Passive systems utilizations in urban design: The case of Milas

Rapid urban growth has caused various environmental problems and introduced us with new concepts. In this rapid growth process, resources are used unconsciously and unprotectedly. In contrast to traditional settlements modern settlements preferred mechanical methods to natural ones, using modern technology for maximum output instead of optimum usage of natural resources passively. As a result, built environments faced new problems; such as greenhouse effects, ozone depletion, and environmental pollution. Natural environment, the comfort of urban life, human psychology and also health is affected negatively by these problems. Owing to the fact that natural data is not taken into account and not evaluated as essential, we need more energy in controlling the human effect on climate in our modern life. This has resulted in uncomfortable and unhealthy environments in urban areas. Whereas, the most important factor in shaping the traditional settlements is nature, and the passive usage of natural resources such as sun, wind and light. In view of the fact that most of our problems are caused by built environments and the human domination of nature for energy resources, it can be easily seen that the solution must be found in a nature-based approach. Although there is research and practices using passive systems such as passive house at building scale, there is limited number of comprehensive studies at urban scale. Therefore, this study concerns nature-based strategies in urban environment. Existing research and applications about passive systems in the building scale are important guidelines for the study, which is an attempt for a comprehensive study on passive systems at urban scale. The aims of this thesis are; to define the problems of urban areas related with nature, to define the passive system and its relations with urban design, to indicate the necessity of using passive systems as a design element, to indicate the relationship between energy efficiency and passive systems, to evaluate vernacular architecture and living beings' adaptation to be inspired, to describe passive system strategies at urban scale in detail, and to create detailed theoretical output about passive system to use as an urban design guideline. Beside the theoretical framework, there will be a review of an existing area that if these passive strategies is used or not. For this reason, on the chosen example theoretical knowledge will be evaluated in the context of passive systems. According to passive system strategies, which will be gained by literature survey, passive strategies will be evaluated. The study comprised of five chapters; -The first part is an introductory chapter for the articulation of general approach, -The second chapter mentions about the basic terms with analyses about climate and climate constituents and the possible utilization of these analyses in the design process. -The third expands on the historiography of passive system utilization and articulates the solutions for passive heating and cooling strategies conducted in by traditional settlements. -In the fourth chapter, study elaborates urban passive strategies that have been compiled from traditional historical settlements, which is based on benefiting from factors like sun and wind on the optimum level. To articulate the potentials and effects of design tools on passive climatization like; • urban form and density, • proper locating and orientation, • form of fabrication, • street orientation, • solar volume and • landscape design is the main aim of this chapter. In the last chapter, the study takes Milas as a case study, which has traditional settlement fabric and evaluates the role and importance of passive climatization strategies in the traditional settlements. Milas is preferred as a settlement because of its proper location and comfortable microclimatic condition. Its traditional settlement fabric expose that it is shaped by passive climatization strategies. Urban form and density, proper locating and orientation, form of fabrication, street orientation, solar volume and landscape design are used as a design tools on passive climatization in Milas traditional settlement.