Analysis of the Structure and Design Relationship between Contemporary Extensions and Remodeled Masonry Buildings

Abstract

Old buildings are valuable in transferring the culture for further generations. They need to be sustained for future by renovating and converting. In the adapting process of these old buildings new extensions are required to create additional spaces because of the functional changes. In this process, qualities of the existing building should be preserved but it should not be forgotten that being respectful to the existing building does not mean to copy the same style. Masonry structures bring some limitations while adding new extensions however these challenges make building unique in terms of identity. This research investigates the relationship between the existing building and its extension in terms of structural system and design approach. Extensions can be grouped in 5 categories: integrated, attached, inserted, wrapped and pierced. This categorization is done according to the location within the existing fabric. This research focuses on the extensions to masonry buildings; however extensions to the other types of contemporary buildings are beyond the scope of this study. Besides, the research is limited to the public buildings such as cultural and commercial buildings from different countries. The data is collected through analysis of the buildings which take place in the literature and an empirical research. 20 case studies are selected randomly from the literature and categorized according to the location of the extension within the existing building. Secondly, effect of extension to the structure and the design approach has been examined. Lastly, an empirical research has been done under the light of the analysis of Kadir Has University. This campus has been selected as the field study of the thesis. Finally, evaluations of the results have been discussed in the conclusion. The study emphasizes the constraints that must be cared in the extension design and because of this it claims to be a reference for the designers working on existing fabric. Remodeling is a crucial issue since old buildings are aesthetic, cultural and economic resources. The main goal of the research is to raise the awareness of the issue and to create a base for the other researchers as a guideline to develop this study further.