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Adaptive Reuse as a Tool for Sustainability: Tate Modern and Bilgi University
Cases

Conference Paper · January 2022

DOI: 10.38027/ICCAUA2022EN0031

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5th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2022) 11-13 May 2022

DOI: 10.38027/ICCAUA2022EN0031

Adaptive Reuse as a Tool for Sustainability:

Tate Modern and Bilgi University Cases
*Phd Student Pınar Tabak 1, Assoc. Prof. Ayşe Sirel 2
Istanbul Aydın University, Architecture and Design Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey1, 2
E-mail 1: [email protected] , E-mail 2: [email protected]

Abstract
Examples of “adaptive reuse” have started to be applied for giving new functions to the structures in historical
environment are commonly used in the world and in Turkey. According to the current planning practise, the future
applications should be done with consideration of different dimensions of sustainability. Aim of this study is to
examine Tate Modern and Bilgi University Campus that used to have similar functions and were inhabited before
restoration interventions in sustainability framework. Both cases were refunctioned with adaptive reuse concept.
The structures transformed from energy buildings to serve as art museum and educational/cultural functions. Cases
were compared in terms of sustainability principles. Social, economic and ecologic benefits of physical interventions
were asked on structures which couldn’t continue their original functions and refunctioned by adaptive reuse.
Results support the positive impacts of adaptive reuse not only for the structures themselves but also for the
environments they were located.
Keywords: Adaptive Reuse; Sustainability; Reuse in Historical Environment; Refunctioning; Sustainable
Conservation.

1. Introduction
Necessity of conserving historical cities is accepted and inarguable with all its economic, cultural and ecological
dimensions. According to the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) historical cities and areas are
known with not only documentation features but also with their values belonging to urban culture (ICOMOS, 1987).
The structure in architectural environment are reflections of the lifestyles of cultures they belong to. In this sense,
it is essential to conserve them with the heritage value they carry. Transformation of cultural heritage to the next
generations without any damage expresses the continuity of conservation in socio-cultural point of view. Keeping
the structures that are valuable in some aspects alive by conserving them is more effective only when new functions
are assigned to them. All these works are applied considering the concept and dimensions of sustainability
nowadays.
Transferring the history without any interruption can be available by sustainable conservation. Giving new functions
or conserving the structures by adapting their original functions have become an intervention method. In this sense;
the major tool is “new addition”. According to Hunt and Boyd, new needs should be done in a contemporary
language in order not to cause any confusion and without decreasing the original value (Hunt and Boyd, 2017).
Plevoets and Cleempoel argue that “adaptive reuse” have been started to use more frequently in the sense of urban,
architectural and conservation strategy and sustainability of the biggest reasons for this. Concept of sustainability
refuses the big scale demolitions and seeks the solution to guarantee ecological and socio-cultural pattern for the
sake of future in transformation (Plevoets and Cleempoel, 2019). Giebeler and Kahlfeldt evaluates the renewal
concept as an adaptation of a structure in order to satisfy current standards caused by user’s needs or technical
organisations (Giebeler and Kahlfeldt, 2009; Akdağ & Sayar, 2020). It is acceptable that structures may be out of use
or their functions may not be sufficient in time and besides they may be deteriorated. Roca et al. describe these
factors as natural ones, climate changes, earthquakes, fires, human caused deteriorations (Roca, Lourenço and
Gaetani, 2020). Conservation interventions have been developed against these deteriorations for the sustainability
of these historical constructions. After interventions to ensure the physical integrity of the structures, some similar
applications like reanimation, rehabilitation, revalorization, adaptive reuse are used to give new functions. Venice
Charter (5. Article) emphasizes that monuments should be used for socially useful purposes and it is within these
limits only that modifications demanded by a change of function should be envisaged and may be permitted
(ICOMOS, 1964).
The changes that are emphasized within these limits are managed through these additions. Even though there are
not any clear legal acceptance regarding design principles of these additions, common features of these are
evaluated as they become widespread. In addition, conservation attitude of the country, authorized institutions,
political conditions, legal arrangements and socio-cultural approaches would affect the approaches towards new
designs (Büyükmıhçı and Kılıç, 2015). Rush; mentions the importance of three subjects; sustainability, architectural

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feature of additional structure and integrity on the connection of old-new about the historical structures’ additions
(Rush, 1986).
Adaptive reuse is an application that is used frequently and is attracting attention in recent years among
interventions used as a tool for sustainable conservation. In this study; an inspection over different cases were done
in order to understand adaptive reuse as a concept. Design principles and criteria to be considered while adaptive
reuse studies are being carried out were evaluated in applied case studies with the additions they have. It is among
the sub goals to examine the concept of additions that are used in adaptation of transformed structures spatially
and functionally.

