environment. Indeed, 41.7% of participants report that this aspect is essential, with the majority of 38.3% reporting the level of importance; hence, this demonstrates that the workstation is something that all individuals recognize as central to ensuring productivity and comfort during work. Additionally, 16.7% of those who considered it moderately important reflected the recognition that a workstation zone should be functional and well-designed (see Figure 17).

Q14: How important are acoustics and technological integration in adapting a historic house into an office space?

Accordingly, the results showed that it is essential for people to have the technology in an old historic house be adapted to a workspace; specifically, 40% of them think it is necessary, and 25% believe it is required to be available. This could be a good reason to control noise levels and increase work productivity in historic buildings. Meanwhile, 25% of the respondents say it is moderately essential, which shows the need for the main features to provide a new modern workspace (see Figure 18).

Q15: To what extent do you believe that the integration of modern technology (e.g., audio-visual systems, Wi-Fi, data and networking infrastructure) is essential to the successful adaptation of a historic house into an office space?

The responses indicate that the most successful conversion of a historic house into a modern office is to have modern technology; specifically, 63.3% highly believe that Wi-Fi and infrastructure are essential for them, 28.3% believe it is the same, and 6.7% say it is moderately necessary for them. The results show according to the minority, it is not necessary for them to have the technology and that the historical backdrop should be respected (see Figure 19).

Q16: To what extent would you consider preserving historical architectural features in a converted office space to integrate natural ventilation?

In response to this question about integrating ventilation to maintain historical features when converting an old space into an office, 50% rated it as essential, and 30% rated it as highly significant. This demonstrates airflow availability and excellent ventilation in historical settings. For more than 15% of the participants, it was of moderately critical importance to balance the historical space and the comfort needs of the residents (see Figure 20).

Q17: How important is it for you to balance modern sustainability practices and historical preservation when considering lighting and ventilation in the adapted office space?

The findings and data showed that for 46.7% of participants, this is significant, and for 35%, it is highly crucial. Another point to be highlighted here is the importance of ecological elements in a historical context and an office set in an old house. In addition, of the remaining participant’s responses, 16.7 percent rated this need at a moderate significance level, indicating the importance of an eco-friendly environment that fits the building location (see Figure 21).

Q18: To what extent do you believe the historical significance of the adapted office space should influence design decisions and renovations?

The replies regarding the interest in the design renovation of an old house into a modern office were varied, showing that 40% advocated the importance of contemporary function, which is a substantial percentage. While 26.7% are entirely focused on integrating the historical environment, 30% of the participants were in the middle between the preservation and the contemporary function of the building (see Figure 22).

Q19: How important is it for you that the historical adaptation of the office space contributes positively to employee well-being and job satisfaction?

The respondents highlighted that the adaptation should have a good impact on employee well-being and job satisfaction, with 41.7% positive replies. While, for 30% of them, positive impact is significant, they believe that it will affect the workspace and their productivity. A total of 25% ascribe moderate importance to such priorities in the historical conservation of old buildings (see Figure 23).

Q20: How optimistic are you about the potential for a historically adapted office space to foster employee collaboration and teamwork?

To the last question, the most common answer, given by 48.3%, indicated optimism, which means that the adapted space and its facilities help teamwork and collaboration; at the same time, 20% had a high level of optimism. On the other hand, 26.7% expressed a careful optimistic viewpoint on historical spaces and collaboration among employees (see Figure 24).

7. Results, Discussion and Proposal

The survey’s findings reveal that many workers, primarily in the architectural discipline, positively perceive converting old residential premises into an office. Although most are willing to compromise, they still have particular needs when selecting or customizing an office. The most critical preferences are the office’s aesthetic appeal, natural light, outdoor access, green spaces, access to modern amenities and technology, natural ventilation, acoustics and technological integration. In response to these preferences, House 2 of Perbal Agha was transformed into an office space equipped with essential features to meet the diverse needs of its occupants. These features include a service zone comprising a kitchenette and a lounge, two toilets (one for each zone), seven cellular office zones accommodating 15 workers, a central large meeting room, three smaller briefing rooms, storage rooms, a balcony and outdoor access to the inner courtyard green area. In this work, an optimal balance between the demands of modern office functionality and heritage preservation was achieved due to the conservation of the native characteristics of the historic house. Considering these requirements, the adaptation of House 2—Perbal Agha’s House—established work-supporting measures and met all the criteria of a healthy work environment (See Figure 25).

