Preserving Locality Through Architectural Transformation: Adaptive Reuse Approaches in Bilecik

Abstract

In the context of globalization, urban identities are increasingly undergoing transformation, making the preservation of local values a critical issue within the fields of architecture and interior architecture. Locality is not limited to physical attachment to a place; rather, it is a dynamic structure shaped by historical, cultural, and social layers. This study analyzes the concept of locality through the adaptive reuse processes of three historic buildings in the city of Bilecik: the Bilecik Municipality Building, the Bilecik Museum, and the Bilecik Directorate of Culture and Tourism. Adopting a qualitative research method, the study employs literature review, visual documentation analysis, spatial evaluation, and comparative assessment. The findings reveal that these structures contribute to urban identity by preserving not only their physical form but also their historical and symbolic meanings. Adaptive reuse practices have demonstrated that interior architectural interventions can support spatial continuity while enabling cultural sustainability through the protection of local memory.