Construction of New Buildings in Abandoned Industrial Zones

In order to promote environmental sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage, Boğaziçi University prioritises the construction of new building projects in abandoned industrial zones and industrial areas whenever possible. This strategy contributes to the preservation of disused, historically significant industrial buildings and the re-functionalisation of these areas in accordance with modern needs.

1. Tarsus Ginning Mill - Gözlükule Excavations Research Centre

One of the most important examples of this approach is Boğaziçi University's restoration of the Tarsus Ginning Factory in Tarsus, Mersin, and its transformation into the Gözlükule Excavations Research Centre. Founded in 1865, the factory was among the first industrial buildings for cotton production in the Çukurova Region. The factory, which was actively used until the 1980s, was abandoned after it lost its function and was used as a warehouse for a while. In 2000, the building was expropriated by the Ministry of Culture and registered as an industrial heritage site.

Boğaziçi University took over 5 hangars of this historical factory and re-functionalised them as Gözlükule Excavations Working Office and Artifact Storage. In this process, the aim was to ensure environmental sustainability by preserving both the cultural and historical heritage of the factory. This project, which was awarded by Europa Nostra in the ‘Conservation Branch’ in 2019, is an important example of how the university transforms abandoned industrial buildings for modern use. Source of evidence

2. Role of the Wildlife Conservation Commission

Boğaziçi University attaches great importance to the protection of the environment and cultural heritage when planning new construction projects. As a key component of this process, the Wildlife Conservation Commission supports the utilisation of abandoned industrial sites and the use of such sites for sustainable building projects. The Commission ensures that unspoilt natural areas are not used for new projects, favouring only previously built-on, unused areas.

This approach both contributes to the university's environmental sustainability goals and encourages the preservation of cultural and historical heritage in the process of urban regeneration. Furthermore, these policies include important steps that contribute to reducing the university's environmental footprint and conserving natural resources. Source of evidence

Boğaziçi University maintains its commitment to sustainability while carrying the legacy of the past into the future by combining environmentally friendly construction strategies with projects to repurpose abandoned industrial sites. These projects make significant contributions to the university both academically and culturally.

2024 Sustainability Report SDG-11 (Related Section)

Building Construction in Compliance with Sustainable Standards

South Campus 1st Male Student Dormitory (Hamlin Hall)

Boğaziçi University's historic Hamlin Hall building was renovated in accordance with sustainability standards during the restoration process and was awarded the LEED Gold Certificate in 2012. During the restoration process, environmentally friendly materials were preferred, technologies that increase energy efficiency were applied and the building was brought back to life as a green building in harmony with the natural and historical texture of the campus.

Click here for more information:

https://yesilkampus.bogazici.edu.tr/tr/content/guney-kampus-i-erkek-yurdu-hamlin-hall

National Earthquake Monitoring Centre (UDIM)

The National Earthquake Monitoring Centre (UDIM), affiliated to Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, was awarded the LEED Gold Certificate in February 2015 as the first green building built from scratch and became the second green building of the university. Designed with the goals of energy efficiency, environmental sustainability and low carbon footprint, UDIM Building makes a significant contribution to sustainability by consuming 39.12% less energy than standard energy consumption rates.

Click here for more information:

https://yesilkampus.bogazici.edu.tr/tr/content/bogazici-universitesi-kandilli-rasathanesi-ve-deprem-arastirma-enstitusu-ulusal-deprem

Tarsus Archaeology Architecture History and Cultural Heritage Centre & Kandilli Dormitory

FollowingHamlin Hall and UDIM buildings, the restoration of the Tarsus Archaeology Architectural History and Cultural Heritage Centrewas completed in March 2016 and the building was awarded LEED Gold Certification. In April 2018, Kandilli Campus Student Dormitory was awarded the LEED Silver Certificate after its construction was completed.

These projects strongly demonstrate Boğaziçi University's commitment to sustainable building construction and restoration and clearly emphasise the importance it attaches to environmentally friendly building standards.

Click here for more information:

https://yapiisleri.bogazici.edu.tr/leed-sertifikalari

Boğaziçi University prioritises restoration projects in abandoned industrial zones and industrial areas in order to support environmental sustainability and protect cultural heritage. This approach contributes significantly to the preservation of historically important, idle industrial buildings and the re-functioning of these areas in accordance with modern needs.

From Abandoned Factory to Research Centre: Gözlükule Excavations Research Centre

One of the most striking examples of Boğaziçi University's vision to transform abandoned industrial areas into modern uses is the Tarsus Ginning Factoryin Tarsus, Mersin. Founded in 1865, the factory served as one of the first industrial buildings for cotton production in the Çukurova Region. The factory, which was active until the 1980s, was abandoned after it lost its function and was used as a warehouse for a while. In 2000, it was expropriated by the Ministry of Culture and registered as industrial heritage.

Boğaziçi University took over 5 hangars of this historic factory and re- functionalised them as Gözlükule Excavation Work Office and Artifact Storages. During the restoration process, the cultural and historical values of the building were preserved and environmental sustainability principles were observed. These efforts have not only preserved the historic building, but also enabled the creation of a research centre that meets modern needs.

Awarded in 2019 by Europa Nostra in the Conservation Branch, this project demonstrates the success and sustainability approach of Boğaziçi University in transforming abandoned industrial buildings with respect for cultural heritage.

Click here for more information:

https://yapiisleri.bogazici.edu.tr/terk-edilmis-fabrikadan-arastirma-merkezine-tarsus-circir-fabrikasi