Buildings In Istanbul Research Articles

Evaluation of indoor daylighting performance changes in a historical khan building in Istanbul

The daylighting feature of historical buildings can be accepted as an intangible heritage since it contributes to the unique atmosphere of the buildings. However, with the change of the built environment and the change of the historical building itself, the level of daylight intake of historical buildings changes. This study contributes to the field by revealing the daylighting performance changes of a historical khan building which has a unique architectural characteristics. The changes in the daylighting levels of Buyuk Yeni Khan, one of the largest historical khans in Istanbul, are examined through its modifications. Using 3D Lidar scanning technology, the current state of the khan is scanned. The daylight intake and glare analyzes of the khan for its current and original states are made through simulations, and the values found are compared. DA, cDA, UDI, sDA and DGP metrics are used in the simulations. As a result, due to the changes such as enlargements along the arcades, additional overhangs and the change of window ratios of the facades of the rooms on the ground floor, the rooms of the khan have different daylighting values compared to its original state.

Modeling building carbon emissions by using MARS algorithm: A case of Istanbul

Controlling carbon emissions is critical to mitigating the negative environmental impacts of carbon emissions, such as global warming and climate change. Identifying the factors that affect building emissions is important because they contribute significantly to global emissions. The study aimed to determine the building characteristics that affect building emissions for residential buildings in Istanbul using the MARS algorithm. The MARS algorithm was also used to estimate building emissions based on the energy performance certificate data for each building. The study revealed that building characteristics have specific thresholds that affect building emissions differently depending on whether they are above or below these thresholds. The feature selection analysis revealed that the thermal insulation properties, specifically the wall_u value, roof_u value, and window_u value, had the greatest impact on building emissions. Other factors identified were building age, heating power, and floor height. These factors alone explain about 77 % of the building emissions. The analysis identified the interactions between building characteristics that affect building emissions. This enables common, appropriate solutions to be developed in terms of building characteristics to reduce building emissions.

Investigation of the energetic and exergetic performance of hybrid rotary desiccant-vapor compression cooling systems using different refrigerants

In this study, a desiccant-based hybrid cooling system supported by a vapor compression system and a heat recovery unit (rotary heat wheel) was analyzed from energetic and exergetic perspectives during the daily working hours of an office building in Istanbul to meet the desired comfort conditions. We focus on the impact of different refrigerants; namely R32, R1234yf, R290, R134a, R600a, R245fa, and R717, on hybrid rotary desiccant-vapor compression systems. While the highest electricity consumption was obtained in the system using R1234yf, the lowest electricity consumption was achieved with R717. However, with the effectiveness of the desiccant wheel, the best results were obtained for R1234yf with those pertinent to R717 at the other extreme. Considering the total electricity consumption of the system, the highest energetic and exergetic performance parameters were achieved with the use of R717 as the refrigerant. Compared to R1234yf, the daily average energetic performance parameters obtained with R717 increased by 22.3 % for COPr, 21.8 % for COPel, and 4.7 % for COPth. Similarly, compared to R1234yf, the daily average exergetic performance parameters in R717 presented increases of 13.6 % for COPx,el, 7.5 % for COPx,th, and 8.1 % for ηx.

Climate-resilient building energy efficiency retrofit: Evaluating climate change impacts on residential buildings

Buildings have the potential to mitigate climate change effects by integrating energy-efficient solutions. Building resilient design strategies based on forthcoming weather predictions offers an effective means of adaptation. The study focuses on the impact of climate change on residential buildings in Istanbul and Izmir, two Turkish cities with distinctive climate characteristics. By creating future weather scenarios and conducting dynamic simulations, buildings’ and improvement measures’ performance under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate scenarios and short- and long-term periods are evaluated. The findings reveal varying degrees of climate change impact on the two regions, with decreased heating degree days (HDDs) and increased cooling degree days (CDDs). Notably, the RCP 8.5 scenario projects significant temperature increases, with a rise of 4.3 °C in Istanbul and 5 °C in Izmir, leading to profound consequences for buildings. The CDD can be doubled in July and reach 292 in Izmir and quadrupled, reaching 158 in Istanbul. Without retrofit, in a well-naturally ventilated building, primary heating energy consumption can be decreased by 36–41 %, while primary cooling energy consumption tripled in both cities. With the aid of improvements, a ∼ 5–6 °C decrease was observed in the highest temperature predictions in naturally ventilated spaces in summer in Istanbul, while a ∼ 4–5 °C decrease was observed in Izmir.

