Space adaptation in refunctioning Cemil Meriç Library example

Structures and spaces are designed and built to serve a specific function. However, some structures and spaces cannot adapt to changing environmental conditions, urbanization, technology, cultural change or increasing needs over time and cannot respond to these parameters. Structures that can no longer respond to needs and adapt to new conditions become unusable, are abandoned or can be demolished to build another building. However, it is preferred to re-function structures with historical value in line with sustainability principles. Re-functioning such spaces is a difficult and laborious process. Various problems may arise before, after or during the process. In order to prevent these problems or minimize the problems that may occur, it becomes an important issue to think about and ensure the adaptation of the space to its new function. Re-functioning stands out as one of the basic concepts of interior architecture. However, in this process, all the characteristics of the old structure such as its location, size and relationship with its surroundings should be taken into consideration. In order to ensure the continuity of the structure or space given a new function, it is important that it is compatible and adaptable to its new function. If renovation is carried out without considering these issues, the building may not be able to meet the need again and needs to be re-functioned. This situation can cause economic and environmental damage. Therefore, the re-functioning process is of great importance both economically and environmentally. The most important issue to be considered while re-functioning is determining the correct function and designing it in accordance with the new function to be given. Some rules determined for the design at this stage are guiding. This study examines the adaptation process to the new function in re-functioned spaces and the elements to be considered in this process in the context of library structures. A historical industrial building in Antalya, which was previously used as a transformer of a textile yarn factory, was selected as the study material. The factory area, which was closed in 2004, lost its function over time and turned into a ruined area and became an unused environment. Therefore, the buildings in the area, which previously had various functions such as the factory's lodging, transformer, and production area, remained idle and out of use. This area, which is located close to the city center, is undoubtedly of great importance for Antalya, which is becoming increasingly crowded and growing. However, this industrial historical space is of course an area that cannot be evaluated like ordinary spaces. Protecting the texture of a historical environment and turning it into a place where the public can benefit has certainly never been easy. With great dedication in this regard, the area was transformed into spaces such as museum, library, gallery, park, exhibition area, and an accessible, relaxing environment was created for the public by giving it various functions. In this research, the concept of re-functioning was addressed through the selected example and the adaptation of the structure given the library function to its new function was examined. The adaptation of the structure to its new function was evaluated under three headings: structural adaptation, physiological adaptation and behavioral adaptation. The opinions of the library users were taken through the evaluation criteria created in line with these headings and the adaptation process of the structure to its new function was examined in the light of the obtained data. Due to the library function given to the structure, the design criteria were examined specifically for libraries and it was revealed that the needs may differ depending on the type of library. In this direction, a scheme was developed to determine the types of libraries. It is expected that this study will guide future applications by revealing the points to be considered in re-functioning projects and thus contribute to the prevention of economic and environmental damages. In addition, it aims to create a useful resource for students and researchers in the field of architecture and interior architecture by comprehensively addressing library design requirements.