2. Literature Review
2.1. Refunction and Adaptive Reuse as A Tool for Sustainability
The basis of enabling the sustainability in historical environments rely on evaluating the current resources. Adapting
the existing structures by conservation methods and transferring them to the future provide a big resource
management. Bullen describes restoration applications as returning the structure back to its original state and
renovation as adapting the structure in order to reach current standards (Bullen, 2007). Refunctioning of the
structures usually requires adaptation to current conditions. Adaptive reuse is an effective tool for the sustainable
conservation in historical environment. It is often needed to introduce new additions to the structure since the works
for adaptive reuse is usually related to the new function.
Adaptive reuse is a concept that came out because demolishing and rebuilding of current structures took more time,
energy and cost (Velthuis and Spennemann, 2007).
Giving a new function and adaptation of historical structures as functional and spatial means an application that
carries all aspects of social, cultural, economic and environmentally. According to Afify, adaptive reuse and
refunctioning provide new job opportunities for the society by social cohesion and conservation of cultural identity,
creating labour force during restoration applications, economic and social benefit by introducing a modern
interpretation of living spaces of their ancestors to young generations (Afify, 2018). Adaptive reuse means enabling
economic, cultural and historical continuity, having a labour based process instead of energy consumption and
becoming an indicator of ecological approaches (Kuyrukçu and Kuyrukçu, 2015). Yung and Chan; describe adaptive
reuse as a form of sustainable urban renewal and argue that renewing a structure instead of demolishing it, has
social, environmental and economic benefits for the whole world (Yung and Chan, 2012).
Tanrısever, Saraç and Aydoğdu (2016) express sustainable processes of refunctioned structures visually as in Figure
1.

Figure 1. The process of refunctioning applications in terms of sustainability (Developed by the authors using
Tanrısever, Saraç and Aydoğdu’s work)

Adaptive reuse is defined as using existing structures with new functions in general description. It usually consists of
designation of new functions to the isolated structures. The basis of the application refers to the transformation;
this transformation is often not only for the function but it enables the transformation of material if possible.

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Continuity of cultural phenomena, the existing infrastructure and protection of the place are aimed (Wong, 2017).
Sustainable adaptive reuse applications are only possible by choosing a function that people would adopt and like
to use in social sense. It is possible to maintain economic sustainability on the condition that the structure is assigned
with a new function that would provide benefit without harming the authenticity. While creating new designs by
adaptive reuse, priority is given to green spaces especially on the transformation of the inhabited industrial areas
with large plots. Restoration applications often contribute socio-economic sustainability as they create a need for
new workforce. Transformation of attraction points belonging old generations in urban areas allows sustainable
socio-cultural conservation.

