The proposed methodology can be considered a comprehensive and appropriate approach to the reconstruction of demolished or destroyed buildings, and is conducted in six stages, with each stage providing data for the subsequent stages. Fig. 2 presents the methodological approach to perform the reconstruction process.
The first stage involves a historical research, for which historical documents such as specifications, photographs, official decisions and maps related to the building were obtained. Then, the common building typologies, structural elements and material properties from the time the building was first constructed were investigated. The obtained information served as reference data for the examined building.
In the second stage, georadar measurements were carried out in the area in which the building was located to identify any remains or possible archeological findings that may have belonged to the original building. Any anomalies that could indicate the presence of foundation ruins detected in the georadar study were investigated with archeological excavations, and any findings uncovered by the excavation work were documented and removed from the site for exhibition at an appropriate location.
In the third stage, the plan and façade features of the building were ascertained from the data obtained in the first two stages. Accordingly, the size of the building spaces and their relationships with each other were calculated, and the features of the interior doors and windows, the window forms on the façade and the cascading were determined. At this stage, the construction type and techniques were investigated and the material properties of all structural and non-structural elements were determined. In cases where the planning scheme of a demolished building cannot be obtained, the plan types of buildings from the same period are considered, from which floor plans and façade features can be prepared. The Süleymaniye district, where the examined building is located, has experienced many fires and earthquakes, and so new materials with appropriate seismic and fire-resistant properties should be used in buildings to be constructed in the area. The use of original materials (especially timber) can be financially difficult for the user due to the constant maintenance costs and unsustainable use. Currently, the reconstructions of such buildings is quite laborious and expensive, and furthermore, user satisfaction is linked to specific features of the building related to low heat loss, sound-acoustic performance and new technological infrastructures. For example, the original guillotine windows on the exterior façade lead to significant heat loss as the original details of these windows cannot prevent heat transitions, thus increasing the heating costs of the building. Moreover, insulation and plaster coatings to the inner surfaces of external walls both prevent water penetration and provide thermal insulation at the maximum level. Also, an elevator system had to be included in the design to make the building disabled-friendly, which was not a requirement in the original building. In this case, it may be apparent to users that the reconstruction works were carried out considering the different construction periods. The results of these initial project stages were submitted to the relevant municipalities and cultural asset protection boards for approval, as a mandatory step prior to the launch of the next phase.
In the fourth stage, boreholes were drilled, and seismic refraction and surface wave analyses were carried out to determine the soil characteristics. The data obtained in this stage were used in a structural numerical analysis.
In the fifth stage, the original building system, the applied construction techniques and the construction materials may be revised considering seismic effects, functional requirements, and the building-environment relationship. In other words, sometimes original building plans may not be considered. In this case, a new spatial organization to suit the new function of the building was arranged for the reconstruction project, ensuring the original façade layout was maintained along with its material properties. On the other hand, the use of modern building materials may be preferred instead of the original materials to suit the new function, although in this case the construction area and plan features of the building were preserved. A structural model was prepared based on the selected steel-frame construction system, and considering seismic effects, a numerical analysis of the model was carried out, and thus the dimensions of the structural members were determined. Final design and construction projects were then prepared based on images of the original façade and the plan features of the building utilizing all the obtained data.
In the sixth and final stage, the prepared reconstruction project proposal was submitted to the relevant municipalities and cultural assets protection boards for approval, and after approval was granted, the tender and contract phases were completed. During the application process, the structural members were produced and transported to the construction site, and the construction began.
1. Historical dataOld maps, drawings, plansDocuments, PhotographsPeriod analysis/TypologyArt history research2. Site survey & BoardGeoradar measurementsElectromagnetic studyArcheological excavationDocumenting / Removing3. Plan of the original building & ApprovalPlan properties & FacadeConstruction typeMaterial properties1st Approval by National council on monuments approval4. Field & LaboratorySampling (Soil)Lab testsSeismic refractionSurface wave analysis5. Design & AnalysisFunctional requirementsBuilding-environment rel.Construction techniqueNumerical analysis6. Operation & ApprovalFinal Approval by National council on monumentsBid & ContractMaterial supplyConstruction stage
The original building served as a residence and a school building, however the University had no need for a building with such functions and so the floor plan of the building was redesigned to include technical office spaces, in accordance with the needs of the University. The sustainability of a building depends on its usefulness and its satisfaction of requirements. Since the original interior details (layout, materials and configuration) were unknown, instead of a fictive interior design, a building was designed that met the current needs of the University, but with its original appearance, thus contributing to the preservation of the historical memory, and the project was sent to the Ministry of Culture Protection Board for approval. The original load-bearing system could not be adopted due to the current seismic regulations related to public buildings. Furthermore, while the maintenance and sustainability of timber buildings is possible for relatively small structures, in the present case, it was not applicable due to the size of the building.
A reconstruction project was prepared for the site, which is detailed on the 1/1000 conservation master plan, and was granted approval by the relevant conservation board. The application was made in accordance with the approved project. We believe the contribution of the project to the cultural environment to be very high. Since the project site is within the Süleymaniye quarter, it attracts the attention of many local and foreign visitors, and a sign has been placed at the entrance informing visitors that the building has been reconstructed. The intention in the project was not to create a new history, but to offer a common value and make to contribute to the cultural environment and the University.
Literature contains many studies charting the reconstruction of buildings that have been damaged or collapsed as a result of an earthquake, and in these approaches, the existing/available materials associated with the buildings that were affected by seismic effects have been used in the reconstruction process. The methodology presented here is proposed for buildings that have been intentionally demolished or destroyed many years ago of which there are no surviving materials or ruins other than the foundations. Hence, the proposed approach differs from other methodologies in certain aspects, and so can be considered appropriate for demolished or destroyed masonry or timber buildings.