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The Impact of Trade on Architecture During the Seljuk-Ottoman Period: A Study on Caravanserai and Khan Structures in the Southeastern Anatolia Region
Full text linkThis study analyzes the impact of trade on architectural structures and examines how caravanserais and khans gradually transformed into commercial centers. Sixty-one structures built between the 13th and 20th centuries in the Southeastern Anatolia Region were identified, though historical information was unavailable for 12 of them. Among the 49 examined buildings, four belonged to the Seljuk period, 3 to the Early Ottoman period, and 42 to the Ottoman period. Eight well-preserved structures with clearly identifiable architectural elements and documented construction dates were selected for detailed analysis. The selection process included examples from the Seljuk (13th century), Early Ottoman (14th-15th century), and Ottoman (16th century and beyond) periods. Field studies were conducted to document the structures\u27 current condition. In contrast, archival documents and official records were used to analyze architectural plans, facade designs, and the relationship between open and closed spaces.
Comparative analyses were carried out through visuals, tables, and drawings, which were systematically converted into schematic representations and categorized based on their construction periods. The findings reveal that trade routes and economic changes directly influenced the architectural plans of khans and caravanserais. While security-focused structures were common in the 13th century, declining trade in the 14th century led to the preference for smaller, enclosed plans. From the 15th century onwards, courtyards were reintroduced, and during the Ottoman period, khans evolved into commercial centers. After the 16th century, shop units were added, the number of floors increased, and aesthetic elements became more prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This study highlights the architectural transformation of khans and caravanserais, emphasizing the impact of trade on their identity and the significance of factors contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage
What Makes a Space Relatively Memorable? A Study on the Recollection of Spaces through Space Syntax and Imageability Theories
Full text linkSpace is a fundamental component of our existence, without which we cannot live or think. During our daily lives, we perceive various components of space concurrently and we build an understanding of the environment in our memories. The spatial properties/qualities of the environment have their own unique place in this context and have been studied in psychological and several non-psychological disciplines such as architecture, phenomenology, sociology and geography. In this frame, imageability theory focuses on the environment’s visuo-spatial quality, whereas space syntax theory focuses on its spatial configuration, and they both enable the systematic evaluation of numerical data.
Starting with the question "What makes a space memorable among all its different components/features?", the research aims to investigate the effect of certain spatial qualities on spatial memory through quantitative research on an architectural scale. Within a multidisciplinary framework, the methodology presents a unique approach that integrates space syntax with memory data. Firstly, content analysis was applied to cognitive maps, and the obtained data were redefined according to the configurational (syntactic) and imageability qualities of the real environment they represent. Secondly, the redefined data was tested to evaluate the effect of spatial qualities on memory. 77 participants (age 23-75; 52M/25F) attended the case study and drew the plan schemas of the school building they graduated from. The relation between memory and (1) spatial units’ imageability categories is searched through ANOVA tests, and (2) spatial units’ syntactic values is searched through correlation tests. The significant results reveal that configurational and visual qualities of spaces are essential factors on what will be stored in memory depending on their lead of participants’ spatial experience routines via their formal qualities. Furthermore, the case study presents multidisciplinary data that contributes to architectural design, environment and behavior, and space syntax theories and provides new insight into cognitive research on memory
The Impact of COVID-19 on Housing Design and New Approaches for Multi-Housing
Full text linkIn response to contemporary urban challenges, architectural practices have increasingly embraced rapid production methods to address emerging needs. However, this approach to production and consumption has generated various problems, which became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges across urban and architectural scales such as the lack of public and green spaces, circulation and accessibility issues, and ecological issues has become more important. It was observed that the existing urban fabric contributed to higher rates of disease transmission. Consequently, lockdown measures were imposed to mitigate the spread of the virus which leaded to extended time spent at home. The necessity for people to stay at home during the pandemic created a sense of “confinement” which is caused by the problems associated with housing design. Disconnection from the environment and the limited access to green and public spaces contributed to this feeling of isolation. This study critically examines problems of the current housings and their relation to urban fabric through literature review and spatial analysis, focusing on issues at both urban and individual housing scales. Housing unit issues are addressed through specific spatial elements, and new solutions are proposed. Key aspects, such as the relationship between ground-level housing and the street, apartment living spaces, rooftop areas, and circulation spaces are analysed. Solutions are developed within a theoretical framework, aiming to address future crises as well as pandemic-like situations. The study concludes with a design proposal: a vertical housing model that aims to support everyday needs such as socializing, working, resting, and learning, while enabling social interaction and engagement with the surroundings in an adaptable and sustainable living environment. In conclusion, the issues highlighted by the pandemic are not new and may reemerge in the future. Therefore, architecture must continue to develop innovative solutions that address both social and environmental needs
