Rehabilitated historic interiors and sustainability : a case study of La Iglesia y Convento Nuestra Señora de Bele�n in Havana.

Abstract

The concept of social responsibility is continuing to grow as individuals are becoming more accountable for their actions. It is this idea of social responsibility, which encompasses social, environmental, and economic issues that leads to a sustainable way of thinking. Because the built environment affects people, the planet, and the economy, the incorporation of sustainability within the interior design process is becoming more understood, as well as necessary. These issues affect everyone on a global scale and that is why an international perspective is provided. Although new construction utilizes sustainable features, reusing the existing historic building stock should not be ignored. However, most research only evaluates the use of environmental sustainability in historic preservation. This study hypothesizes that historic preservation and all forms of sustainability can be achieved. To test the hypothesis, a building in Havana serves as the case study. Field research including interviews, site visits, archival research and reviews of the floor plans were used to illustrate how the designer incorporated all forms of sustainability, as related to interior design, to rehabilitate La Iglesia y Convento Nuestra Señora de Bele�n. The significant findings conclude both historic preservation and sustainability can be achieved.--Abstract."