Dating of oak timbers from Anadolu Hisarı (Anatolian Fortress), İstanbul-Türkiye

Anadolu Hisarı, or the Anatolian Fortress, is a prominent historic building located on the Anatolian side of Bosphorus, Istanbul, right across the well-known Rumeli Hisarı (the Rumeli Fortress). The fortress is known to have been built during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan, Yıldırım Bayezid, in 1395. In 2022 during the restoration of the fortress we collected a group of stem discs from six timbers stored in its garden for dendrochronological dating. The timbers were dated to 1395 after standard dendrochronological methods were applied. This result is consistent with the completion dates of the construction, 1395-1396, mentioned in historical records. The part of the walls from which the sampled timbers had been removed are from the original construction and were replaced during the recent restoration work. Our study shows that identifying the exact context of architectural wood removed during restoration of such historical buildings in Istanbul can help identify their original parts and the time of restoration activities that may have taken place in the past.

Seismic Damage Prediction of Buildings Using Fuzzy Logic, The Case of Ambarlı Neighborhood at Avcılar

The Kocaeli 1999 earthquake caused great damage of buildings in Istanbul, Avcılar district was the most affected region than any other nearby districts even though they are located further near to the epicenter. In Ambarlı Neighborhood at Avcılar, where the total number of buildings at the time of earthquake was 1338, damage assessment work was carried out on a total of 505 buildings. As a result, 222 buildings were categorized damaged to varying degrees which forms 16.59% of the total buildings in the area. Damage due to an earthquake is an important element of the earthquake risk concept, especially for areas previously suffered critical hazard. Therefore, for such situations with relatively complicated condition involving certain degrees of uncertainty, further investigations using simple but effective tools can lead to better understanding of such events and the consequences. In this study, a model has been developed using Fuzzy Logic method considering four parameters; Ground motion, ground condition, building number of floors and building age. The degree of damage is obtained as a result of the analysis. A post-earthquake damage database of reinforced concrete buildings within a selected zone at Ambarlı neighborhood due to 1999 Kocaeli earthquake has been used to investigate the applicability of the proposed method. The model results were found to reasonably presenting the distribution of damage of the buildings in the area when compared with the recorded damage distribution. The results also show that the model is capable of predicting damage distribution of the existing reinforced concrete buildings against possible earthquakes of large magnitude.

Driving Urban Energy Sustainability: A Techno-Economic Perspective on Nanogrid Solutions

In response to technological advances, environmental concerns, and the depletion of conventional energy sources, the world is increasingly focusing on renewable energy sources (RES) as a means of generating electricity in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Türkiye, with its advantageous geographical location, long hours of sunshine, and favourable climatic conditions, has a high potential for the use of solar energy. The objective of this study was to identify an energy system that minimizes investment costs while optimizing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and minimizing greenhouse-gas (GHG) and carbon dioxide emissions. To achieve this, the study used the concept of nanogrids (NGs) and carried out different evaluations for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at different energy levels connected to the grid. The research focused on classic apartment buildings and multistory condominium-style buildings in Istanbul, Türkiye. Using HOMER Grid 1.11.1 version software, the study identified two optimal configurations: a PV–GRID system with 7 kW photovoltaic capacity and a PV–WT–GRID system with 90 kW PV capacity and 6 kW wind-turbine capacity. These configurations had a significantly lower LCOE compared to the cost of electricity from the conventional grid. When examining the sensitivity to economic factors, it was observed that the net present cost (NPC) and LCOE values fluctuated with electricity prices, inflation rates, and equipment costs. In particular, the two optimal configurations did not include a battery energy-storage system (BESS) due to the low energy demand in the PV–GRID system and the efficiency of the wind turbines in the PV–WT–GRID system. This highlights the need to tailor energy solutions to specific consumption patterns and resource types. In conclusion, the adoption of PV–GRID and PV–WT–GRID systems in Istanbul’s urban buildings demonstrates economic viability and environmental benefits, highlighting the importance of renewable energy sources, particularly solar PV, in mitigating energy-related environmental challenges, such as reducing CO2 emissions and reducing dependence on conventional grid electricity.

