Adaptive Reuse in Iran's Industrial Architecture: A Step Toward Sustainable Development and Environmental Heritage Stewardship

Subject Areas : New technologies in natural resources and environment

amirpayvand Borbor ¹ , Afshin Ghorbani Param ^{2 *}

1 - Department of Architecture, Ar.C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
2 - Department of Architecture, Dmv.C., Islamic Azad University, Damavand, Iran

Received: 2025-05-05 Accepted : 2025-06-15 Published : 2025-06-19

Keywords: Adaptive Reuse, Industrial Architectural Heritage, Sustainable Urban Development, Sustainable Architecture, Environmental Impacts, Revitalization of Industrial Buildings, Comparative Analysis,

Abstract :

Introduction: The revitalization of industrial buildings, beyond the mere preservation of industrial architectural heritage, is emerging as an innovative strategy for sustainable urban development and the reduction of environmental impacts. This study aims to evaluate the environmental benefits of adaptive reuse of industrial architectural buildings in Iranian cities, in comparison with international case studies. Materials and Methods: The research employs a descriptive-analytical methodology with a comparative approach, focusing on adaptive reuse projects in Iran (Khosravi Leather Factory in Tabriz, Zanjan Match Factory, and Shiraz Textile Factory) and international examples (Fabrica Barcelona, Asland Cement Museum, and Duisburg-Nord Park).

Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that international projects performed better in resource optimization (75% reduction compared to 45% in Iran) and waste management (55% improvement versus 40%). Additionally, improvements in tourism development and architectural design were 40% for international projects, versus 25% and 20% respectively for domestic projects. The results also showed that the reduction in resource consumption (water and energy) after the revitalization of buildings was 60% on average (reduced from 100 units to 40 units), which indicated a significant improvement in energy efficiency in the selected projects. In the field of waste management, there was an improvement of 45%, and the amount of landfilled or released waste was significantly reduced. On the other hand, the improvement of the local ecosystem increased by 35%; including the expansion of green spaces and the return of plant species diversity to the city. In the green economy and tourism, there was an improvement of 30% after the revitalization of buildings, leading to the attraction of tourists and an increase in sustainable economic activities. There was an increase of 45% in environmental awareness and culture among residents and stakeholders. Also, the use of recycled and biodegradable materials in domestic projects was implemented in an average of 15 to 40% of building materials, while foreign examples had reached 40 to 60%. From a qualitative perspective, the revitalization of industrial buildings has been able to contribute to both the enhancement of heritage values and urban sustainability by creatively changing their use (such as converting factories into cultural or academic centers), adapting to the needs of today's society, and increasing the sense of place. These works, compared to the previous state of the buildings, have reduced pollution, reclaimed unused land, and promoted historical identity among city residents.

Conclusion: This study proposes a novel framework for assessing sustainability and demonstrates that adaptive reuse of industrial buildings—while preserving industrial architectural heritage—can contribute to the regeneration of abandoned sites, improved waste management, and increased public environmental awareness through their transformation into cultural-educational spaces. International cases, by utilizing recycled and biodegradable materials, have achieved higher environmental quality, whereas domestic projects have primarily focused on preserving structural integrity and assigning cultural functions. The study recommends that policymakers facilitate adaptive and sustainable reuse of industrial heritage through tax incentives and stricter regulations, while promoting local community participation in planning and implementation. Ultimately, integrating sustainability principles into all stages of the reuse process is essential to reduce environmental consequences and enhance urban resilience.

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