Urban Climate Mapping Based on Structural Landscape Features: The Case of Ankara
Full text linkThe temperature difference between urban environments and urban areas also increases, along with the growing population and building volume in cities. This study aims to map the urban climate of Ankara based on structural landscape features. The method is based on calculating the negative and positive effects of the parameters that shape the urban form on the thermal load and dynamic potential in the city. The urban climate classes are mapped based on the structural landscape character of Ankara city for the purposes of this study. The results of the analysis revealed that the climate class with the highest percentage (Moderate Warming) covers 18.76% of the urban core, while the climate class with the lowest percentage (Very Strong Warming) covers 0.05% of the urban core. When the urban climate classes are evaluated based on districts, it is seen that the heating effect levels of the districts in the urban core are Çankaya (25%), Yenimahalle (18%), Mamak (15%), Etimesgut (14%), Keçiören (11%), Altındağ (8%), and Sincan (8%), respectively. Urban climate maps based on structural landscape character can be utilized in the preparation of spatial plans, particularly in the development of urban open and green space strategies aimed at improving urban climate. It is recommended that this method be applied by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change to develop Ankara, with studies conducted in cooperation with local administrations. Additionally, it is suggested that an urban climate branch be established to ensure continuity. Thus, this study can serve as a model for mapping the climate of all cities in the country, informing better planning decisions, and developing sustainable land-use policies
An Iconic Representation of Modern Architecture from Construction to Destruction: Tercuman Newspaper Building
Full text linkThe study focuses on the Tercüman Newspaper Building, which has recently drawn attention following its demolition. The Tercüman Newspaper Building was built in 1974 based on a project selected through a competition organized by Kemal Ilıcak. The architects of the building, Günay Çilingiroğlu and Muhlis Tunca, were influential figures in shaping the modern architectural practices of the period. In addition to the architects\u27 design approach and education, Kemal Ilıcak\u27s vision played a key role in shaping the building\u27s architecture. The Tercüman Newspaper Building, one of the first examples of New Brutalism in Türkiye in the 1970s, stood out as a modern heritage structure that gained attention for its innovative structural analysis. Over its 49-year existence, the building was widely discussed both for its architectural design and its symbolic value. This study aims to examine the building\u27s functional transformations from its construction to its demolition and contribute to its role in social memory. The first stage of the study, structured in four phases, establishes the theoretical framework and discusses demolition and conservation actions in the context of modern architecture. The second stage provides details on the plan, structure, and façade characteristics of the building, along with an analysis of its symbolic value. The third stage examines the functional changes the newspaper building underwent after changing ownership and the process leading to its demolition, also exploring the public reactions to the demolition. The fourth and final stage emphasizes that modern heritage buildings, which reflect the architectural practices and socio-cultural life of a period and should be preserved for future generations through a robust conservation mindset
Biophilic Design: Its Use in Architectural Structures and Different Areas — A Bibliometric Analysis
Full text linkBiophilic design aims to enhance the connection between individuals and the natural environment by emphasizing natural elements in their living and working spaces. The fundamental principles of biophilic design include the integration of natural light and views, the use of plants and green spaces and a preference for organic forms and natural materials. The application of biophilic design in various domains promotes a balanced and harmonious lifestyle in line with the natural world, offering a range of benefits to both the environment and society. The aim of the study is to reveal the importance of using biophilic features in architectural designs using bibliometric analysis and to draw researchers\u27 attention to biophilic design. In this study, bibliometric analysis was employed to measure and analyze the distribution and interaction of academic research related to biophilic design. The widely used Web of Science database was utilized for bibliometric analysis of scientific studies. Specifically, the bibliometric analysis focused on the most frequently used keywords in the titles of published articles on biophilic design. A total of 346 articles published in 184 journals between 2006 and 2023 were scanned for the subject of biophilic design. The most common keywords in the titles of scientific articles, following the term biophilic, include design, urban, workspace, green, natural, biophilia, architecture, health, environment, and other terms. Bibliometric analysis encompassed the examination of the most frequently used keywords, word cloud, trend keywords across years, keyword networks, and thematic evolution analysis. The analysis revealed that a diverse range of keywords (1165) were employed in the titles, and the frequency of keyword usage increased over time. Additionally, the usage of keywords evolved and changed over the years. These findings demonstrate that biophilic design is a popular and captivating topic that has garnered significant attention from researchers in various scientific fields
Investigation of Konya Musalla Cemetery in terms of Landscape Design Principles
Full text linkGrave and cemetery culture is shaped according to the lifestyles, cultures and religious beliefs of societies and is remarkable because it represents life after death. Cemeteries represent the oldest structures in human history that carry and illuminate information about cultural identity such as religion, history, social, economic, customs and crafts to the present day. As a basic function, cemeteries are storage areas that allow dead bodies to mix with the soil without endangering public health. In addition, they are places of remembrance, visitation and symbolic meaning for the living.
