Mimari maket fotoğrafçılığı: Mimarlık kültüründe bir araç

Model photography has been practiced for a long time in the field of architecture; however, it has not been described as a different genre, and no specialized studies have been done on the subject until the 2010s. This thesis aims to show that model photography has filled a gap for the representation of architecture with its intrinsic features as a visual document and with its potential for different uses. The model has been used throughout the history of humankind, as a means of carrying information of different qualities, while it maintained its reference to physical reality and the human body. Under the influence of socio-cultural changes, not only the practice of architecture has been transformed, but also the main functions of the model have been differentiated. Photography had a transforming effect on the model's representational characteristics, functions, and its relationship with human beings. This thesis explores the features of model photography through essential developments in the history of this medium of representation. Then, it conveys the significant experiences of the actors who used model photography to design, experiment, document, and communicate in the field of architecture. The potential of model photography will be examined in the universal context, so the pioneering cases of this medium will be presented. Finally, in order to develop the arguments, and in accordance with the findings of the thesis, the basic functions of model photography, and the effects of technological developments which are related with model photography, on the architectural practice will be discussed.