Historical voids in urban area and evaluation of di̇vanyolu case

In this study, the conservation of the urban voids in historical areas is investigated. The definition of the urban void and its formations, classification and conservation problems are discussed. The value of voids which is as an excluded area from conservation discipline until recently is explained and their important role in the historical and cultural sustainability of the city is emphasized. The examinations of Divanyolu and its surroundings are the scope of this study. An attention is given to the formations of urban voids by investigating the definitions and explanations of the urban voids in literature. Urban void types created by self-existing geographical regions and planned areas are described. The voids in urban settlements are classified into three sections such as horizontal, vertical and other voids. The horizontal voids which are respectively the unbuilt areas in the ground plane are the roads, squares, green spaces, water feature and watersides, courtyards, inner block voids and hard ground gardens. The cemeteries and archeological sites are examined as the other voids, while the topics of gauge and silhouette are studied as the vertical voids. The voids which are determined by the planar limits and the monumental structures form the vertical voids. Statutes and laws regarding the voids in conservation area are summarized and the physical and socio-cultural significance of the voids is emphasized. Finally, the situations which threaten and destroy the voids are discussed in the section of conservation problems of urban voids. Urban voids are analyzed with the example of Divanyolu and its surroundings in the context of plan, silhouette and volumetric perception. The situation and problems for conservation of Divanyolu are evaluated by urban void rates and other analysed data. The changes in urban voids from past to present are underlined and the current situation and historical modifications are determined in historical and multilayered areas. In conclusion, urban voids are the rare areas of reaching the historical layers of the city and form climatic and culturally mandatory urban spaces. On the other hand, increasing density of constructions in old towns increases the tendency to fill the empty spaces. Yet, maintaining historic voids' existence is only possible by preventing their uncontrollable destruction horizontally and vertically. Therefore, conservation approaches should be developed by taking into account the fact that the conservation of the historical environment is feasible by conserving the historical voids. By this approach, conserving historical voids and evaluating them as a conservation required asset is suggested.