Geleneksel kırsal yapıların yeniden işlevlendirilmesinde yapısal dönüşüm için bir model önerisi: Tarihi Günyurdu Köyü örneği
A model proposal for structural transformation in the adaptive reuse of traditional rural buildings: The case of historical Günyurdu Village
Yazar: DİDEM BARAN ERGÜL
Danışman: PROF. DR. SEDEN ACUN ÖZGÜNLER
İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi / Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü / Mimarlık Ana Bilim Dalı / Yapı Bilimleri Bilim Dalı
Derece: Doktora, 2024
Konu: Mimarlık = Architecture
Dizin: Analitik modelleme = Analytical modelling ; Geleneksel mimari = Traditional architecture ; Hücresel yapay sinir ağları = Cellular artificial neural networks ; Kırsal mimari = Rural architecture ; Sinirsel bulanık mantık = Neuro fuzzy logic ; Vernaküler mimari = Vernacular architecture

Özet:
Yapılar, zaman içinde değişen kullanıcı beklentilerine uyum sağlayamadıklarında işlevsiz hale gelebilirler. Bu durum, geleneksel kırsal yapılar için de geçerlidir. Bununla birlikte kırsal bölgelerde yaşanan nüfus azalması ve geleneksel mekân düzenlemesi ile günümüz yaşam dinamikleri arasındaki uyumsuzluk, bu yapıları işlevsizleşmeye karşı daha hassas ve dezavantajlı hale getirebilmektedir. Ancak bu dezavantajlı konumlarına rağmen, geleneksel kırsal yapılar, inşa edildikleri dönemin kültürünü, yapım teknolojisini ve yaşayış biçimlerini temsil etme özelliklerine sahiptir. Bu nedenle bu yapıların korunması, uzun bir süredir araştırmacılar tarafından üzerinde çalışılan bir konudur ve bu bağlamda birçok farklı koruma yöntemi literatüre dahil edilmiştir.
Geleneksel kırsal yapıların yeniden kullanımı, kültürel mirasımızı korumada etkili yöntemlerinden biri olarak kabul edilmektedir. Kültürel ve tarihi değeri olan yapıların yeniden kullanılması, ülke ekonomisine katkı sağladığı gibi kültürel sürekliliğin de devamı için de önemlidir. Ancak koruma amacı ile yeniden işlevlendirme yaklaşımında yapının sürdürülebilirliği, süreçte alınan tasarım kararları ve buna bağlı olarak gerçekleştirilen eylemlerin niteliği ile doğru orantılıdır. Yapının işlevlendirme kapasitesinin rasyonel bir biçimde değerlendirilmesi ve yeni işlev ile yapı uyumunun sağlanabilmesi gibi çok katmanlı karar süreçlerini barındıran yapısal dönüşüm uygulamalarında tasarım ve müdahale kararlarına destek olacak bir yönteme ihtiyaç duyulması kaçınılmazdır. 
Bu çalışmada, geleneksel kırsal yapıların yeniden kullanım amacına yönelik tasarım ve yapım aşamalarında karar alma süreçlerine destek sağlamak amacıyla yapısal dönüşüm kriterlerinin sistematik ve rasyonel bir yöntemle belirlenmesi gerekliliği incelenmektedir. Bu bağlamda, mevcut bir yapının yeniden işlevlendirilmesi aşamasında karar vericilere veri oluşturmak ve karar desteği sağlamak üzere bir yönteme veya sisteme ihtiyaç duyulduğu hipotezinden yola çıkarak, çalışmada geleneksel kırsal yapıların yeniden işlevlendirilmesinde yapısal dönüşümüne dair sistematik bir model önerisi sunulmaktadır. Bu model, veri tabanlı bir yaklaşım kullanarak, mevcut yapıların işlevlendirme potansiyellerinin değerlendirilmesi, en uygun işlevin seçilmesi ve yapısal dönüşüm stratejilerinin belirlenmesi üzerine kurgulanmıştır. Bu modelin temel amacı, geleneksel kırsal yapıların sürdürülebilir dönüşüm süreçlerini kolaylaştırmaktır. Model birbirini takip eden üç aşamadan oluşmaktadır. 
İlk aşama, yapının işlevsiz hale gelmesi durumunda, yapının fiziksel durumunun ve kültürel, mimari ve tarihsel öneminin dikkate alındığı bir değerlendirme aşamasıdır. Bu aşamada, ekonomik ve çevresel faktörlerden bağımsız olarak yapıya ilişkin bir değerlendirme yapılır ve rasyonel bir yöntemle yapının yeniden işlevlendirme kapasitesi ortaya konulmuştur.