Vibration-based temporary monitoring of a 253 m tall skew-plan building in Istanbul

A 253 m tall office building in Istanbul with a parallelogram footprint, which has 62 stories in total, 54 tower stories above and 8 podium stories below grade, was monitored using 92 channels of accelerometers deployed on 20 different floors for about 4 days. The structural system of the building consists of reinforced concrete (RC) core shear walls with peripheral composite columns and two-story tall RC outriggers between floors 29 and 31. First 12 natural vibration periods and mode shapes of the building together with the modal directions for the translational modes were identified from the ambient vibration records. These dynamic properties were reproduced with the three-dimensional finite element model developed using gross section properties for all structural members without a need for model updating. The fundamental period of the building at the time of testing, 5.3 s, is expected to lengthen to 5.9 s and 7.8 s upon cracking in structural members for the prescribed service-level and design-level evaluations, respectively, in line with the recent performance-based design guidelines for tall buildings. Damping ratios for the first six vibration modes, with median values of 0.6% and coefficients of variation in the order of 0.3–0.4, were identified through statistical analysis using the random decrement technique. The simulated peak floor accelerations, when the building was subjected to the 2019 Mw 5.8 Marmara Sea earthquake ground motions recorded in the vicinity of the building, showed that ASCE 7-16 in-structure floor acceleration amplifications are exceeded at the lower floors but not reached at the upper floors.

A comparative study on steel‐concrete composite columns for use in RC Tall Buildings in Seismic Areas

AbstractUsable/rentable floor areas are crucial for the building owners in reinforced concrete (RC) tall buildings. To address this issue, concrete‐encased (CE) or concrete‐filled (CF) composite columns are proposed as alternative vertical load carrying elements by providing the required strength and ductility, but with smaller dimensions. Comparing the performance of columns with different configurations can be done using moment (M)‐axial load (N) interaction curves. This paper summarizes the approaches proposed by Eurocode 4 and AISC 360‐16 for both types of composite columns, presenting simplified and true curves for a specific class of sections. Two case studies involving hybrid RC tall buildings in Istanbul, which utilized composite columns, are presented along with a comparison with steel‐concrete composite and RC solutions. Numerical results indicate that employing steel‐concrete composite columns resulted in approximately 24% reduction in total cross‐sectional areas for one of the case studies, leading to increased usable/rentable areas. Additionally, concrete‐encased and concrete‐filled composite columns exhibited similar performance in terms of axial load‐moment capacities. The impact of longitudinal rebar ratios is also investigated, revealing that the AISC 360‐16 approach yields smaller bending moments and compression capacities compared to Eurocode 4 due to the significant strength reduction factor considered in calculating the concrete contribution in composite sections.

Güncel Sorunlara “Klasik” Bir Çözüm: İstanbul, Beykoz’da Enformel Cami Üretiminden Örnekler

Through examples from Beykoz, this study questions and investigates informality as a substantial phenomenon in the architectural and spatial formation of mosque buildings in Istanbul's informally developed neighbourhoods. The goal is to provide a new theoretical perspective on this legitimate yet illegal/informal form of socio-spatial practice in relation to the specific dynamics of Istanbul's informal urbanity and architectural production. As for methodology, following a theoretical and historical survey on the informal urbanity and procedures of mosque production in Turkey, the architectural and spatial features of three mosque complexes are analysed, evaluated, and discussed. The data was obtained through site surveys and interviews with the primary actors involved in their constructions. This data was processed into scaled drawings for a comparative analysis of their formal and spatial configurations. The study concentrated on gathering first-hand information from the producers of these mosques and the buildings themselves. The results showed that the builders, who were also the future users, followed an imprecise classical mosque scheme during their building processes. Their participatory and spontaneous construction processes also brought innovation in the spatial and formal organization, employing improvisation. The architectural and spatial aspects of these building complexes also presented considerable problems. Finally, the research aims to contribute new studies for developing new strategies and legal frames, engaging the will and the energy of the users to shape their social and physical environments in the urban context.

