Adaptive reuse in industrial heritage conservation: a case study of the Wheel Mill (Çarklı Değirmen) in Bursa

The traces of the industrial revolution began to be seen in Bursa from the 19th century onwards. In addition to production facilities, new structures that support energy and transportation constitute industrial heritage. The Wheel Mill (Çarklı Değirmen), which is the subject of the study, has an important place in the process of preserving Bursa’s industrial heritage and transferring it to future generations. It has lost its original function today, has been neglected due to disuse and as a result has deteriorated into ruin. This study aims to document and evaluate the architectural transformation of the building and to develop a sustainable adaptive reuse proposal in line with its historical and architectural character. The study employs a methodology combining archival research, on-site documentation, and design-based analysis. Historical data, including cadastral maps, photographs, and official records, were examined to understand the building’s development and original function. The existing condition of the Wheel Mill was documented through photogrammetric surveys based on terrestrial laser scanning. A restitution study was conducted by comparing anology with physical traces. Based on this analysis, an adaptive reuse proposal was developed, aiming to convert the structure into a boutique hotel while preserving its architectural and cultural integrity.