Author(s)

AYŞE DUYGU KAÇAR

Abstract

Industrial regions and buildings that have stopped their primary functions are in the interest of the discipline of architecture in the last decades. The sustainability and renewal of these spaces of production for different functions is a common aspect for contemporary world countries. This helps improve the social, cultural and aesthetic character of these buildings and sustains their uniqueness. The Ruhr region in Germany was selected as “the European Capital of Culture” in 2010, with the reprogramming of distinguished industrial monuments and their cultural landscapes. The industrial sites as the reference points became significant program elements for both domestic and foreign visitors for experiencing the region through these landmarks. The most memorable artistic reference points were the huge yellow balloons in the sky that indicate each industrial site. These balloons, which could be observed from long distances, directed visitors to the cultural sites during a temporary installation in June 2010. This creative work of art helped to identify the buildings as well as their sites, which were part of the IBA Emscher Park project. Eskişehir in Turkey could be another city that highlights its industrial culture when its urban artifacts, which shape the urban identity and reside in the collective memory, are considered. Therefore, these sites in the Ruhr that link the past and future will be discussed as a model for the industrial areas in Eskişehir to sustain their place in the collective memory of the city in the present paper. This will help increase the legibility of industrial sites in Eskişehir and similar cities in the world.

Keywords

sustainability, way-finding, legibility, industrial sites, Eskişehir, Ruhr