Sustainability in Rural Settlements: Adatepe and Demircikoy in Ayvacik Town in Canakkale

Abstract

Although the term 'Sustainability' in architecture was introduced in 'Brundtlord report' in 1987, it has been in use since the time of Vitruvius and can be observed frequently in traditional architecture. On a closer look on the today design strategy trends, it can be observed that the vernacular architecture already utilizes basic principles of sustainability. Impact of cultural and social life of the locals also plays an important role in the formation of the traditional architecture. When we look at the vernacular architecture in context of sustainable design criteria, it is understood that the settlements are compatible to the topographic features, and it is planned according to climate data and natural structure. As the people in rural areas are not familiar with the terms; sustainability and ecology, they prefer the variety of the products of consumption economy. This paper will discuss about the architectural features of the towns Adatepe and Demircikoy through the ecologic criteria. The vernacular houses in these towns will be analyzed in three main topics; the construction, the materials, and the spatial organization, which can be used in a roadmap for planning the future of the rural settlements in Canakkale region.