ICONARP - International Journal Of Architecture And Planning
Not a member yet
388 research outputs found
Sort by
The Architecture and Beyond of Tread and Riser
Get PDFThe primary constitution of stairs is the arrangement of horizontal and vertical measures known as tread and riser. This is the simplest arrangement that essentially conveys people from one level to the other with required comfort and safety. Steps are a universal symbol with multiple interpretations. They are the most generally used similes in art, philosophy and psychology. Stairs occupy a unique status in the built environment because they not only convey people, but also symbolize the psychological, spiritual and artistic aspects of human nature. The mental significance and symbolic connotations of steps are deeply rooted. Understanding the role of stairs in different spheres of human need and expression is crucial in approaching its design. The pattern of stairs is dependent on the type of materials and other related design considerations. It is one of the unique architectural entities that reflect the various facets of social, psychological, artistic, metaphysical and religious dimensions. The importance of physical activity in the rising sedentary life styles is linked to the design of building elements, especially the staircases. The advancement in technology has displaced the role of stairs into an inconsequential means of emergency escape. But the importance of physical activity in the rising sedentary lifestyle has revitalized the concept of stairs as an active building component. The mono functional approach to staircases in high-rise buildings, especially as the means of escape in emergency situations, indicates that the design of staircases as multi functional element is still under the confines of design explorations. This paper is an attempt to understand the concept of stairs not only from the evolutionary point of view, but also the associated metaphoric meanings and its emerging multi facet identity. The concept of vertical accessibility in the form of tread and riser arrangement makes stairs a timeless phenomenon. The approach to multi utility architectural elements stretches beyond physical functions and should integrate the various dimensions of space making and society. In this regard stairs are a pioneering entity that has a potential to relate to many spheres of human thinking. It is clearly evident that stairs are not bound within the confines of architecture. Their origin, utility and design have far more influential qualities that travel beyond the realms of function and symbolism. It is further discussed that in the present age stairs have become as an inspiration for physical well being. The issues involved with age based capabilities demand a certain design approach that satisfies the sensitive relation between built environments and building elements.The primary constitution of stairs is the arrangement of horizontal and vertical measures known as tread and riser. This is the simplest arrangement that essentially conveys people from one level to the other with required comfort and safety. Steps are a universal symbol with multiple interpretations. They are the most generally used similes in art, philosophy and psychology. Stairs occupy a unique status in the built environment because they not only convey people, but also symbolize the psychological, spiritual and artistic aspects of human nature. The mental significance and symbolic connotations of steps are deeply rooted. Understanding the role of stairs in different spheres of human need and expression is crucial in approaching its design. The pattern of stairs is dependent on the type of materials and other related design considerations. It is one of the unique architectural entities that reflect the various facets of social, psychological, artistic, metaphysical and religious dimensions. The importance of physical activity in the rising sedentary life styles is linked to the design of building elements, especially the staircases. The advancement in technology has displaced the role of stairs into an inconsequential means of emergency escape. But the importance of physical activity in the rising sedentary lifestyle has revitalized the concept of stairs as an active building component. The mono functional approach to staircases in high-rise buildings, especially as the means of escape in emergency situations, indicates that the design of staircases as multi functional element is still under the confines of design explorations. This paper is an attempt to understand the concept of stairs not only from the evolutionary point of view, but also the associated metaphoric meanings and its emerging multi facet identity. The concept of vertical accessibility in the form of tread and riser arrangement makes stairs a timeless phenomenon. The approach to multi utility architectural elements stretches beyond physical functions and should integrate the various dimensions of space making and society. In this regard stairs are a pioneering entity that has a potential to relate to many spheres of human thinking. It is clearly evident that stairs are not bound within the confines of architecture. Their origin, utility and design have far more influential qualities that travel beyond the realms of function and symbolism. It is further discussed that in the present age stairs have become as an inspiration for physical well being. The issues involved with age based capabilities demand a certain design approach that satisfies the sensitive relation between built environments and building elements
Changing Spatial Perceptions of Museums
Get PDFExhibition venues convenience in buildings owns areas are important. Exhibition venues\u27 being authentic, mysterious, attracting and practical carries a big importance with regard to exhibition culture. Also interior areas\u27 convenience for exhibition and visitation is substantial for planning exhibition areas. Historical museum buildings and modern buildings are always compared to each other. For example, a modern technology or science exhibition is expected to be held in a museum building associated with technology. When colors picked for venue background or plinths, even the frame of the art work, color of the wall, resting areas, sitting groups, shape and color of seats is directly proportional with the material, audience will intensely enjoy the exhibition. This issue and the solutions to be find for the problems occurring belongs to interior venue designators of the museum. In museum and gallery exhibition expert should spot the problems related to exhibition beforehand and aim to find solutions for these
