Analysis of the nonfunctioning building with in the lifecycle in terms of sustainability:The case of Diyarbakir Diyar Galeria Shopping Mall

The earth is in motion and humans, animals, plants, even inanimate beings are a part of this motion. As a consequence of technological and scientific developments, socioeconomic and social changes, these entities continuously transform themselves to their environment. In this study, the topic of 'sustainability' is investigated with the case of a shopping mall. Socio-economic changes, intense competition, technological developments, e-commerce, changes in the city's dimensions of development, and spatial underperformance resulted in a condition in which the mall has lost its functional lifespan. The building did not lose its physical lifespan, and continued to be rented for purposes other than its purpose of design. In doing so, the building diverged from its role in the life circle. It became one of the inactive, useless and nonfunctional shopping malls. In this research, we used questionnaires in order to understand the ways in which current tenants use harmoniously the functional properties of the building. These questionnaires are supported by observations and interviews. The resulting data of the questionnaires have been evaluated and interpreted by the software SPSS 16. To determine changes the mall has been through over the years and to map usage difficulties, we made and read architectural drawings. It has also been found in the analysis that users are not content with the building, which has gradually become redundant in the life circle. We analyzed its place in the life circle in terms of 'sustainability', and laid an emphasis on the importance of rejuvenating and functionalizing this nonfunctional (dead) shopping mall. In this respect, we think that this research will shed a light on how future spaces would be constructed in terms of the city's cultural, social and economic development. That the building is not abandoned and introduced to the lifecircle also shows the importance of sustainable structural design. Moreover, considering today's needs, evaluating Diyar Galeria Shopping Mall can help designer in regards to spatial transformations and re-defining space.