Assesment of Safranbolu traditional settlement structure in terms of ecological urban design

Traditional settlement areas are sensitive landscapes with their own urban structure characteristics, cultural and historical values. Protection and continuity of these characteristic sites are very significant for the sustainability of the civilization identity and culture. In this context ecological design aims to improve ecological functioning, preserve and generate resources for human use, and foster a more resilient approach to design and management of our built environments. Safranbolu, chosen as the study area, is a traditional settlement area located in Western Black Sea Region. Safranbolu has a status of first degree natural and urban protected area. The World Heritage Committee has inscribe city of Safranbolu on the World Heritage List with historical, cultural and natural landscape features. Safranbolu is one of the important areas in terms of ecological balance and cultural richness that must be conserved for its valuable characteristics. In this study will examine that city of Safranbolu based on sustainability in the planning and design integrity. With this aim, the data will be transferred to maps by using Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. The potential to be a sustainable settlement of the area will be determined and will be conducted questionnaire study to ensure that public participation to design. The data obtained as a result of the study will be analyzed for the sustainability of the area determined by the principles of ecological design and had developed suggestions.