The rapid pace of urbanization has brought to the forefront the critical need for adaptive reuse of public heritage buildings, highlighting the often-overlooked potential to contribute to social sustainability. These historic structures are not just remnants of the past, but also represent essential components of urban culture and the social fabric that binds communities together. While existing efforts in protection and renovation have been instrumental in safeguarding public heritage buildings, they frequently fall short of fully leveraging their capacity to enrich urban life by fostering cultural vibrancy, strengthening community identity, and promoting social cohesion. This research addresses the pressing need for a more systematic approach to adaptive reuse, focusing specifically on the efforts that can promote social sustainability within historical urban areas. Despite the recognized importance of adaptive reuse, a significant gap remains in understanding the effective integration of heritage buildings into the dynamics of contemporary urban life. Due to this, this research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining an extensive review of existing literature with detailed case studies. Also, this research evaluates current conditions, assesses policies, identifies key challenges, and highlights best practices for adaptive reuse. Based on the discussions, this research aims to propose actionable strategies that go beyond mere preservation, ensuring these heritage buildings actively contribute to the development of sustainable and socially cohesive urban environments. Furthermore, this research also seeks to transform public heritage buildings into living assets that continue to shape and enhance the cultural and social identities of the communities.
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