İkinci aşama, mevcut yapıya dair en uygun işlevi belirlemeyi içerir. Bu aşamada, çeşitli işlev seçeneklerinin fiziksel ve mekânsal uygunluğu araştırılmıştır.
Modelin son aşaması, yapısal dönüşüm için bileşen düzeyinde kararlar üretmeyi içerir. Bu aşamada, yeni işlev için yapıdan beklenen teknik performans kriterleri belirlenir, performans kriterlerinin hangi yapı bileşeni ile etkileşimde olduğu analiz edilir ve beklenti düzeyine yönelik müdahale ve dönüşüm kararları üretilmiştir. 
Herhangi bir modelin etkinliğinin değerlendirilmesi amacıyla ise seçilen bölgede modelin uygulanması ve sonuçlarının gözlemlenmesi gerekmektedir. Bu uygulama aşaması, modelin pratikte ne kadar başarılı olduğunun anlaşılmasını sağlayacaktır ve gelecekte benzer projeler için önemli bir referans olacaktır. Bu bağlamda seçilen bölgede alan çalışması yapılmış ve modelin her aşamasının çalışıp çalışmadığı sınanmıştır. 
Çalışmanın ana hatları ise şöyledir:
Giriş bölümünde, çalışmanın gerekçesi ve amaçları açıklanır ve çalışmanın genel planı ve yöntemi özetlenmiştir.
İkinci bölümde, kırsal mimari mirasın önemi ve yeniden işlevlendirme kavramı ele alınmış, yeniden işlevlendirme kararının temel prensipleri açıklanmış ve bu sürecin ana aşamaları, gerekçeleri ve yöntemleri incelenmiştir.
Üçüncü bölümde, önerilen yapısal dönüşüm modelinin adımları detaylı bir şekilde açıklanmıştır. Yönteme dayalı hipotezler ve temel kabuller anlatılmış, ardından yöntemin temel adımları sırasıyla sunulmuştur. Model, üç katmandan oluşmaktadır ve her katmanın yöntemi ayrıntılı olarak aktarılmıştır. Son olarak, model tüm katmanlarıyla birlikte görselleştirilmiştir.
Dördüncü bölümde, modelin uygulama alanı olarak seçilen Tarihi Günyurdu Köyü'ne odaklanılmıştır. Bu köyün tarihi ve mimari özellikleri özetlenmiş ve modelin bu örnekle nasıl uygulandığı açıklanmıştır. Böylece modelin sınanması gerçekleştirilmiştir.
Sonuç bölümünde, yöntemin genel değerlendirmesi yapılmış ve tasarım ve yapım aşamalarında karşılaşılabilecek olası sorunlar ele alınmıştır. Ayrıca, gelecekteki çalışmalar için öneriler sunulmuştur.

Abstract:
The burgeoning trend of modernization and urbanization poses significant challenges to the preservation of traditional rural vernacular architecture. These structures, often characterized by a disconnect between their spatial arrangements and contemporary lifestyles and further exacerbated by declining rural populations, are increasingly susceptible to neglect and deterioration. Yet, these vernacular buildings embody immense cultural value, serving as tangible testaments to past eras through their unique construction techniques, ways of life, and the cultural essence of their respective historical periods. Consequently, the preservation of traditional rural dwellings has long been a focal point of scholarly inquiry, with documented conservation methods reflecting the urgency of addressing these challenges.
This study champions adaptive reuse, a recognized method for conserving cultural heritage through the repurposing of historically and culturally significant structures. While adaptive reuse breathes new life into underutilized spaces, revitalizing the national economy, it also plays a crucial role in sustaining cultural heritage by ensuring the continued existence of architectural heritage. However, the long-term viability of a structure in the context of reuse hinges on informed design decisions and subsequent actions. Structural transformation initiatives necessitate a robust method to support these decisions, considering the complexities involved in evaluating a building's suitability for adaptive reuse and ensuring compatibility with new functions, user needs, and environmental sustainability goals.
This research identifies a critical need for a systematic and rational framework for structural transformation. This framework, specifically targeted to support design and construction stages in the reuse of vernacular architecture, forms the core problem statement of this study. To address this, a comprehensive model for the structural transformation of traditional rural buildings is proposed. This model offers decision support at each stage of the adaptive reuse process and comprises three primary layers, each tailored to guide stakeholders through the intricate process of repurposing traditional rural structures while preserving their cultural and historical significance.
