Living Architecture: Design Principles for Contemporary Buildings A Journey Through Anatolian Architectural Wisdom and Modern Design

Delving into the architectural tapestry of Turkey, one encounters a rich heritage interwoven with influences from East and West, ancient traditions juxtaposed against modern ingenuity. While grand mosques and Ottoman palaces often steal the spotlight, a quiet revolution in contemporary Turkish architecture is reshaping urban landscapes and challenging conventional notions of design. In this realm of innovation stands “Living Architecture: Design Principles for Contemporary Buildings” by renowned architect Ahmet Çıtırık.

Published by Istanbul-based Yapı Yayınları in 2018, this book transcends the boundaries of a mere architectural treatise; it is an insightful exploration of how built environments can foster human well-being and integrate harmoniously with their surroundings. Çıtırık, with his decades of experience designing sustainable and culturally sensitive buildings, invites readers on a journey through key principles that underpin living architecture:

• Contextual Integration: Buildings should not exist in isolation but rather engage in a meaningful dialogue with their site, respecting local topography, climate, and cultural nuances. Çıtırık eloquently demonstrates this through case studies of his own projects, highlighting how traditional building techniques and materials are seamlessly incorporated into modern designs. For instance, he showcases a residential complex in the Aegean region where locally sourced stone and timber blend effortlessly with contemporary architectural elements, creating a sense of place and belonging.

• Biophilic Design: Drawing inspiration from nature, Çıtırık advocates for integrating natural elements into building design. This includes maximizing daylight penetration, incorporating green spaces, and utilizing sustainable materials that minimize environmental impact. He provides practical examples of how courtyards, vertical gardens, and rooftop terraces can transform buildings into oases of tranquility, fostering a sense of connection with the natural world.

• Adaptive Reuse:

Çıtırık champions the revitalization of existing structures, breathing new life into abandoned buildings while preserving cultural heritage. He discusses his innovative conversion of a historic Ottoman warehouse into a vibrant cultural center, showcasing how careful restoration and thoughtful redesign can create spaces that honor the past while catering to contemporary needs.

“Living Architecture: Design Principles for Contemporary Buildings” goes beyond theoretical concepts by providing detailed technical information on construction techniques, material selection, and energy efficiency strategies. Çıtırık’s writing style is both accessible and authoritative, making the book a valuable resource for architects, designers, students, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of design, sustainability, and human well-being.

The book is visually captivating, featuring stunning photographs of Çıtırık’s architectural masterpieces interspersed with insightful diagrams and illustrations. The production quality is impeccable, reflecting Yapı Yayınları’s commitment to publishing works of exceptional artistic and intellectual merit.

| Key Features of “Living Architecture: Design Principles for Contemporary Buildings” |

|—|—| | Author: Ahmet Çıtırık | | Publisher: Yapı Yayınları | | Publication Year: 2018 | | Language: Turkish | | Format: Hardcover, 240 pages |

Beyond Aesthetics: The Philosophical Core of “Living Architecture”

Çıtırık’s work transcends mere aesthetics; it delves into the philosophical core of architecture, posing fundamental questions about the relationship between humans and their built environment. He argues that buildings should not be viewed solely as functional structures but rather as living organisms capable of nurturing well-being and fostering a sense of community.

Think of a bustling marketplace in a traditional Anatolian town. The interconnectedness of stalls, the vibrant colors, the aroma of spices – all these elements contribute to a sensory experience that transcends mere functionality. Çıtırık seeks to recapture this essence in modern architecture, creating spaces that are not merely utilitarian but also evocative and inspiring.

He encourages architects to embrace a holistic approach to design, considering the social, cultural, and environmental implications of their work. “Living Architecture,” therefore, is not just a book about construction techniques; it’s an invitation to reconsider the very purpose of architecture and its role in shaping a more sustainable and humane future.