In traditional Şanlıurfa residences analysis of biophilic elements and their evaluation within the scope of biophilic design criteria

Since the beginning of human existence, humans have tended to change nature for a comfortable life. While utilizing the teachings of nature to support health and well-being, they are harmoniously connected to nature. However, technological advances and changes in design dynamics have negatively affected the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. The decreased interaction with nature and natural processes in design fiction has restricted human-nature interaction. For this reason, designers have developed the concept of "Biophilic Design" to ensure the continuity of this interaction and establish a sustainable relationship between humans and nature. This design practice, introduced by Kellert and Wilson in 2005, has been proven with significant quantitative data supporting human well-being. Although biophilic design is adopted as a contemporary approach, some historical buildings contain biophilic elements. Traditional Sanliurfa houses, where climate and social structure are determinants in space production, are among these historical buildings that contain biophilic elements. Through spatial readings, this study reveals the design elements that support well-being in historical residential buildings. Field studies conducted in selected residences in the historical city center of Sanliurfa and literature reviews on "Biophilic Design" constituted the study's data source. Biophilic elements in traditional Sanliurfa houses are analyzed under two sub-headings: "Sociobiophilic Elements" and "Physiobiophilic Elements". Evaluation criteria were determined based on the biophilic features in the studies of Ryan et al. (2014). Biophilic elements were evaluated through tables and charts. This analysis and synthesis study has identified the identity elements, existence dynamics, and some understandings of the period of the buildings examined. This research is intended to be a resource for designs that support human well-being and include natural processes in today's living space planning. Keywords: Biophilic Design, Human-Nature Relationship, Traditional Sanliurfa House, Historic Building