Adaptive reuse criteria for historic buildings and the example of Ali Pasa Han

One of the most important concerns of today's architecture is the evaluation and reuse of architectural heritage. The conservation of historic buildings can include a wide range of approaches but existing conservation theories recommend reuse of buildings, which ensures the continuity of their life. Re-use process includes the evaluation of the building's present, past situation, and identity, determining the most appropriate function and adapting the building to the new uses and requirements. The aim of this study is to analyze all criteria for determining the appropriate use for historic buildings and to approach on a project as a case study. The thesis includes 6 chapters. The aim, content and methods are mentioned in the first chapter. In the second chapter, the "preservation" concept is defined and emphasized its importance by giving examples of different studies, charters and organizations which is occurred specially after 20th century. Then, the define of the function in the design profession is mentioned and the meaning of adaptive reuse process for the permanence of historic buildings is emphasized. In the third chapter, the criteria for determining the appropriate use for historic buildings are identified and classified into subheadings. These subheadings are called historical, physical and environmental factors. Each factor is explained by giving articles of Burra Charter which is mentioned in the second chapter. After these factors, all enacted national and international legal restrictions and regulations about preserving and permanence of historic buildings are explained at the end of this chapter. Thirdly, Eminonu district, where Ali Pasa Han located, is mentioned under the environmental factors. Besides, with the help of some studies about "District of Hans" which is also a part of Eminonu, more information about the building's environment are added into this chapter. Under the physical factors, the architectural structure of Ali Pasa Han is analyzed by the reference of Dr. Nilüfer Sağlar Onay's method on historic buildings. Within the context of this method, contextual ties, tectonic order, space organization and circulation of the building is analyzed with the help of the plan and section drawings.In the fourth chapter, the chosen building for the case study, which is Ali Pasa Han, is defined and introduced. This building typology that is called han which has been one of the most important commercial building types developed by the Ottomans. These factors in the previous chapter are explained with details by giving the example of Ali Pasa Han. First of all, the location and the current situation of the building is expressed with the helping of maps and observations. After that, the history of the building is clarified under the subheading of historical factors by giving the information of all natural disasters and physical interventions that the building was affected. The fifth chapter includes the design proposal which is given in accordance with these criteria that is mentioned in previous chapters. In addition to these criteria, a user scenario is explained by considering the current situation of the building. According to this scenario, it is decided to transform this building into a workshop place for national and international events. The new design proposal is prepared with new space planning, material changes on necessary places, new plan drawings, some 3D modelling perspectives and some physical interventions which is considered to preserve the building as much as possible and return to the original plan as it should be. The last chapter is about the general evaluation of this study. The determination and deficiency about this subject indicated and the solutions for this deficiency is proposed according to the personal opinions. The results of the study can help the architects and interior designers in order to develop a deeper understanding of historic buildings so that they can become components of contemporary life without losing their identities.