Fire load and fire growth characteristics in modern high-rise buildings

Fire load is the major contributor to the heat release rate, which defines the severity of a fire event in buildings. It is necessary to have a well-defined fire load for residential buildings to perform an adequate fire safety design. This study estimates the fire load and fire growth for modern residential apartments using survey results of 50 high-rise buildings in Istanbul, Turkey. The survey methodology is the inventory method primarily based on size measurements and photographic information obtained from physical visits to apartments and digital inventory of real-estate websites. Fire loads in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens form the basis of the study. Results show that the average fire load density in living rooms range from 310 MJ/m2 to 379 MJ/m2 whereas the range is within 518 MJ/m2 and 650 MJ/m2 for bedrooms. The kitchen has the average fire load density of 552 MJ/m2. Eurocode estimation of the fire load density for dwellings is found overly conservative compared to the survey results. The FDS results provide fire spread times of 1 min–11 min depending on the compartment. Cumulative fire growth curves for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens are generated using fire load surveys and fire spread results.

Designing façade and envelope for a high-rise residential building using energy-efficient materials: A case in Istanbul, Turkey

The construction industry is responsible for 40% of global energy demand as buildings increase heating, cooling, and lighting demand. Therefore, building energy performance has become one of the most significant subjects for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in the last decade. The envelope of a building has an essential role in optimizing energy performance and consumption. The research objective of this study is to analyse and compare the impact of different envelope and façade materials on building energy performance for a high-rise residential building. The research methodology includes a literature review and a case study. The literature review analysed studies published between 2015 and 2021. In the literary review, 84 publications were extracted from Web of Science and Scopus databases, and the following sources were included: articles published in prominent journals, conference proceedings, thesis, scientific reports, and books. In the case study, passive strategies including building shape, orientation, insulation, window-wall ratio, and shelter were implemented in a 10-story residential building in Istanbul, Turkey. Design-Builder and EnergyPlus were used for analysing and comparing the energy performance of the different wall, insulation, and glass materials used in the building. Results demonstrate that each parameter and material has a considerable impact on the building energy performance. This study would contribute to the AEC literature and industry by comparing different envelope materials’ energy performance and the proper scenario according to Turkey(Istanbul)’s climate. Policy-makers and decision-makers can benefit from the results of this research and amend the existing codes and policies for new high-rise buildings.

Building Facade Failures due to Rainwater Entry in Turkey

Facade failures due to rainwater entry are common in Turkey although, few systematic studies have been completed to determine the types of defects and failures and their causes as would permit developing appropriate repair solutions. The intent of this study is to determine the types of defects and failures caused by rainwater ingress to building facades based on case studies of failure in Turkey. Thus, defects and failures can be characterized and classified, such that the most common types of failure can be revealed and adequate repair solutions proposed. A review of literature was conducted of studies undertaken in Turkey on rainwater entry and building defects. Additionally, field inspections were carried out for 16 public buildings in Istanbul and information regarding failures was gathered from local authorities. Based on data evaluated from previous research and field inspections, it was determined that majority of the buildings had cladding walls with stucco being the most common cladding material. Failures occurred in cladding facades with stucco included detachment of cladding, staining, and cracks; the most common failure was blistering and exfoliation. Air and rainwater leakage due to defects in sealants was the most common failure in buildings with panel and stick wall systems.

