Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage for Cultural Spaces: Cases from Turkey and Europe

This study offers a comparative examination of transforming industrial heritage into cultural spaces through cases from Turkey and Europe. The scope is limited to three cases from Istanbul (Müze Gazhane, Santralistanbul, Bomontiada) and three from Europe (Tate Modern, Westergasfabriek, Matadero Madrid). A multiple-case comparative design is adopted; the cases were selected using data-rich and diversity-oriented criteria. Data collection relies on document review and visual analysis; evaluation focuses on spatial–architectural transformation, urban integration, public-space use, social impacts, and the legal–institutional framework. The findings show that, in both contexts, industrial heritage functions not merely as an object of physical preservation but as a vehicle for cultural production and social revitalisation. However, while Istanbul’s examples are largely single-building oriented, the European projects develop holistic, complex-scale scenarios supported by robust legislation and incentives. The results underscore the need in Turkey for a comprehensive inventory, dedicated regulations, and long-term cultural policies.