Spatial change in vernacular house: Buyukkonuk Village (Kom-i Kebir), Northern Cyprus case

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to identify the spatial changes in three basic rural-vernacular Cypriot housing typologies (Figure A) with their space connection types, and to discuss their spatial differences by comparing the changed versions with the original ones. Within the scope of the study, Buyukkonuk Village (Kom-i Kebir) has been chosen for the field research, as it has sustained the authentic characteristics of the rural -vernacular architecture of Cyprus. These houses are undergoing noticeable changes in terms of spatiality and functionality, based on changing living conditions and user profiles. Originally built by Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, today they are settled by Turkish Cypriots and Turks who emigrated from Turkey. Theory and Methods: Space syntax was carried out in building scale for comparing original and changed versions of 10 houses representing three types of basic rural-vernacular house types, by a comprehensive configurative analysis. In order to apply equations of the method, the space organizations were illustrated through justified graphs. Additionally, integration values, basic differentiation factors, depth maps and spatial connection types of both original and changed versions have been provided. Results: Initially, the change in the degree of privacy is examined through grading from the most integrated space to the most segregated. Secondly, the most homogeneous and loose structures have been selected according to basic differentiation factor averages. Thirdly, the changes in the connection types of closed, semi-open or open authentic spaces have been examined; and new emerging spaces with new connection types are determined. As a result of the findings, changes in the original spatial organization supported by the changes in the types of space connections, are dissociated according to different types of rural-vernacular houses. Out of the three types, it can be said that the 'units with outer hall' is the most resistant type to change. Conclusion: The similarity of how two different cultures express themselves in a spatial order in rural-vernacular dwellings, or the cultural and social features they add to the spaces due to rapid modernization, shows that the changes in housing were not influenced by cultural differences, but user needs arising from other factors as climate, comfort and security were more effective.