Response parameters that control the service, safety and collapse performances of a 253 m tall concrete core wall building in Istanbul

Seismic performance of a 253 m tall reinforced concrete core wall building constructed in Istanbul, designed according to performance-based seismic design principles, is assessed for determining the response parameters that control the serviceability, safety and collapse performance limit states. Serviceability performance is evaluated under the 50-year wind and 43-year earthquake whereas safety performance is assessed under the 2475-year earthquake. Collapse performance is elaborated through incremental dynamic analysis. Our study revealed that the service performance is controlled by the maximum interstory drift limits specified for wind loads, and safety performance is controlled by the flexural steel strain limits of coupling beams. Collapse occurs in two consecutive stages: flexural collapse of coupling beams, followed by crushing of concrete at critical shear wall segments. Collapse spectra are defined for these two collapse limit states. Collapse spectra can be extrapolated from the 2475-year maximum considered earthquake spectrum provided that the prevailing inelastic mechanisms are similar under the MCE and collapse ground motions. The building displays a significantly higher seismic performance at all performance levels, which is primarily attributed to the overstrength due to the limitation of axial stresses on vertical members under design earthquake load combination. The annual frequency of the mean earthquake ground motion that leads to incipient collapse is determined as 8·10−5, which is significantly lower than the annual frequency of 2475-year ground motions.

An investigation on potential use of ice thermal energy storage system as energy source for heat pumps

It has been crystal clear to everyone that ice storage systems provide significant advantages in reducing cooling costs, balancing energy supply and demand profiles, and shaving peak loads. As the main purpose of ice storage systems is for cooling purposes, separate heating systems, such as furnaces, heat pumps, electrical heaters, etc., are required for buildings with heating demands. This work offers to use an ice storage system in the heat pump as the energy source. Comprehensive thermodynamic and economic analyses are conducted to assess the proposed system. The proposed system is implemented in an office building in Istanbul, Turkey. Thermodynamic studies indicate that while the overall energetic and exergetic coefficient of performance (COP) values for the ice storage integrated air conditioning (AC) are calculated to be 4.57 and 2.04, respectively, they are 3.99 and 2.12 for the ice storage integrated heat pump. While the yearly operating cost for the traditional AC is 1.9 million TL, it is 0.5 million for the ice storage integrated AC. The annual natural gas consumption cost for heating is 295,000 TL, and 375,000 TL for the ice storage integrated heat pump. The payback period of the ice storage integrated AC and heat pump system is observed to be 4.5 years. It may provide almost 8 million TL savings at the end of 10 years. At the end of the present study, it is reached that the ice storage system has a promising potential to use in heat pumps as a low-temperature energy source. Also, it provides a more environmentally friendly heating operation as it does not require fossil fuels by removing the furnaces or provides higher COP for heat pumps.

İstanbul’da özel konumlarda yer alan bazı son dönem yapıları üzerinden Sinan’ın mimarlığını anlamak

Sinan's last works, which include the designs after the Selimiye Mosque design; while being fed by Sinan's past works, the past has brought a new horizon to the foundation with different design experiments. In this period, some of the buildings outside of Istanbul were built by their assistants; Although there were deviations from the basic principles, Sinan, who took part in the construction processes of the last period buildings in Istanbul with his assistants, brought the structures of special importance to the city in this period. Within the scope of the research, the four structures that Sinan built on the coast of Istanbul, which are considered important in the last periods of his life, and which are at the forefront of the city silhouette; Azapkapı Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, Şemsi Ahmet Pasha Mosque, Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque and Molla Çelebi Mosque, and the Messiah Mehmet Pasha Mosque and Nişancı Mehmet Pasha Mosque in the historical peninsula will be examined. The fact that the mentioned mosques are located on the coastline and/or on the historical peninsula; It will be observed what kind of effects and orientations it causes in the plan plane and in the context of height; At the same time, the structure of the structural system used by Sinan in these last period mosques and the differences in the layout will be examined comparatively. In the conclusion section; The innovations and developments that Sinan brought to the classical period architecture in his last period will be revealed through the design decisions applied in mosques and complexes in important urban points, which were examined in detail throughout the study.