The first stage entails a rigorous evaluation of the structure's physical integrity, cultural significance, architectural characteristics, and historical importance. This assessment, conducted independently of economic and environmental factors, aims to objectively ascertain the potential for adaptive reuse. By prioritizing the intrinsic value and cultural significance of the building, this approach represents a crucial step towards sustainable utilization and preservation of architectural heritage. To facilitate this assessment, a decision support system tailored for this stage has been developed, allowing for a preliminary analysis to determine the adaptive reuse potential of existing structures. Recognizing the intricate nature of the evaluation process, the system emphasizes the need for streamlined criteria to facilitate swift and effective decision-making. Consequently, an assessment based on five key criteria is carried out to ascertain the feasibility and potential for repurposing the structure.
The second stage focuses on identifying the most suitable new function for the existing structure. This process involves exploring various options based on their compatibility with the building's physical attributes and spatial layout. In this case study, the unique context of Günyurdu Village informs the selection of potential functions through a "re-evaluation with tourism" approach. This strategic framework leads to the identification of four prospective functions:
•	Short-term lodging facilities such as guesthouses or boutique hotels
•	A museum showcasing ethnographic elements and historical artifacts
•	Eateries catering to tourist activities
•	Retail spaces offering locally sourced products
The final stage delves into making decisions at the component level for structural transformation. Here, the emphasis shifts towards delineating the technical performance criteria expected from the structure in its new role. An in-depth analysis of the interplay between these performance benchmarks and specific structural elements is undertaken. Drawing from this analysis, tailored intervention and transformation strategies aligned with the anticipated performance standards are formulated. This stage also incorporates a decision support system, structured as a dataset to guide nuanced design deliberations. It is important to underscore that the information provided by this system is advisory in nature.
The study methodology is structured systematically. The introduction establishes the rationale, objectives, and overall research plan. The second section delves into the significance of vernacular architectural heritage and the concept of adaptive reuse, elucidating the core principles underlying reuse decisions. This section thoroughly examines the key stages, justifications, and methodologies inherent in the reuse process.
The third section meticulously delineates the proposed structural transformation model, elucidating the underlying hypotheses and assumptions. It sequentially presents the fundamental steps of the model, providing detailed insights into the methodology of each layer. To enhance comprehension, the model is visually depicted in its entirety.
Shifting the focus to the chosen application area, the fourth section provides an overview of Historical Günyurdu Village. This segment summarizes the village's historical and architectural characteristics and demonstrates the practical application of the model within this specific context.
The proposed model offers a comprehensive framework for the adaptive reuse of vernacular architecture, systematically guiding stakeholders through the structural transformation process. Each stage of the model, from meticulously evaluating a structure's potential for reuse to determining its most suitable new function and guiding component-level decisions, is meticulously delineated. This systematic approach empowers informed decision-making throughout the intricate process of repurposing traditional rural buildings while safeguarding their cultural and historical significance.
However, the successful implementation of the model extends beyond the outlined framework.  Effective application necessitates a holistic approach that considers various factors beyond the technical aspects of structural transformation. Collaborative efforts with local stakeholders are crucial for ensuring the project aligns with community needs and aspirations. Implementing effective communication strategies throughout the process fosters transparency, builds trust, and secures community buy-in. Prioritizing the needs of the local community is paramount, ensuring the revitalized structure serves not only as a cultural landmark but also as a vibrant space that caters to the evolving needs of the residents. Integrating environmental sustainability principles into the design and construction phases is essential. This could encompass utilizing locally sourced, sustainable materials, incorporating energy-efficient technologies, and adopting water conservation practices. Finally, formulating ongoing maintenance plans is critical for ensuring the long-term viability and continued cultural significance of the repurposed structure.
These considerations underscore the importance of fostering sustainable, community-oriented, and culturally respectful reuse practices for traditional rural structures. By embracing these principles, the proposed model can serve as a powerful tool for fostering a harmonious relationship between heritage preservation and contemporary development needs. The model can contribute to the revitalization of rural communities, promote cultural tourism, and breathe new life into these irreplaceable architectural testaments to the past.
