Lost In Time - An Adaptive Re-Use Attempt
Graduation Project - Library, Co-Working, Art Gallery & Exhibition Hall
The climate crisis is a global challenge driven by rising temperatures, sea-level rise, droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather events. The built environment accounts for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, with building operations contributing 27% and construction and infrastructure materials accounting for 13%.
Global carbon emissions have increased dramatically, from 1.95 million metric tons in the early 1900s to 36.8 million metric tons by 2022. At the same time, global building floor area is expected to double by 2060, while two-thirds of the building stock in 2040 will consist of existing buildings. This highlights the urgent need to reconsider how we use and transform what already exists before continuing to expand the built environment.
In Turkey, many abandoned industrial structures deteriorate primarily due to neglect rather than natural disasters. Their repair, strengthening, adaptive reuse, and integration into urban life can support earthquake resilience, introduce new functions, improve public space, and potentially reduce carbon emissions by 11% compared to demolition and new construction.
This project focuses on the abandoned Izmir Eski Sark Sanayii Yerleskesi, a strategically located industrial site with strong connections to public transportation, pedestrian routes, and private vehicles. The proposal preserves and reactivates two existing industrial structures and a water tower, transforming them into a public complex that brings together co-working spaces, a public library, workshops, exhibition spaces, and areas for local artists.
Rather than expanding the city’s building stock, the project explores how existing industrial heritage can be adapted, strengthened, and reintroduced into contemporary urban life.