Electricity Demand Forecasting of Hospital Buildings in Istanbul

Electricity demand forecasting is essential for utilities. For the consumer, predictability of demand is vital for efficient operation, installation, sizing and maintenance planning. Hospitals, which are among the institutions with high-energy consumption, provide uninterrupted service 24 h a day, 7 days a week. Every hospital building is unique, and many do not conform to a typical shape or floor plan. Depending on the services provided, each hospital can differ significantly in terms of energy demand. Therefore, demand forecasting is one of the most complex elements of hospital construction. Although there are many studies on energy optimization related to hospital buildings in the literature, there is a knowledge gap regarding the maximum power estimation of hospitals. In this study, the annual electrical energy use of 23 public hospitals with over 100 beds in Istanbul is measured, and after determining the monthly peak loads, two new forecasting models are generated using regression techniques for maximum demand forecasting. It is determined that the design criteria used in power calculations in hospitals was very high. A positive result was obtained from the linear regression technique, which is one of the basic regression techniques, and it was shown that the maximum power needs of the hospital can be estimated with great confidence by determining a new design factor in the light of the determined values. This study allows designers to set maximum demands and select transformer and generator sizes with a single formula.

TV drama production studios of Istanbul: From empty sound stages to standing sets

This study explores the transformation of production spaces from empty sound stages to standing sets, drawing on the findings from fieldwork involving 14 key players; studio owners and managers, screenwriters and art directors. The sets containing standing decors of hospital rooms, police stations, jails and courtrooms, transformed from abandoned factories, warehouses and administrative buildings in Istanbul, mostly lack proper infrastructure and appropriate security measures. Examining their transformation shows that the demanded and repeated storylines of the Turkish TV series also shape these locations and create a cheap and fast studio system based on supply and demand, putting creativity and security of the crews into question. The research also aims to contribute to the critical debate about the production studies focusing solely on the means of production and excluding the text and the audience, with showing the need for a more comprehensive approach. In order to apprehend the intertwined relationship between production, representation and consumption, this study examines the links between the formation of the production spaces, the content of the TV series and the ratings.

Systematic Evaluation of the Emergency Accommodation Potential of Existing Public Buildings

Adaptive reuse (AR) —the process of adapting existing buildings for new purposes can be an effective post-disaster strategy to shelter displaced people in densely built environments. As the literature documents no systematic tools to measure the suitability of existing buildings as collective shelters, this paper presents a multi-criteria shelter assessment tool (CS/ARP) for pre-disaster and rapid post-disaster uses. The study aims to discuss the CS/ARP methods’ potentials and provide evidence-based arguments for proactive disaster preparedness along with possible BIM and GIS connections. The proposed tool was tested through an in-depth case study involving the assessments of 3 school buildings in Istanbul. The assessments containing 119 categorized criteria under scorable assessment forms, facilitate the selection of the best building options among alternatives in a predetermined urban area. Decision-makers, designers and researchers may benefit from the proposed assessment approach with a specific focus on the temporary use of existing buildings with high digitalization potential.

URBAN TRANSFORMATION PROGRESS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE (RC) AND MASONRY-MIXED BUILDINGS IN ISTANBUL

Istanbul city is the center of increasing industrialization in Turkey with proportionally developing problems, such as distorted settlements, and slums, etc. The rapid migration to Istanbul, which is located in the earthquake hazard risk zone, has resulted in a raised population and these structures. Urban regeneration/transformation/planning is expressed as a comprehensive action plan that aims to provide a lasting solution to be economic, physical, social, and environmental conditions of a diverting region to solve the problems in the cities. This paper analyzes the urban transformation process and applications of reinforced concrete (RC) and masonry or mixed masonry-RC buildings in Istanbul within the scope of the urban planning law called “Law on Transformation of Areas at Risk of Natural Disaster” (Law No. 6306 dated 2012). To reach this goal, a total of 400 risky building forms with 150 RC buildings as well as 250 masonry-mixed buildings considered according to Law No. 6306 is compiled and evaluated as risky building data. The general characteristics of the RC and masonry-mixed buildings in Istanbul are determined by a date range of such as 2012–2020. With the results obtained from the paper, significant contributions have been made to the knowledge and technological capabilities at the international/national level.