Lost In Time - An Adaptive Re-Use Attempt
Graduation Project - Library, Co-Working, Art Gallery & Exhibition Hall
The climate crisis is a global issue characterized by a range of effects, including rising temperatures, sea-level increases, droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather events, all of which contribute to carbon emissions. When we examine carbon emission rates worldwide, the built environment is responsible for 40% of the total carbon emissions. Building operations account for 27% of this figure, while infrastructure materials and construction contribute to 13%.
If we track the progression of global carbon emissions over time, we observe that in the early 1900s, emissions were at 1.95 million metric tons. According to Eurostat's 2022 research, this figure has surged to 36.8 million metric tons and continues to rise rapidly. Notably, the construction sector alone is responsible for 14.72 million metric tons of this 36.8 million metric ton carbon emission total, leaving the remaining 60% to be attributed to other sectors.
According to the Global ABC Global Status Report 2017, it is anticipated that the global building floor area will double by 2060. In 2040, two-thirds of the global building stock will consist of existing buildings. Without upgrades, these buildings will continue to emit greenhouse gases.
To address the unprecedented wave of urbanization, researchers foresee the addition of 2.4 trillion square feet of new building space to the global building stock. This is equivalent to constructing an entire New York City every month for 40 years.
Before further expanding the global building stock, it is of paramount importance to assess our current inventory, including idle industrial buildings. In the context of Turkey, these structures are typically damaged due to negligence rather than natural disasters.
Specifically, measures for repair and strengthening must be implemented as a crucial component of urban transformation. This includes enhancing earthquake-resistant building stock, introducing new functionalities, and achieving a more equitable public space balance within urban areas. Simultaneously, the restoration of old buildings and necessary additions can lead to an 11% reduction in carbon emissions.
This project is focused on the Izmir Eski Sark Sanayii Yerleskesi, one of the abandoned areas selected in the region. The chosen project area is strategically positioned, offering accessibility to public transportation, pedestrian access, and private vehicles. Additionally, the surrounding neighborhood culture aligns with the proposed function.
Within the area, there are two industrial structures and one water tower. The project envisions a public complex that not only includes collaborative functions like co-working spaces, a public library, workshop spaces, and exhibition halls but also accommodates artists who contribute to the traditional neighborhood culture of the region.