2.2. Conservation and Dimensions of Sustainability in Historical Environment

Concept of sustainability was first discussed comprehensively by former Prime Minister of Norway; Gro Harlem
Brundtland in Brundtland Report published by United Nations in 1987. The main theme of the report which focused
on environmental concerns and consisted of sustainable development strategies is “Our Common Future”. Unesco
(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) defines sustainability as “development that meets
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet own needs” (Unesco, 1996).
Isolated structures in historical environments both cause the cultural heritage to be lost and create negative impact
for the urban identity. For this reason, a planning cycle that can be called as sustainability or continuity was arisen.
Reuse and recycling were added to the sustainable design processes which are planning, design, implementation
and evaluation stages (Kuyrukçu and Kuyrukçu, 2015).
According to Rodwell, some sources define historical conservation is equal to sustainability. By prolonging a
structure’s life, saving of energy, money and material is obtained and the best benefit is achieved by conservation.
Therefore, sustainability and conservation can be described as complementary (Rodwell, 2017; Rahbarianyazd,
2014). An emphasize of the economic advantage on conserving and transforming structures on historical
environments instead of constructing a new one is done. Lower consumptions of sources and lower costs on
transportation and installation encourage the refunctioning in terms of economic sustainability. Besides, a new
function designated to an isolated structure would enable the structure’s sustainability by vitality and new income
potential.
The quality of the historical cities starts with environmental potential that urban infrastructure and structures
represent and socio-cultural values together with roles of defining social cohesion and belongings of the society. An
uninterrupted timeline represented by the past, present and future expresses this socio- cultural value (Afify, 2018).
A multidimensional character is gained by contemporary additions that are done mostly for the new functions.
Due to the processes of transportation, installation, material and construction stages, the cost of constructing a new
structure rather than transforming an existing one would be disadvantageous considering the economic and
ecological dimensions. Historical structures that are conserved and transferred to the future, are socially important
both for their society and world heritage.
Yung and Chan; argue a successful adaptive reuse maintains the continuity of vitality of a heritage site. During
planning phase; the future operation costs, maintenance costs and potential market of the new function should be
well estimated. Another important point is the potential of new workforce thanks to new function. The contribution
on tourism development in long term are counted among economic advantages (Yung and Chan, 2012).
Dikmen believes protection of eco-system and sources are the roots of ecological sustainability. Long term use of
resources and low cost of them are the roots of economic sustainability. Human health and conservation of cultural
values are the roots of socio-cultural sustainability (Dikmen, 2017).
Even though historical constructions that were built in the past don’t have active functions today, they carry cultural,
historical and artistic values. They will remain their places as essential parts of urban memory thanks to restoration
and reuse applications.
Dimensions of sustainability in historical environment were summarized on Table 1.

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Table 1. The evaluation of restoration applications in historical environment in terms of major dimensions of
sustainability
DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY IN HISTORICAL ENVIRONMENT
Economic Ecologic Socio-cultural
Saving of material and in Minimum waste and less carbon Creating an attraction point for
transportation, energy emission thanks to less resource society with new function,
consumption consumption providing social cohesion
Long term economic benefit Less waste and new material An international level of tourism
with suitable new function usage thanks to recycled contribution and creating an iconic
authentic material attraction point in the city
Smart systems that helps Ensuring cultural continuity by
producing solar or wind energy reuse of existing structure
Increasing green spaces in Ensuring social life continuity by
refunctioning given new function
Providing public transportation
if possible accessing to
refunctioned structure (low
carbon production)

2.3. Concept of sustainable addition in adaptive reuse

The concept of new additions in historical environment refers to the interventions like contemporary material or
construction techniques during refunctioning and adaptive reuse of original structure. The relation between
historical structure and addition was named after the terminology of biology. The original structure is defined as
“host” and term of “symbiotic relationship” is used to define relationship that is set between new-old. Symbiotic
additions are often used in historical environments as effective tools of sustainable conservation (Figure 2- pictures
on the middle and right).
Symbiotic relationship is set when two sides are benefited from this relationship as mutual. If the balance is lost and
one of the sides gets benefit while the other gets damage, parasite relationship is mentioned (Sijakovic and Peric,
2018). A parasite relationship is mentioned when interventions are too dominant, harming the authenticity or
cultural value of the original structure (Figure 2- left picture).
Different thoughts from different researchers and experts are presented about how the additions should be in terms
of design principles and conception. Şahin (2011) defines the concept of addition as it is added to a final setting after
a time interval (t) and makes this setting as a part of a new whole. It can be described as an effort of making up the
deficiencies of a structure that cannot answer the current needs. Additions sometimes exist as a part of a symbiotic
relationship, sometimes are needed and accepted but sometimes parasite structures that are undesirable as Viollet
le Duc’s idea of stylistic unity.

Figure 2. Parasite addition-Moscow (left), Amsterdam National Maritime Museum (middle) (Gürcan, 2013), Berlin
Jewish Museum (right)- symbiotic courtyard roof (Sirel, 2015).

According to Brolin (1980), the relationship contrast between new and old is very effective if it is done properly.
There is not a defined design criterion for the additions in historical environments. Some classifications according to
the place of addition, spatial features or design approaches are done. However, there is no “additional building
design” that has been definitely accepted as an international design standard. In Table 2, there are examples that

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were transformed by using adaptive reuse with the help of contemporary additions. In the table, evaluation of case
studies according to sustainable features is included.
Table 2. Evaluation of adaptive reuse applications in terms of sustainable features (Table was created by authors,
visual documents were obtained from URL-1)
Economic Ecologic Socio-cultural
Coal Drops Yard - A sustainable future for - Sustainable design - By giving new function
(HEATHERWICK STUDIO) train station was achieved materials were used to where people get
Original Function: Train Station by shopping mall function renew roof for together, revival and
New Function: Shopping Mall (economic benefit) comprehensive socio-cultural
interventions sustainability was
- Transportation achieved
infrastructure was renewed - The structure was
and mall is accessible by rail renewed without - By adaptive reuse, brick
system. Economic demolition; the lower structure from 1800s
sustainability was achieved. levels were turned into was conserved and
stores. Ecological transferred to future
sustainability was
achieved by resource and
material management.

