Cultural interventions during post-industrial transition in cities

The Golden Horn in Istanbul, once a thriving port and an industrial area, faced a decline after 1980s. A cultural regeneration of the area was aimed, focusing on museums and galleries instead of factories. In parallel, Bilbao in Spain, an industrial hub, driven primarily by the steel and shipbuilding industries, experienced economic downturns due to the collapse of traditional industries. Although there are differences between these two UNIC cities, both encountered environmental concerns resulting from their industrial past, such as pollution. Our proposal suggests a comprehensive study of post-industrial transition of these two cities. The comparative analysis will explore the similarities and differences in their revitalization strategies, emphasizing the role of cultural and architectural elements in reshaping urban landscapes. With the examples such as Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Rahmi Koç Museum in the Hasköy Shipyard, we aim to study cultural interventions during post-industrial transition in cities and to reflect on the intricate relationship between cultural regeneration and economic revitalization. The outcomes will hopefully contribute to urban literature and be a reference for policymakers and urban planners, seeking effective strategies for post-industrial transitions. The proposed research aligns with our commitment to promoting resilient, culturally vibrant, and sustainable cities through co-creation, as advocated by UNIC.