No “Obstacles” In Playgrounds That Are Not Only Accessible But Also Inclusive
Get PDFIn the current century, the importance of play for children is a major issue addressed in the literature. Play enables the physical, mental and social development of children. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, engaging in play is a fundamental right for children. This article of the convention covers all children below the age of 18 and does not exclude the children with disabilities. Like their peers, children with disabilities should also enjoy the right to engage in play, and societies should use every means available in order to help children play whether indoors or outdoors.According to the 2011 Population and Housing Research, 6.6% of the population in Turkey has one or more disabilities. The target group of this study is ‘children with disabilities’ who live in İstanbul. In this group, speech disorders (21.9%), and mental disabilities (17.1%) prove to be the most dominant disabilities. However, the number of playgrounds where disabled children can play are scarce in number.This study provides an analysis of children’s playgrounds, which are essential for the development of children, and evaluates the design features of these playgrounds based on inclusive design principles. The study also addresses the requirements of inclusive playgrounds by referring to the examples of inclusive playgrounds around the world as well as those few examples in Turkey. The design principles of inclusive playgrounds were also evaluated for three parks in İstanbul which were designed and are currently in use - namely Kadıköy Göztepe 60. Yıl Park, Beşiktaş Dilek Sabancı Park and Kadıköy Selamiçeşme Özgürlük Park.
A Critical Review on The Current Thought and Practice of Urban Design: New Roles in the Future
Get PDFThough urban design is historically rooted in development of cities, urban design, as a contemporary discipline, is relatively new compared to associated disciplines of architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture. Urban design’s close connection with these allied disciplines has also been the reason for its ambiguous nature, and its muddled definition. Accordingly, it is claimed here that a reexamination of the definition, status, and role of urban design is essential for the future directions of urban design as a discipline and cities as sustainable environments. In line with this, this article provides a critical framework regarding the current understanding of the discipline of urban design which is based on form, policy and efficiency, and highlights the need for place oriented approaches performed in an interdisciplinary working framework. The paper first focuses on the meaning and significance of urban design, and discusses the problems with the manner in which urban design is conceived, practiced and researched. Second, it interrogates the contemporary framework of urban design where the notions of ‘urban’ and ‘design’ are being disconnected. Third, it examines the changing role of urban design from the traditional to the contemporary mainstream approaches. The conclusion suggests lessons in terms of understanding and framing its scale, content, professional formation, interdisciplinary nature and role in sustainable urban environments
The Emergence of Studio Apartments
Get PDFThe first studio-type residences that emerged in America have become widespread throughout the world in the coming years. The studio flourished as an American culture in Turkey, in order to meet the need for single-person living. During the 19th century, immigrants from America and other European countries, mostly from Great Britain and Ireland, have been migrated. The search for solutions to these housing problems has created studio-type apartments. Immigration has resulted in millions of people coming to the media in bad conditions and bringing legal solutions to the agenda. In this study; The socio-cultural and architectural qualities of the concept of the studio apartment in America, which is frequently seen in recent years in Turkey, have also been examined
Appropriation and Authenticity: The case of Transforming Churches into Mosques in Ayvalık
Get PDFA special case of transforming churches into mosques was practiced after the population exchange agreement signed on 1923 between Greece and Turkey, which forced thousands of Greeks and Turks to migrate. The churches in Ayvalık, turned into mosques by incoming Turkish migrates, are representatives of this last practice. This paper discusses the concepts of appropriation and authenticity via examining the changes introduced in the form of alterations, additions and removal during the transformation of Ayvalık churches into mosques. This discussion is contextualized within the broader issue of appropriating past buildings and it has been argued that understanding of authenticity cannot be limited to the original meaning when the building was first designed and appropriated meaning can be as authentic as the original meaning
Form-Finding With Experimentation on Natural Periodic Forces: The Sound Motion Streaks Project
Get PDFToday, many computational techniques of form-finding use the term design with the term research. Thus, architectural studios become more and more like laboratories for design experiments. This study proposes a design experiment called “The Sound Motion Streaks Project” where the sound can be used as generative computational data and applied to digital form finding studies. Design process relies on an idea that sound as an external force can produce or deform shapes according to its influence. The first phase of the process is to make physical experiments on the sound and see its influences on granular and fluid materials. We can say that, in these physical experimentations, there is a knowledge transmission from physical to digital medium that we can use as design parameters on software. In digital software, the sound can be a force field and manipulate digital matters such as particles, curves and meshes. The form-finding method of the Sound Motion Project is constituted by all physical and digital experiments, and applied in an urban area in order to discuss its architectural potentials. For instance, all material events in the area depend on duration and movement of digital tools, thus the notion of form and/or space become kinetic. Kinetic reactions bring out a new understanding of space and form which consists of motionless boundary, translatability, rhythmicity, differentiated densities and heterogeneity. Also this generative approach gives architects many potential solutions for architectural forms.
