An analyze on contributions of courtyards in building in terms of sustainability in architecture - an evaluation on examples in marmara region

The courtyard can be defined as a special space limited in architectural designs; however, the fact that courtyards are treated as a living space and their potential is recognized shows that they are more than just a void. From the ancient times, every society has created courtyards that reflect their religious beliefs, cultural and social experiences. The fact that yard use has an important role in terms of sustainable architecture cannot be denied. According to the Brundland Report, sustainability is defined as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". In this context, the first part of this thesis examines the concept of sustainability in terms of its basic features and in the second part in terms of general and architectural features. While the interior of the courtyard creates an outer space feeling, vegetation areas and micro-climatic environments in the structure of the courtyard create a common social space that is different from the external environment. In the third chapter, the concept of common space is examined and a detailed examination of the common spaces developed within the historical process is studied. In the fourth chapter, the definition of common space concepts at the building level was made and common exterior and interior spaces at the building level related to nature were examined while the common interiors were compared in terms of sustainability. In the literature, there are many and various courtyard typologies. In this thesis, a typology has been made and a table has been developed by taking into consideration of the opportunities provided by the courtyards to the building in terms of sustainability. In the sixth chapter, 13 different commercial and educational structures in the Marmara Region and the contributions of courtyards to these structures were examined and evaluated in terms of sustainability.