The Green Building - Timber in the structure - City water is not used in - Original warehouse
(FER STUDIO) was taken out and used in the building. Rain water is which was isolated was
Original Function: Warehouse the floors and other timber distilled after collected in renewed and
New Function: Office sections. Original brick barrels and green roof. refunctioned as a
materials were used in new Sustainability was commercial and office
designs. All original achieved by smart design building. It has been
materials were transformed renewed with adaptive
wherever possible. - Green roof was design reuse with new functions
in the structure that was such as restaurants,
renewed by adaptive office units and structure
reuse. Energy production was transferred to the
is provided by absorbed future with a sustainable
carbon dioxide, solar approach.
panels and ice storage
systems.

Elbphilharmonie - The surrounding area of - The conservation of the - The original warehouse
(HERZOG& DE MEURON) the structure became vivid original structure that located in the port areas
Original Function: Warehouse and economically high was used as a warehouse was transformed into a
New Function: Cultural profit one thanks to cafes, without demolishing is a prestigious iconic
restaurants, hotels and pro for ecologically structure attracting
parking lots after sustainability. Big scale attention not only in
restoration. demolition was avoided Germany but also in all
by transformation over the world

- Sustainability was
achieved by establishing
a place in city’s image.
An attraction point was
created culturally with a
sustainable design.

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3. Case Studies
In the context of the study, two case studies from England and Turkey were chosen and inspected in terms of
economic, ecologic and socio-cultural dimensions to explain the relation between adaptive reuse and sustainability
clearer. The main materials of the study are Tate Modern Museum located in London and Bilgi University Campus
from Istanbul. The visual documents of plans, sections and facades are included before and after the adaptive reuse
interventions. Using these data from the parameters that were created with the help of the theoretical part, an
analysis was done and findings were evaluated.

3.1. Research Methodology

Within the context of the study, adaptive reuse that forms the basis of the study, the place of reuse and refunction
among conservation and intervention techniques have been revealed. The relation between adaptive reuse concept
with sustainable conservation and planning has been mentioned. The importance of sustainability together with
different dimensions and how it is shaped in conservation and historical environment were inspected with the help
of literature.
Following the conceptual explanation of sustainable conservation and reuse applications, two cases selected from
different countries were analysed in order to understand the subject. Interventions in both structures as a result of
adaptive reuse concept were evaluated according to the three different dimensions of sustainability. Findings that
were obtained from analysis were presented on tables and the result of the study was revealed. Suggestions
regarding the subject for the future studies were made.

3.2 Tate Modern Museum

Tate Modern Museum- before adaptive reuse
Tate Modern Museum that is located in London, England is one of the iconic structures of the county. It was built by
Architect Giles Gilbert as a power plant in two phases in 1947 and 1963 instead of the original structure destroyed
following the II. World War. The structure was abandoned in 1981 as a result of pollution it was creating and other
negative environmental effects. It remained abandoned until it started to operate after adaptive reuse intervention
applied by designers Herzog& de Meuron in 1996 (Figure 3).
It is known that steam section adjacent to the turbine (35 meters high and 152 meters long) and iconic chimney
were standing before the restoration processes. The structure remained isolated for a long time until the renovation
processes. British Partnership started work regarding the reuse with an investment cost of £12 million. All later
additions were demolished and the structure was turned into original steel and brick construction state.

Figure 3. Tate Modern Museum’s photo and site plan before adaptive reuse applications (URL-2, URL-3)

Tate Modern adaptive reuse

The turbine hall from the original structure was configured as a transition and meeting place in adaptation process.
The structure has large volume and multi storied and this fact contributed as positive on the selection of its new
function as a museum. Herzog& de Meuron created a design dominated by geometrical shapes in Art-Deco style in
new version of the structure. Seven storied new addition has a total area of 34.500 square meters. Outer layer of
the structure was untouched during restoration applications and original chimney was preserved (Çetin, 2021). Table
3 consists of pictures and drawings of the structure showing current state after restoration. New pyramid-shaped
addition which is a concrete structure was designed with inspiration of brick façade of the original structure. In
addition, glass skylight that has been designed separated from the original outer wall of the museum is among the
most major interventions. This intervention lets interior units which are used as exhibition halls to get fully
illuminated (Yiğitoğlu, 2020).

