Examination of the effects of solar radiation on the development and movement of the urban design and planning process: A case study on the city of Siirt

Human communities have shaped their settlements in line with the efficient use of the sun, which is the most basic energy source, and have introduced various urban planning criteria. Solar radiation, which plays an important role in the definition and planning of urban areas, is a vital factor in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability when used correctly. As in the past, the correct use of solar energy and energy efficiency continue to be important agenda items in architectural and urban design. As a result of the advantages of its geographical location, Turkey has positive value ranges globally in terms of solar radiation values and potential efficiency. It has been evaluated in previous studies that the solar radiation potential of the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey is much higher compared to other regions. The city of Siirt, located in this region, draws attention as a settlement area that receives the phenomenon of solar radiation at different values within the same city scale due to its variable topography. Despite this situation, scientific studies on the solar radiation potential of Siirt are not yet at a sufficient level. In the study, it was investigated whether the urban design and planning orientation of the city of Siirt, which has been shaped over the years, progresses in accordance with the solar energy efficient urban orientation and growth. In terms of scope, the study was carried out within the borders of the central district of Siirt. ArcMap, one of the GIS (Geographic Information System) applications and urban solar data of the General Directorate of Meteorology were used as a method in the study. The average solar radiation maps of the central district were prepared by combining the topography map and solar radiation data created through the ArcMap application. After these steps, the topography data and solar radiation data in the central district were analyzed and the suitability of the urban design and planning orientation of the central district was evaluated. As a result of the study, it has been determined that the urban orientation at the central district scale and the average sun and topography data are not compatible to a large extent. It has been determined that the appropriate orientation route for the central district is east and northeast directions where the solar radiation potential is higher, in contrast to the northeast direction where the current development is progressing.