Examination of accessibility for disabled people at metro stations
Get PDFAccording to World Health Organization (WHO), 10% of the population in developed countries and 12% of the population in developing countries are disabled people. And also researches by TUİK, in 2003, 12% of the population in our country are disabled. The problems that are faced in daily life, do not only affect disabled people but also their family. Therefore, it is said to be that half of our population have a disabled life.According to Scherrer, “Anyone, who has handicaps, is not a disabled person in an accessible place. But healthy person will become disabled in a place without accessibility.” (Scherrer 2001). Accessibility can be provided through the continuity of interrelated daily activities without any interruption. When the connection between the activities breaks off, we cannot mention about accessibility.Accessibility is not only plays an important role on disabled people by providing daily activities and physical requirements without any interruption but also by sustaining to live as independent individuals in society. Therefore, we have to re-design our urban accessibility to achieve uninterruptible and independent daily life in cities.In our country, disabled people also have difficulties to access indoors and outdoors and also have to face significant problems to be included in daily life despite the current regulations and laws. However, disabled people are entitled to have all social and cultural benefits independently as healthy people do. Realization of this act can be possible, if we re-design our buildings, transportation systems and the city life to achieve the accessibility requirements of disabled people.All around the world and also in our country, various laws, design rules and standards are tried to level the playing field on accessibility for public transportation systems with their service stations. However, despite of ensuring laws, regulations and standards on accessibility, lack of reglementation and enforcements, as well as insufficient user’s knowledge cause our cities inaccessible.Therefore, we have to increase the awareness of our community on accessible city life and transportation systems rather than make laws and hope for recovery. In this context, a case study is intended to examine the approaches on barrier-free design and level of accessibility at metro stations in Turkey.With the scope of this case study, current informative, stimulating and guiding regulations, vertical and horizontal implementations on circulation areas at metro stations are examined by an accessible design control listAccessible design control list consists of 28 questions that have been selected from Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policies-People with Disabilities and Elderly General Service Accessibility check Lists and Turkish World Handicapped Foundation- Outdoors and Indoors Accessibility Check Lists. With the help of question we can examine the passengers’ expectations on the quality of informative, stimulating and guiding signboards at entrance, circulations and surroundings of metro stations; except the legislations related to the product sizes and constraints that designers or professionals have to obeyThe questions are answered by disabled passengers who use Kadıkoy Ayrılık Cesme main transmission metro station. Disabled passengers are divided into two subject groups. First subject group consist of 5 visually impaired and partially impaired people. The second subject group consist of 7 wheelchair users.Experimentally, asked all the subject groups to make a journey beginning from the entrance of metro station to the train platforms without getting any help. After they completed their journey, they were requested to answer the questions of control list and describe the positive and negative situations from their experiences.According to the result of examining the approaches on barrier-free design and the level of accessibility at Ayrılıkcesme main transmission metro station, there are distinctive data detected which are inacceptable accessible solutions for wheelchair users and/or visually impaired people.In this context, to realize an accessible city life in our country, we have to take some significant decisions on training well-informed professionals, constituting the common shares on standardization of buildings, increasing the community awareness on accessibility and innovating technologies for all disabled group
Innovative Approaches in Architecture and Planning, The Future of Our Past
Get PDFHistoric Arab cities show a variety of origins and modernization patterns; these were conditioned on the one hand by external factors such as pre-existing settlements, deliberate locational choices and prevailing dynastic modernization and transformation, on the other hand by internal factors such as the morphological principles implied in individual architecture components and in genesis of the urban environment In this paper, we will try to highlight the socio-cultural aspects in the city structure context and their relations to the city morphology referring to the underlying shaping forces of urban form which, drawing on related, deep-rooted human attitudes, constitute the real agents of physical manifestation and are source of the non-material qualities transpiring through materials expressions. This presentation seeks to understand the significance of the city structure in different dimensions of urban environment.Understanding the interaction between underlying political, economic, socio-cultural forces as deep structure elements is an important aspect of research objectives. This paper also studies how physical or functional changes follow changes in the underlying forces among the modernization process and city structure regeneration.The approach to the research objectives is based on two methodologies:• Deductive: a theoretical investigation based on the properties of the city structure, definitions, principles of design, and the dilemma of achieving modernization is as much cultural as technical. This combines information from literature reviews and the ideas of key figures in the urban development field and the place-identity, social identity and identity process as theories for cultural models of the city.