11.4.9 Building On Brownfield Sites

Sakarya University prioritizes the preservation of natural areas by repurposing existing spaces and older building stock within the campus to meet its new construction needs. According to the 2024 Activity Report, the majority of the projects carried out by the Department of Construction and Technical Affairs consist of renovation, refurbishment, structural strengthening, and modernization works.

Within this scope:

• Through the Rectorate Building Renovation Project, the existing 10,700 m² complex comprising five blocks was structurally reinforced and fully refurbished, allowing the building to be refunctionalized.
• In the Engineering M2 Building, an unused storage area was converted into restrooms to meet the needs of students and staff.
• As part of the C Block Laboratory Renovation, three previously unused rooms were transformed into a Physics Laboratory.
• The Open Sports Facilities and the old infrastructure systems surrounding the campus were rehabilitated, with drainage and internet lines completely renewed.

These practices strengthen the principle of reusing existing built spaces rather than developing new buildings on undeveloped land. The university’s approach supports the concept of brownfield redevelopment, contributing to the preservation of green spaces and the optimization of on-campus land use.
Sakarya University, Department of Construction and Technical Affairs – “2024 Construction Activities”