The main material of the research is the Musalla Cemetery, located in the Selçuklu district of Konya province, with an area of 191,875 m². Musalla Cemetery was used during the Seljuk, Principalities, Ottoman and Republican periods and is the largest cemetery in Konya that has survived to the present day. The purpose of this study is to examine the current situation of Konya Musalla Cemetery in terms of landscape design principles. In this context, firstly, cemetery structural and vegetative design principles were researched, and then Musalla Cemetery was examined and evaluated in line with the mentioned principles. As a result, it has been determined that the vegetative design principles are not fully fulfilled in the area that is generally found to be suitable for structural design principles. While the lack of parking in or near the area puts visitors in a difficult situation, insufficient lighting elements threaten human safety in the evening hours
Components of Design Thinking in Spatial Design Education and a Model Proposal
No full textDesign thinking, defined in its simplest form as a creative problem-solving process, is interpreted in various ways in the literature, with differing models and components. This study, motivated by the need to identify gaps in existing approaches and to clarify the concept of design thinking, aims to define its key components within the context of spatial design education. To achieve this objective, the study employed qualitative research methods. To collect data, the study utilized both a literature review and content analysis techniques. By categorizing the collected data, it was concluded that design thinking consists of three fundamental components: cognitive-rational, emotional-intuitive, and practical. These components were elaborated upon with subcategories based on literature data, and a comprehensive model proposal for use in space design education was developed. The proposal put forward in this study is significant in clarifying the concept of design thinking and its constituent components. On the other hand, the potential of the proposed model to offer guiding alternatives for the problem-solving process in design studios at various levels and to make design thinking more explicit can be attributed to the pedagogical contributions of this study. From a practical perspective, the study is considered to have the potential to directly inform practice by proposing concrete and applicable steps that can be implemented within the design process. For future research based on this study, it is recommended that the potential contributions of the proposed model be explored through its application in actual design processes. Furthermore, expanding the theoretical scope by questioning different approaches to the components of design thinking is also suggested
Adaptation of Interior Design Course to Distance Education During Covid 19 Pandemic Period
Full text linkIn a period when the changing living conditions with the Covid-19 pandemic are effective in all areas of life, this research is an example that investigates how the second-year undergraduate Interior Design I applied course, which is carried out in Hacettepe University (HU), Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design in formal education, can be efficiently adapted to distance education and develops methods on this subject. A mixed research method combining qualitative and quantitative approaches was used to analyse students’ adaptation, motivation and project outcomes. In the research, it is aimed that the Interior Design I course, which was conducted online in the early period of the pandemic, will contribute to the related courses in case of a transition to distance education system due to different reasons. The course was divided into five different sections. Each section was taught by a different lecturer and a teaching assistant. In addition to the fact that the topics of all sections were the same, the requirements, evaluation criteria and exam dates were designed simultaneously. The research was conducted through the students (16) who chose this course in Branch II and their project studies. Various methods were developed to ensure the efficiency achieved in formal education. In line with the opinions, feedbacks and project outputs of the students who are the subjects of this process, suggestions for the adaptation of distance education to interior design courses have been developed. The findings revealed that students successfully adapted to online design education and achieved creative results comparable to face-to-face learning. The study focused on the adaptation process of traditional hand drawing to the digital environment applied in the distance education period. This study provides insights that can guide the development of flexible and sustainable design education models for future crisis conditions
A Mamdani-Based Fuzzy Logic Model for Evaluating the Design Quality of Urban Squares
Full text linkUrban squares are essential elements defining public interactions, cultural manifestations, and urban social characteristics. The spaces function as central meeting areas where citizens participate in civic duties, connect and serve to maintain urban design unity. The evaluation process of design quality proves challenging because it combines the personal interpretation of many complex variables, which standard assessment techniques struggle to measure. The researchers present a Mamdani-based fuzzy logic model that evaluates urban square design quality through eight core parameters: imageability, meaning, legibility, time, enclosure, dominance, diversity, and comfort. Fuzzy logic is an approximation system that converts evaluative statements based on linguistic expressions into numerical arrangements, which excel at interpreting multi-faceted urban design evaluations. The model underwent calibration through evaluations from 1,044 architecture professionals, planners, and landscape architects, and it was used to analyze 20 internationally recognized urban squares with various spatial designs across different cultural settings. The quantitative model demonstrated its accuracy by matching expert-aggregated scores when measured against predictions, with a precision of ±1.5% pin predicting outcomes. All examined variables confirmed that enclosure and comfort are the key factors influencing perceptions of design quality. The model provides practical applications for urban planners, decision-makers, and educators through its ability to create a standardized evaluation process for current and future urban interventions. The framework offers a distinctive approach that integrates design thinking-oriented methods with evaluative measures, rendering it practical for contemporary urban design practice