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Tate Modern’s sustainable features

During adaptive reuse process, design was done according to the sustainable planning targets. Natural ventilation
was provided; it was focused on energy production with the help of solar panels. In the new design stage, priority
was given to create green spaces and landscape, an ecological sustainable planning was aimed. New additions were
designed in such a way to keep energy consumption the lowest and carbon footprint the minimum. Design was
based on minimal destruction and usage of the original material of the structure as possible (URS, 2009). Considering
the energy strategy, low consumption was aimed especially while the outer shell was designed. Tate Modern building
has become an attraction point and an architectural icon with its additions done by two different periods and
transformation by adaptive reuse. Different dimensions of sustainability were mentioned in Table 3.

Table 3. Sustainable features of Tate Modern after adaptive reuse (Compiled from in text information by the
authors). Visual documents are from Architectural Viva Magazine (2012)

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3.3. Bilgi University Campus

Bilgi University Campus - before adaptive reuse
The structure is one of the industrial heritage examples in Istanbul and originally was called as Silahtarağa Electricity
Power Plant. It is located in Golden Horn. It was refunctioned by adaptive reuse intervention and started to be used
as a part of Bilgi University Campus. The structure was built in Golden Horn during Ottoman Period when
Westernization effects were dominant. Silahtarağa Electricity Power Plant was constructed in 1914. The structure
that provided city’s electricity until 1983 remained inhabited until 2004 when the restoration works started.
Silahtarağa Electricity Power Plant was the first power plant on urban scale during Ottoman Period (Figure 4). It was
constructed on the point where Alibeyköy and Kağıthane streams are connected and flow to Golden Horn and played
an essential role as the only electricity provider until 1952 in all city.

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Figure 4. The Silahtarağa Electricity Power Plant’ photo and site plan before adaptive reuse applications (URL-4,
URL-5)
Bilgi University Campus adaptive reuse
Emre Arolat Architects, Nevzat SAyın Architecture and Han Tümertekin worked for the transformation project of the
structure which is the only city scale power plant in Istanbul. The turbines which are the examples of early use of
concrete and located in original setting of the structure were conserved with the places they embedded together
with the engine rooms inside. The structure is important since it is the first industrial archaeological museum that
was transformed in Turkey. Boiler rooms 1 and 2 were turned into Modern Art Museum without touching their
integrity. Engine rooms 2 and 4 turned into Energy Museum with minimum intervention (Table 4). A new perforated
shell was designed in order to minimize interventions on the original structure. This new shell covered with metal
tulle is placed on reinforced concrete legs. Two of the six boiler rooms of the structure was adaptive reused and
turned into libraries. Reinforced concrete walls and floors added to create the reading halls were supported with
steel columns.
Bilgi University Campus’ sustainable features
The structure was spread over an area of 120,000 square meters. Its adaptive reuse is an important gain for urban
life with its central location and setting adjacent to Golden Horn. The fact that the structure is spread over a big area
has enabled to recover such a large region at such a strategic point. A sustainable design was achieved socio-
culturally since the structure was refunctioned as an active education and culture-art functions. Ecologically
sustainable design was realized with a careful landscape arrangement in a large area by transformation.
Refunctioning was applied with a minimum intervention and keeping the demolishing works as minimum on the
original structure. Additional construction costs such as demolition and transportation were saved. Bilgi University
Campus and Santralistanbul spaces have become brands in the city and stand out as good examples of sustainable
design with their new functions (Table 4).

