A study of revitalizing industrial heritage buildings in Istanbul as eco-friendly museums

Purpose This study critically evaluates the sustainability of industrial heritage museums in Istanbul, with a focus on adaptive re-use across economic, ecological, and socio-cultural dimensions. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative comparative methodology was adopted. Thirty-seven former industrial buildings converted into museums were identified through archival research, literature review, and institutional records. Six case studies representing 16% of the identified industrial heritage sites were selected for in-depth analysis via site visits and stakeholder surveys. Their sustainability performance was benchmarked against internationally recognized museums, such as Tate Modern (UK) and Mass MoCA (USA). Findings Findings reveal that adaptive re-use projects in Istanbul are successful in cultural preservation and community engagement. However, they fall short in environmental performance, particularly in applying passive design strategies, energy-efficient systems, and water conservation techniques. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to qualitative data and geographically confined to the European side of Istanbul. Future research should include quantitative environmental metrics and expand to broader regional contexts. Practical implications The research provides architects, planners, and policymakers with practical guidance on integrating sustainable design principles into heritage regeneration practices, particularly for post-industrial urban contexts. Social implications Adaptive re-use of industrial heritage sites strengthens community identity, fosters cultural continuity, and supports social sustainability. However, ecological integration is essential to achieve balanced and holistic urban development. Originality/value This study introduces a novel comparative framework and addresses the underexplored environmental dimension of heritage re-use in Istanbul, offering value to both local stakeholders and the international discourse on sustainable museum practices.