Reconsidering Industrialization and Post-industrialization: Adaptive Re-use of Former Power Plant Behind the Izmir Port Area

The thesis starts by researching the Industrial Revolution in Europe, mainly in Britain, and the deindustrialisation process. It reflects on how industrial sites became abandoned, the impacts on the urban context, and the effects on labor and social life. After deindustrialisation, the Nizhny Tagil Charter was introduced to prevent the demolition of these buildings, recognizing their value as industrial heritage that needs to be protected for future generations and the cultural identity of cities. As part of the research, the French term terrain vague is considered, which highlights the potential of vacant sites after the post-industrialisation period. This concept, introduced in the late 20th century by Solà-Morales, demonstrates the opportunities these vacant and derelict sites offer. Over time, adaptive reuse strategies became necessary and reusing industrial heritage sites by providing new programs has become significant for both financial and sustainable purposes. In addition, the industrialisation process and its effects are examined in Turkey during the Republic era. As a case study, the Silahtarağa Power Plant is analyzed, focusing on its period of abandonment and its transformation through reuse strategies. This example demonstrates how a former power plant, built during the same timeframe and under similar structural conditions, has been successfully reused, providing a reference for the main case: the Power Plant in İzmir.Moreover, The impacts of industrialisation and post-industrialisation processes on industrial heritage sites are analysed profoundly considering İzmir. The main case study investigates the area behind the İzmir port, based on site inspections and analysis in the urban context. Industrial heritage sites in the area are analyzed based on their current conditions: abandoned or reused with new programs. A major issue, evident in the area behind the İzmir port, is that many industrial sites were left as derelict spaces after deindustrialisation. However, unlike other examples, these sites have been colonized, making the surroundings unsafe and creating a poor visual appearance. To overcome this issue, the thesis focuses on Former power plant in İzmir. Currently abandoned and poorly maintained, this site is selected to explore its potential for adaptive reuse. The main goal of the thesis is to provide a new use for this site by adopting adaptive reuse methodologies based on histroical researches and analysis.