• Inductive: a study of Algiers as example of historical settlements that have undergone much change processes. The study looks to elicit the images of the city main structure to support the theoretical propositions of surface and deep structural city elements. The conclusion to this part is based on an analysis of the case study.The research concludes its conclusion through the theoretical and empirical work the socio- cultural aspect in the modernization process as a board and complex field.Moreover, it introduces the concept of City Structure as a new way to envisage urban Conservation studies
The Concept of \u27\u27Disability\u27\u27 in Architecture as a Power and Ideology Problem
No full textThe concept of disability, which is well accepted around the world and seem to be a statement of positive discrimination at first, requires to become a current issue as an equality problem in architecture and society today. In fact, the definition of disability and its intellectual basis are major and still invisibile obstacles to obtain equal rights for everyone regarding architectural accessibility and participation in social life. In this study, the intellectual basis of the concept of disability in social understanding has been explored to identify the main problem. It has been realised that this understanding, which is to be seen also in architectural practices, has occured as an issue of power and ideology. On one hand, the society itself generates the definitions, classifies people and creates hegemony based on consent, and on the other hand speaks up for resolving the problems caused by this classifications with a total inactivity. Strong ideologies, which ignore the problems of existing definitions, forms absolute truths and minds unable to question. Therefore, the definition of “disabled” becomes approved by the entire society, although it does not include inseperable parts of society such as children, patients or elderly. These ideologies result in a communal power created by free will insted of enforcement. In this manner, even individuals classified as “disabled” accept the legitimacy of this authority. However, existing of such an accepted definiton causes otherizing and ignorance in society. It also affects architectural perception and plays a significant role in creating isolation projects such as “disabled-friendly houses” or “libraries for disabled”. These projects show that people defined as “disabled” are the dark subconsciousness of society willing to be forgotten. When it is realised that the unity of differences creates the society, the classification will be forgotten, environments and mentallities will be shaped accordingly and designs will be created for everyone instead of designing for disabled. Bringing an accurate and fair point of view into existence, which is based on the mentioned facts, is the only way to solve the current problems in architectural practices and social inequalities.The concept of disability, which is well accepted around the world and seem to be a statement of positive discrimination at first, requires to become a current issue as an equality problem in architecture and society today. In fact, the definition of disability and its intellectual basis are major and still invisibile obstacles to obtain equal rights for everyone regarding architectural accessibility and participation in social life. In this study, the intellectual basis of the concept of disability in social understanding has been explored to identify the main problem. It has been realised that this understanding, which is to be seen also in architectural practices, has occured as an issue of power and ideology. On one hand, the society itself generates the definitions, classifies people and creates hegemony based on consent, and on the other hand speaks up for resolving the problems caused by this classifications with a total inactivity. Strong ideologies, which ignore the problems of existing definitions, forms absolute truths and minds unable to question. Therefore, the definition of “disabled” becomes approved by the entire society, although it does not include inseperable parts of society such as children, patients or elderly. These ideologies result in a communal power created by free will insted of enforcement. In this manner, even individuals classified as “disabled” accept the legitimacy of this authority. However, existing of such an accepted definiton causes otherizing and ignorance in society. It also affects architectural perception and plays a significant role in creating isolation projects such as “disabled-friendly houses” or “libraries for disabled”. These projects show that people defined as “disabled” are the dark subconsciousness of society willing to be forgotten. When it is realised that the unity of differences creates the society, the classification will be forgotten, environments and mentallities will be shaped accordingly and designs will be created for everyone instead of designing for disabled. Bringing an accurate and fair point of view into existence, which is based on the mentioned facts, is the only way to solve the current problems in architectural practices and social inequalities