Research context and aims

This opening chapter lays the foundation for the study, situating the adaptive reuse of religious buildings within the broader context of contemporary Europe. It begins by outlining the growing relevance of this topic in light of secularization, shifting demographics, and the complex challenges of heritage conservation. The Aims and Scope section defines the study’s objectives and boundaries, clarifying its specific focus and intended contribution to the field. The Methodology describes the qualitative and comparative research framework, integrating architectural and theological perspectives. It details the selection criteria for case studies, the process of site visits, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews, providing transparency and rigor in the research design. The Literature Review synthesizes key academic contributions on sacred architecture, adaptive reuse theory, heritage values, and the sociology of religion, highlighting both foundational concepts and current debates. To ensure clarity and consistency, this chapter concludes with a list of Key Terms and Definitions , establishing the conceptual vocabulary used throughout this book.