Parasites on architecture: An assessment of building additions in Mahmutpasa, Istanbul

The goal of this thesis work is to document (see p:1) of building additions in Mahmutpaşa Street, İstanbul, considering their contributions and impacts on the built and cultural environment of the city. A compilation of relevant examples of global parasite architecture is provided for extensive insight to the field. Mahmutpaşa neighbourhood, a vivid shopping area in the historical peninsula of Istanbul is in constant change and adaptation, in regard to its built environment. To be able to grasp the change better, Mahmutpaşa is examined in terms of its historical, locational, sociocultural and economic structure. Building additions, as the main object of this work, are studied in multiple aspects. All additions are classified in terms of structure, use, places attached; roof, facade and field. The practical background of these interventions as well as their impacts on the host structures are presented. A global understanding of parasitism in biology and architecture is provided in this thesis as a basis of evaluation . Growing needs in a period of advancing technology is also taken into consideration. Within the framework of the study the ''Municipal Sanitation Project in Fatih District'' is assessed in terms of objectives, approach and coverage. Based on this assessment, a resilient system to prevent further damage to the built heritage while allowing adaptation to changing conditions is proposed in a preliminary form for further examination. Cultural and economical sustainability, minimized environmental footprint, ability to cope with versatility in user preferences are the corner stones of the new spatial system.