Vernacular architecture and cultural landscape analysis: Antalya Elmalı example

In this study, cultural landscapes and vernacular elements in Elmalı Region of Antalya were analyzed. Landscape characters with 31 variables and vernacular elements such as granaries, mills, grape molasses, orchard houses and beehives with 22 variables were statistically analyzed. Study results showed that landscape characteristics of topography and hydrology played an important role in the location and setting of vernacular elements; construction features in the landscape and construction features of vernacular elements had similarities, where visual dynamic, form, stimulus, pleasure, scale, enclosure, composition and unity were separated from all other characters of landscape and vernacular elements. While modifications on vernacular elements such as granaries which are still used today increases; there were no changes on orchard houses which are not used any longer. This present study is very important for the identification of vernacular elements in scientific literature, their use in new design and their preservation which do not have any legal protection. For this purpose, all building details of the types of vernacular elements in Elmalı Region consisting of plan, intersection and appearance were determined representing what kind of material and traditional building techniques were used which would provide valuable source of model for future design ideas. Outcomes of the study included cultural landscape, vernacular elements as well as relation between both will be useful scientific information as well as basic data for an integrated protection of landscape with its vernacular elements and source of data that concerning different professional background as well as local administrations.