THE EFFECTS OF TOURISM ON HISTORICAL AND NEW BUILDINGS IN THE CITY CENTER: A CASE STUDY IN AYVALIK CITY CENTER, TURKEY

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of tourism and user density, which can directly affect the structures located on the periphery of the historical city square, on the function and silhouette of historical and new buildings. Hypothesis: The user density brought by tourism to the city square affects the function and silhouette of the buildings facing the square. Method: A field study was carried out to test the hypothesis. In the field study, the changes that the city center has undergone in the historical process, the functional changes of the buildings in the city center, today's functions and facades are examined. In the examination of the facades, various sources were used and evaluated under the main headings of mass/form, facade layout, floor heights and materials. Results: As a result of this study, it has been determined that the buildings that make up the silhouette of Ayvalık City Center are mostly shaped by the commercial function and the new buildings are mainly designed with the use of glass facade elements, while in historical buildings, changes have occurred in this context on the ground floors, and the signboards have become the main element of the silhouette. Conclusion: In the study, it has been determined that tourism does not directly affect the silhouette of the city square, but due to the increase in user density, the commercial activities in the square increase and this affects the facades of the buildings.