Analysis of the conservation and adaptive reuse of industrial heritage: the case of the adana republic flour factory

With the Industrial Revolution, significant transformations occurred in the spatial structure of cities, and industrial buildings became one of the key components of urban development. However, due to technological progress, changes in production methods, and socio-economic transformations, many industrial buildings lost their functions and became derelict, creating problematic areas within the urban fabric. Preserving and adaptively reusing these structures has become a critical necessity in terms of ensuring cultural continuity, safeguarding urban memory, supporting environmental sustainability, and stimulating economic vitality. The aim of this study is to examine the historical development, current condition, and urban significance of the Cumhuriyet Flour Factory in Adana and to propose evaluations and recommendations for its adaptive reuse. Within this scope, the concepts of industrial heritage and adaptive reuse were first analyzed through an extensive literature review, taking both national and international approaches into consideration. Subsequently, fieldwork was conducted to document the architectural features and context of the factory, while a face-to-face survey with 400 participants was employed to reveal user profiles and perceptions of the site. Findings indicate that the Cumhuriyet Flour Factory is not only an industrial facility but also a cultural and social asset. If adaptively reused with suitable functions, the factory has the potential to contribute to the preservation of urban memory while generating new social and economic values. In conclusion, the adaptive reuse approaches suggested in this study contribute to the literature on industrial heritage conservation and provide a guiding framework for the evaluation of similar structures.