In the heart of Istanbul, a historic building by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan is serving as a canvas for a groundbreaking study that could redefine how we approach contemporary additions to historic structures. Mihrimah Şenalp, an architect and researcher from the Department of Architecture at Konya Technical University, is leading the charge, exploring how to optimize natural lighting and visual comfort in these sensitive interventions.
The study, published in the *Journal of Daylighting* (known in Turkish as *Gündüz Aydınlatma Dergisi*), focuses on the increasing trend of enclosing open courtyards in historic buildings, particularly madrasahs from the Ottoman era. “These interventions, while necessary for re-functioning, can often lead to unintended consequences like the greenhouse effect, compromising indoor comfort,” Şenalp explains. Her research aims to address this issue by developing a methodology to assess and optimize roof covering designs.
The model Şenalp and her team have developed is a two-phase process. The first phase involves a visual harmony analysis using parametric model pattern alternatives created in Rhinoceros3D/Grasshopper3D. The second phase focuses on optimizing visual comfort parameters, including spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDIuseful), Upper Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDIupper), and Daylight Glare Probability (DGP). The optimal pattern is determined by evaluating various properties of transparent surfaces such as solar heat gain, light transmittance, and area using the Ladybug and Honeybee plugins. The options are generated via the Colibri plugin.
The case study chosen for this investigation is one of Mimar Sinan’s buildings in Istanbul. The construction system proposed for this intervention uses steel for the structure and ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) for the transparent surfaces. The outcomes demonstrate the model’s feasibility for such interventions, offering a promising approach to balancing historical preservation with modern functionality.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector and the construction industry at large. By optimizing natural lighting and visual comfort, buildings can reduce their reliance on artificial lighting and cooling systems, leading to substantial energy savings. Moreover, the methodology developed by Şenalp and her team could serve as a blueprint for future projects involving contemporary additions to historic buildings.
“This research is not just about preserving the past; it’s about creating a sustainable future,” Şenalp states. Her work highlights the potential of integrating advanced computational tools with traditional architecture, paving the way for innovative solutions that respect historical contexts while meeting modern standards of comfort and efficiency.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of energy conservation and historical preservation, studies like Şenalp’s offer a beacon of hope. They demonstrate that with the right tools and approaches, it is possible to bridge the gap between the old and the new, creating spaces that are both functional and respectful of their heritage. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from these advancements, as the drive towards energy-efficient buildings gains momentum.