Architectures of Knowledge: Archival Spaces at the Intersection of Library Science and Heritage Design – A Documentary Case Study Series

Abstract

Amidst the prevailing trend of accelerated digitalisation and the imperative to uphold cultural identity, archival spaces have transcended their traditional role of merely storing historical records. This study investigates an archival environment through a series of documentary case studies situated at the intersection of library science and heritage design. The research seeks to examine the preservation of heritage buildings by archiving architecturally significant historical spaces, employing archival methodologies throughout the process. A mixed-methods approach is adopted to document the foundational principles of library science, with a particular focus on information organisation, textual documents, image-based records, heritage materials, and access systems as evidenced in the utilisation of archival facilities. Data were gathered from heritage buildings across various countries through f ield observations, expert interviews, and archival surveys. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS 26, with descriptive statistics employed to evaluate the prevalence of particular design features and conservation strategies, while chi-square tests assessed associations between spatial configurations and user engagement metrics. The findings indicated that the heritage sites effectively integrated contemporary archival functions whilst retaining their historical identity. Open-plan configurations and spatial transparency exhibited a statistically significant association with increased user engagement (p < 0.05). Common challenges in preservation, such as environmental regulation within ageing structures, were adeptly addressed through non-invasive retrofitting and sensor-based monitoring systems. A notable correlation (r = 0.64) was identified between comprehensive metadata systems and users’ perceived accessibility. Heritage spaces are being reconfigured for archival purposes, facilitating a data-informed comprehension of architectural design, cultural heritage, and knowledge management, thereby advancing preservation frameworks that uphold both historical authenticity and contemporary accessibility.