Future research directions could explore the applicability of the model to diverse vernacular architectural typologies and geographic contexts. Additionally, investigations into the economic feasibility of adaptive reuse projects and the development of financial models to incentivize such undertakings would be valuable contributions to the field. Furthermore, research into social sustainability considerations, including the impact of adaptive reuse projects on local communities and cultural landscapes, could offer valuable insights for future endeavors.
In conclusion, this study presents a comprehensive model for the adaptive reuse of vernacular architecture, coupled with recommendations for ensuring its successful implementation. By systematically guiding the structural transformation process and emphasizing the importance of community engagement, environmental sustainability, and ongoing maintenance, the model paves the way for the preservation and revitalization of these irreplaceable cultural treasures.
Re-utilization of traditional rural buildings offers a compelling strategy for safeguarding cultural heritage. However, a growing disconnect exists between contemporary lifestyles and these structures' spatial arrangements, coupled with declining populations, rendering them vulnerable to neglect. These vernacular buildings, nonetheless, embody significant cultural value, encapsulating construction techniques, ways of life, and the cultural essence of their eras. Consequently, the preservation of rural dwellings has garnered substantial scholarly attention, with documented conservation methods in the existing literature.
This study focuses on adaptive reuse, a recognized method for conserving cultural heritage through the repurposing of historically and culturally significant structures. While reuse contributes to the national economy and sustains cultural heritage, the long-term viability of a structure depends heavily on informed design decisions and subsequent actions. Structural transformation initiatives necessitate a robust method to support these decisions, considering the complexities involved in evaluating a building's suitability for adaptive reuse and ensuring compatibility with new functions.
This research identifies the need for a systematic and rational framework for structural transformation. This framework, aimed at supporting design and construction stages in the reuse of vernacular architecture, forms the core problem statement of this study. To address this, a systematic model for the structural transformation of traditional rural buildings is proposed. This model offers decision support at each stage of the adaptive reuse process and comprises three primary layers.
The first stage involves a comprehensive assessment of the structure's physical condition, cultural significance, architectural style, and historical value. This evaluation, independent of economic and environmental considerations, aims to rationally determine the reuse potential of the structure. This approach represents a significant step towards sustainable utilization and preservation. A decision support system, developed specifically for this stage, facilitates a pre-analysis to calculate the adaptive reuse potential of existing structures. Emphasizing the complexity of the process, the system prioritizes simplified criteria to enable rapid and effective decision-making. Consequently, an evaluation based on five key criteria is conducted to reveal the potential for reuse.
The second stage focuses on identifying the most suitable new function for the existing structure. This involves exploring various options based on their physical and spatial compatibility. The specific village context, in this case, Günyurdu Village, informs the function options by employing a "re-evaluation with tourism" strategy. This strategy leads to the identification of four potential functions: short-term accommodation units (guesthouses or boutique hotels), a museum showcasing ethnographic elements and period items, dining establishments catering to tourism activities, and sales units offering local products.
The final stage delves into component-level decisions for structural transformation. Here, the focus shifts to determining the technical performance criteria expected from the structure in its new function. An analysis of the interaction between these performance criteria and specific structural components is conducted. Based on this analysis, intervention and transformation decisions tailored to the expected performance level are generated. This stage also features a decision support system, designed as a dataset for guiding detailed design decisions. It is important to note that this data is recommendatory in nature.
The study methodology follows a clear structure. The introduction establishes the rationale, objectives, and overall plan of the research. The second section delves into the significance of vernacular architectural heritage and the concept of reuse. It explores the core principles of reuse decisions, examining the key stages, justifications, and methodologies involved in this process. The third section meticulously details the proposed structural transformation model, outlining the underlying hypotheses and assumptions. It then presents the fundamental steps of the model in sequence, with detailed explanations for each layer's methodology. Finally, the model is presented visually in its entirety.
The fourth section shifts focus to the chosen application area - Historical Günyurdu Village. This section summarizes the village's historical and architectural features and demonstrates the model's application in this specific context.
The concluding section offers an overall evaluation of the method, addressing potential challenges that might arise during design and construction phases. Additionally, recommendations for future research are provided. This study presents a comprehensive model proposal for the reuse of vernacular buildings by systematically addressing the structural transformation process step-by-step. The model encompasses the entire process, from analyzing a structure's potential to determining the most suitable new function. However, for effective implementation, factors such as collaboration with local stakeholders, effective communication strategies, prioritizing community needs, environmental sustainability, and ongoing maintenance plans need to be considered. These recommendations pave the way for the sustainable, community-oriented, and culturally respectful reuse of traditional rural structures.