Bioclimatic architecture and Traditional Houses in Diyarbakir

Today although a contemporary house or apartment is built with new materials according to technology and regulations to provide a satisfactory microclimate within the building, it is difficult to say they are successful comparing with a house that is constructed with traditional methods and materials even built by a non-architect. In this paper microclimatic elements of traditional Diyarbakýr houses are determined systemically comparing with the typology, design features that makes a house sustainable, ecological and environmental influence. Traditional Diyarbakýr houses that is constructed in a castle are courtyard type. They are inward looking and their sizes and complexities are different according to owner’s power, social status, building site, privacy with five different plan typology. User requirements, desire, personality and habits are connected with socioeconomic and socio-cultural values. Social experiences, visions, beliefs, ethical principles those are sourced from nature and living styles have affected the traditional Diyarbakýr housing architecture. The reflections of the culture and civilization with the integration of environment and material in physical space can be seen in traditional Diyarbakýr houses. Houses those are constructed with traditional and materials even built by a non architect or architecture without architect. Microclimatic elements these are used in traditional house are natural, for example the use of stone or wood that designates the size of the house. The main aim of traditional way is to decrease the stress of the climate. So these make all old settlements seems more successful and architecturally more interesting. Climatic conditions and social structure has been played an important role in the shaping of the interior and exterior spaces of the traditional Diyarbakýr houses. User requirements, desire, personality and habits are connected with socioeconomic and socio-cultural values. Social experiences, visions, beliefs, ethical principles those are sourced from nature and living styles have affected the traditional Diyarbakýr housing architecture. The reflections of the culture and civilization with the integration of environment and material in physical space can be seen in traditional Diyarbakýr houses. In this paper microclimatic elements of traditional Diyarbakýr houses are determined systemically comparing with the typology, design features that makes a house sustainable, ecological and environmental influence.