@article{article_1697462, title={Adaptive Reuse As Potential Spaces: Shopping Malls – The Case Of Ankara}, journal={Gazi University Journal of Science Part B: Art Humanities Design and Planning}, volume={13}, pages={217–225}, year={2025}, author={Sezer, Mete and Ayçam, İdil}, keywords={Adaptive Reuse, Shopping Centers, Sustainable Architecture}, abstract={It is considered that shopping malls (SMs) will become obsolete in the future due to various reasons, primarily the development of technology and the shift in shopping habits towards online shopping. In this case, the reuse of these structures, which have not yet completed their useful life, by converting them holds many economic, social, and environmental potentials. The purpose of this research is to determine the SM with the highest potential to be reintegrated into urban life with adaptive reuse (AR) strategies instead of demolition in the event that Ankara’s SM s become idle in the future. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 different experts operating in Ankara on AR and SM issues through the SM cards created for SM s in Ankara (29 SM cards in total); as a result of these interviews and literature review, the framework of the subject was drawn; subject titles and sub-titles (themes) were created; and the most suitable SM was identified with the highest potential for transformation. The study reveals that urban memory plays a pivotal role in evaluating reuse potential, with community attachment to historical structures significantly influencing project viability. Findings indicate mixed-use conversions consistently outperform single-function adaptations, offering greater economic and social benefits through diversified programming. Centrally located malls with historical significance emerge as prime candidates for adaptive reuse, given their inherent advantages in accessibility and cultural value. Crucially, the research underscores architectural expertise as the cornerstone of successful adaptive reuse, requiring careful balance between preservation and innovation.}, number={2}, publisher={Gazi University}