Table 4. Sustainable features of Bilgi University Campus after adaptive reuse (Compiled from in text information by
the authors). Visual documents are from URL-7

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4. Findings
The data regarding adaptive reuse and dimensions of sustainability that was obtained in literature review of the
study in conceptual framework was accepted as analysis parameters. Case studies were examined according to these
parameters.
As a method of refunctioning in historical environment, “adaptive reuse” enables to extend the existence of the
structures’ and revitalise the inhabited heritage. For preventing waste due to unnecessary destruction and ensuring
effective protection of ancient values; “adaptive reuse” is used frequently. Structures and areas that are
refunctioned are adapted to social life and often become attraction points in the city. Cultural continuity is ensured
by conserving and refunctioning heritage structures. Existing examples show that structures whose new functions
are convenient for future use contribute to economic sustainability. It is observed that new additions are mostly
needed in design processes of refunctioning. While using these design and materials, ecological sustainability targets
are achieved thanks to solar panels, solar glasses and applications that can generate wind energy.
The comparative analysis of Tate Modern Museum and Bilgi University Campus is presented on Table 5. It has shown
that both cases are sustainable in terms of economic dimension; thanks to their active use with their new functions
and their restoration and evaluation without any demolition. In both cases, ecological sustainability was contributed
by minimal additions and allocating large areas to green spaces on new functioning processes. Recycling of original
materials in new design during adaptive reuse interventions in Tate Modern Museum are among design parameters
supporting ecological sustainability. Both industrial structures have been well accepted by the society with their new
functions and have continued their social and cultural continuity actively. They both have become well known and
demanded areas within the city. Tate Modern Museum has become a well-known example not only for the city but
also for visitors from all over the world making a positive contribution to the touristic promotion of the region. In
this sense, interventions of adaptive reuse have made the museum an iconic attraction. Bilgi University Campus is a
place that is used frequently in the city and international events are held in Santralistanbul. However, the connection
of the structure with its surrounding areas and the worldwide reputation of the structure is not strong as in Tate
Modern Museum.

Table 5. Comparison of Tate Modern Museum and Bilgi University Campus according to sustainability parameters
(Created by authors)
CASE STUDIES
DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION
TATE MODERN BILGI UNIVERSITY
MUSEUM CAMPUS
Economic
Saving of material and in transportation, energy consumption ✓ ✓
Long term economic benefit with suitable new function ✓ ✓
Ecologic
Minimum waste and less carbon emission thanks to less ✓ ✓
resource consumption
Less waste and new material usage thanks to recycled ✓ -
authentic material
Smart systems that helps producing solar or wind energy ✓ -
Increasing green spaces in refunctioning ✓ ✓
Providing public transportation if possible accessing to - -
refunctioned structure (low carbon production)
Socio-cultural
Creating an attraction point for society with new function, ✓ ✓
providing social cohesion
An international level of tourism contribution and creating an ✓ -
iconic attraction point in the city
Ensuring cultural continuity by reuse of existing structure ✓ ✓
Ensuring social life continuity by given new function ✓ ✓

5.Conclusion
In the study aiming to examine adaptive reuse in context of sustainability by giving new functions while conserving
historical structures, two former industrial buildings one of which from England and the other from Turkey were
comparatively examined. According to research findings, Tate Modern Museum and Bilgi University Campus which

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were originally power plants are successful examples of adaptive reuse. In the process of adaptive reuse of both
cases original building components saved as much possible and this is suitable for economic dimension of
sustainability. New functions were chosen suitably that will allow their active use for long term and structures
provide economic returns. This both ensures the continuity in conserving heritage values and secures sustainability
while maintenance costs are being met.
Both cases are areas with large square meters. Thanks to transformation project, green spaces have increased with
new landscape areas. Original materials extracted from Tate Modern Museum were used in new additions of other
sections. Besides using of smart systems like solar panels during refunctioning stage is notable. In this sense, more
emphasis was paid on the ecological dimension of sustainability principles during design phase comparing to Bilgi
University Campus.
Both structures are attracting a large group of people since their functions are convenient and they consist areas
with social purposes inside. The active use of the structures enabled their socio-cultural sustainability. Tate Modern
Museum gained so much fame and popularity that it changed the physical characteristics of the area in which it was
located. Thanks to this, its reputation grew internationally. The reason of this is the success of the adaptive reuse.
The structure is a good example of a successful adaptive reuse practise in a developed country with a good
promotion and management. Both structures were saved from deterioration thanks to refunctioning. Tate Modern
Museum has had a positive impact on its surrounding areas and helped these areas to increase their values in terms
of regional sustainable principles.
These two adaptive reuse examples show that the more interventions are parallel to sustainability principles, the
more successful they are. Connecting with the public transportation facilities, increasing the square meters of green
areas, defining a suitable new function that will let the structure be used actively in the future would contribute the
success of the interventions to be made. A good management together with the proper new function surely help
positively for international reputation. Successful examples show that transformation would be accelerated not only
for the heritage structure itself but also for the area it was located in.

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