A contemporary completion attempts in traditional texture

Abstract

Traditional settlements are formed by the mutual interaction of the culture, technology and the geographical inputs of the physical environment, which transform over time and mature with the intertwining and overlapping of different cultural productions in processes spanning centuries. These inputs, which are described as tangible and intangible data, create the architectural characteristics of the settlements by shaping the architectural structures and the way in which these structures are associated with each other and the characteristics of that place. Today, two types of intervention needs come to the forefront, namely maintenance–repair and new construction activities in existing gaps, in traditional tissues that are faced with conservation problems due to the globalising life culture, current needs of modern life and accelerated technological development. The interventions to be carried out in this direction carry various risks and possibilities in terms of preserving and maintaining the architectural identity of traditional settlements. Based on the above query, this study focuses on a design experiment in Birgi settlement, which stands out as an important cultural tourism destination besides its traditional and rural characteristics. The study, carried out within the scope of DEU’s Department of Architecture Department Restoration Master’s Programme, 2018–2019 Spring Semester ARC5144 Restoration Project and Environmental Analysis course, conveys an experience on the completion of a local housing structure that has lost its building integrity with a modern approach, while at the same time, continuing, integrating with the architectural characteristics of the settlement, using today’s technological possibilities, opens the question of belonging to the present.

Keywords: Traditional architecture, contemporary completion, sustainability.