The role of Interior Design in Enhancing the Visual Identity of Archaeological Structures: Villa Celine in Al-Khums, Libya as a Model

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of interior design in enhancing the visual identity of historical buildings in Libya, based on the premise that interior architecture is a fundamental tool for expressing cultural and historical heritage, and not merely a decorative or functional component. Visual identity is not limited to façades alone but is constructed within interior spaces through spatial organization, the materials used, colors, lighting, ornamentation, and culturally rooted symbols. The study begins with Villa Celine in the city of Al-Khums as the primary case for the analysis. It is considered one of the most prominent examples of Roman-Libyan residential architecture, characterized by rich mosaic decorations, inlaid floors, and an axial spatial organization that reflects a blend of local character and Roman influence. The study conducts a comparative analysis between this villa and three other historical models located in different regions of Libya: Villa Al- Dahaliz in the city of Shahat (ancient Cyrene), Interior residential spaces in the archaeological city of Sabratha, and selected residential models from Leptis Magna. The comparison reveals that Villa Selene features a rich decorative scheme that reflects a visual philosophy focused on demonstrating power and social luxury through interior design. In contrast, Villa Al-Dahaliz in Shahat city is marked by a more austere decorative approach, emphasizing spatial harmony and natural orientation of interior spaces in accordance with the mountainous terrain of the eastern region. In Sabratha city, the study found that the organization of ancient homes was centered around an open atrium with rooms distributed around it, achieving a balance between privacy and function, and reflecting a blend of Carthaginian and Roman architectural influences. In Leptis Magna, visual identity is expressed through the extensive use of sculptural elements, interior columns, and fine marble detailing, which exemplify the architectural prosperity the city experienced during the height of the Roman era - especially in palaces and grand residences - where interior design served as a reflection of social status and cultural sophistication. The study concludes that, despite the geographical and conceptual differences among the four sites, interior design remains a key driver in shaping a cohesive visual identity that connects function with cultural context. It recommends the inclusion of interior analysis in urban heritage restoration and development projects and stresses the importance of documenting and preserving interior features as a visual record of a place’s identity. Furthermore, the study advocates for strengthening the role of interior design professionals in conservation and adaptive reuse processes, recognizing their essential contribution to the visual and cultural revival of historic spaces.