Reflective planning towards conservation and future of Sille

Abstract

This study addresses the renewal of the Conservation Development Plan and Urban Design Guidelines for the rural settlement of Sille. Employing a reflective planning approach, it integrates mixed methodologies, including archival research, oral histories, and both analog and digital measurements. The research critiques conventional, top-down planning practices, proposing instead a dynamic, cyclical process informed by pilot projects and stakeholder participation. Key findings highlight the inadequacies of rigid planning methods in conserving rural heritage and underscore the need for multi-scalar, participatory strategies tailored to local contexts. This paper demonstrates how reflective integration of lessons from implementation phases can reshape planning decisions, contributing to sustainable, adaptive conservation frameworks. The insights from this study provide a replicable model for achieving holistic and resilient rural conservation. © 2026, Istanbul Teknik Universitesi, Faculty of Architecture. All rights reserved.