The responses to the survey (above) strongly influenced project decisions, beyond even original layout improvements, by informing how functionality and comfort might be enhanced in such a historically significant house. Responses highlighting the importance of natural light and ventilation influenced decisions to maintain some windows in their current locations while introducing solutions for better air circulation—allowing employees to feel healthier and more comfortable while working. With new connection methods came the demand for services aligned with contemporary work needs, necessitating brand-new technological infrastructure and acoustic solutions, so that the building could offer an office appropriate to modern standards without compromising its historical sensitivity. In tandem, a desire to have access to nearby outdoor green space drove the creation of an accessible inner courtyard that generated employee satisfaction and fostered connection with nature. The survey responses directly informed this design, focusing on increased workplace functionality beyond how things are arranged in space to balance heritage and 21st-century relevance.

8. Application in Research Methods and Future Directions

The methodology of this research study on adaptive reuse is characteristic of broader architecture-specific research methods that will maintain its relevance to the field. These methods can be beneficial for restoring and renovating residential buildings, public buildings or cultural institutions that require the maintenance of historical foundations. By introducing structured questionnaires and deep historical analysis and interviewing experts in the field, architects can develop well-balanced designs adhering to past ideas while simultaneously satisfying modern needs. In a modified version, these approaches can also keep up with the constant evolution of architectural trends, such as the new focus on integrating modern technology or, in more general terms, sustainability in building design. Ultimately, this approach creates hospitable, humane, sustainable and adaptable environments to present and future needs. It also encourages innovation and the ability to change, making it possible for architectural projects to be relevant historically and functional in a contemporary context.

This study’s findings present many exciting ways for further research and development. More profound research into specific methods and strategies studied for maintaining historic structures while integrating contemporary office functions is an essential next step. This could involve creating guidelines to reconcile the needs of the modern world, such as ergonomic design and technological infrastructure, with the preservation of historical authenticity. This research study, in the long term, has a practical impact on the adaptive reuse and the productivity of workers, providing a high understanding of the cultural challenges encompassing these types of buildings and promoting the historical context as a scope of research. It also lays the foundation for future studies addressing sustainable reuse and adaptive reuse methods that positively impact cultural aspects and environmental sustainability.

To address the theory–implementation void, this study fills the gap by using user perceptions, preferences and challenges to ascertain that historical preservation is conducted in a manner that preserves contemporary function in accordance with user needs. Moreover, the findings highlight adaptive reuse as a source of sustainability by reducing the need for new construction and preserving cultural continuity.

9. Conclusions

In conclusion, adapting historical landmarks into modern office spaces is an excellent approach for businesses seeking to align with their cultural identity while fostering creativity, efficiency and employee well-being. To sum up, transforming historic houses into contemporary office buildings offers a viable option for companies looking to embrace their cultural identity while encouraging innovation, productivity and worker happiness. This study’s findings focus on converting historic buildings into modern office spaces, especially the houses in Erbil Citadel, which can be transformative. By using data from structured questionnaires given to 60 people, this research study offers relevant information on combining historical aspects with current workspace needs. This indicates that a successful balancing act between preserving a historical environment and providing modern amenities is something employees appreciate, specifically when it comes to natural lighting, ventilation, technological integration and visual attractiveness.

However, the research methodology, which primarily consisted of analyzing the responses from the participants, revealed market trends. Most respondents said that historic elements in the workplace are correlated with greater creativity, job satisfaction and morale on the job. In addition, it elucidated the specific challenges of adapting historic structures (having spatial limitations and technical infrastructure needs) and provided recommendations to overcome such challenges based on the questionnaire data.

This study applied a practically grounded system for adaptive reuse, demonstrating the compatibility of nourished cultural heritage and satisfying office needs with sustainability and enterprise. By blending historical character with modern design, such adaptive reuse projects can turn historic buildings into productive, inspiring, sustainable work environments. Future studies can draw from these insights by investigating long-lasting effects on field dynamics in the workplace and by providing formal frameworks for negotiating the balance between historical fidelity and functional adaptability.