Use of transparent materials in architectural restoration practices

Although transparency practices have been found in buildings since ancient times, it has only gained its current meaning with the development of technology and materials. Transparency, which is welcomed with interest in modern architecture, has also had an important place in architectural restoration practices. There are some principles to be followed in architectural restoration practices, which are regulated by relevant organizations and fixed by international and national documents. It has been seen that there is a need for a study on the compliance of the use of not only glass but also all transparent materials with the mentioned principles in restoration practices. Within the scope of the study, firstly, the historical development of the concept of transparency is discussed as a basis for the following chapters. Then, transparent building materials in the market are introduced and some technical information about these materials is given. Within the framework of the understanding of conservation of historical buildings, types of interventions and international documents, the criteria determined in the design of different materials or additions in historical buildings were investigated. Finally, answers to the research questions are sought by analyzing various restoration practices from Turkey and the world. The examples were compiled with all the information in the literature and the data obtained were evaluated. The study gains importance by addressing the controversial issues that have been solved with transparency in restoration practices. It is aimed to examine the concept of transparency comprehensively and to present an original study with a different perspective by focusing on transparent materials other than glass. As a result, the evaluations aim to shed light on the restoration practices that should be guided by the use of transparent materials in line with the current state of the historical building, its new function and its compliance with international regulations.