An analyses about urban topography as a form and structure; in the case of Galata

This research contains four different parts which are evaluated with effections of form and structure of urban topography and its layers. According to previous studies, in this research, it's been aimed to show the potential of urban topography, how its physical and wavy changes, effects the architecture of the city in comparison with every urban layer. Also, this is an explanation for how topography integrated itself with architecture of the city and suggests a way of thinking constructions in cities as changable form and structures, while dealing urban issues. In first chapter, the definition of urban topography is described and expanded with its relationship with city. Reasons of choosen of this study are explained in the subtitles of aim, scope and method. Chapter continues with scientific literature, how previous researches discussed that topic in studies, approaches and projects in a cronogically arrangement. In second chapter, there is an expanded definition and explanation of urban topography. Also relationship between urban topography and settlements is studied. After that, explanations about meaning of form and structure in urban topography are taking place in this part. Also layerization of topography is very effective on structure. Because of that, these layers are analysed as 'natural' and 'artificial' elements. With layerization, a new concept appears to discuss: Borders in urban topography. In this context, city walls and edges are described as border elements. And it is possible to observe natural and artificial layers and borders as a whole structure in urban silhouette. And it's been detailed, representation of form and structure in urban silhouette in this chapter. In third chapter, Galata's importance as the case area is explained. What is important for Galata and other parts of Istanbul is; city became 'a city' with its unique topography. And there must be critic for topography of Istanbul, in this research its tried to done about Galata. While making deep researches, its been understood that to analyse Galata one must start with its history, 'historical topography'. Early movements in Galata started in Pagan period of Istanbul. And 'Pagan Period of Galata and Istanbul' is really important to understand and think about topography. Because, first movements on topography are started at this era. In the context of cultural and historical topography of Galata, metamorphosis of the district are detailed from city's Pagan period to today. Than, with an evaluation of form and structure of Galata today, natural form and structure of topography is explained with water, land and climate factors. Position of the district, land form and interaction with water surface of district are deatiled in this part. Artificial topography is evaluated as an urban pattern with constructions and networks are faired. Possibility of modelling and dimensioning structure is explained in details by analysing constructions and narrow streets and hardscape topography. In different slope levels, type of fictioning artificial effect, its settlement, perspectives and point of views are being analyzed with diagrams, drawings, photos. Also, effects of cruise ships which are anchored in Karaköy Pier are identified about their effections to the whole topography of Galata beyond its historical and identical roots. And expression of cruise ships on water surface is explained as a part of topography. Another issue is towards Galata Tower, human scale is missing with the effect of increasing slope, narrow streets and building heights. It's also recognized from 19th century paintings of İbrahim Safi, on the top of topography there hadn't been strict changes or construction. But one or two floor was added on top of some houses. This situation caused vertical changes in topography and relationship in scale between human and space. These findings are discussed in artificial topography part of Galata. 'Defensive walls' and 'coastline' as border elements of Galata are evaluated for their effections on topography. Instead of defensive walls as borders on land, today there is wide main streets and fullfilled coastline is damaging topography on the edge. Also The New Haliç Metro Bridge becomes an important border for Galata by passing above remaining old Genoese walls. This situation is analyzed in topographical borders of Galata part. All the natural, artificial forms and border elements in Galata are creating an urban structure together. And as a representation of this rising and expanding urban structure Galata silhouette is evaluated in three different point of views in city. These are Haydarpaşa, Süleymaniye and The New Haliç Metro Bridge. In this way, both Galata's urban silhouette and its position in Istanbul's urban silhouette are analyzed. In addition, other constructions in city also reflecting Galata's urban silhouette. It is observed that what happens in city, directly effects Galata. In this chapter, as a visual representation of Galata, it's tried to analyse in local and urban context. In fourth chapter, results and evaluations of this research are explained. In this research, architectural mappings, diagrams, remodellization of old maps, urban sections and perspectives are used for analyzing and evaluating all the processes described above. In addition to that, in appendix, detailed urban sections and drawings, engravings, old maps, paintings and photos of Galata from Pagan era to today are added as an album. The aim of this album, presenting datas about evaluations of topography in Galata from the beginning. First, three urban sections added to make an analyse of today's situation. After sections, generally old engravings and paintings added to describe early situation of Galata. Those paintings are added to help to create an imaginary sceene for readers. At the same time, paintings are great sources and heritage to analyse, think and generate new ideas about architecture of cities. In addition to that, all of these materials are comparisoned with today's situation. This comparisons provided a good perspective to this research to evaluate a city's topography with its evolution and roots.