Creation of a New Vernacular Architecture and the Attainment of Sustainability: The Case of Akyaka Town Development

Abstract

This study problematizes a case where the interpretation of local architectural types by a designer forms a new vernacular architecture that shapes the sphere of a newly developing small town towards one that became sustainable. The house built by Nail Cakirhan for himself in Akyaka (Turkey) opens up a new future in front of the small village of then, towards becoming a touristic center with a specific architectural language of its own. Cakirhan designs his house by interpreting the traditional houses of his hometown, Ula, which is only a few kilometers away from the village of Akyaka. The design of the house initiates the formation of a unique architectural language for Akyaka, which gradually evolves into a new vernacular architecture. Since then, this invented architectural tradition has both transformed the village into a popular touristic town and also initiated a sustainable approach due to its sensitivity for the cultural and natural assets of the context. This architectural language is protected by the master development plan now, and the town is declared as a ‘slow-city’ due to its culturally and environmentally sensitive character. In order to portray this development, this study will first examine Cakirhan’s house in relation to its referential and actual contexts, then it will observe the development of the town of Akyaka by means of looking at Cakirhan architecture in Akyaka, the master development plan of Akyaka that protects the architectural language, and the development of the town as a sustainable, slow-city. The portrayal of the architectural development of Akyaka could demonstrate how a fairly recent architectural practice can today result in the development of a sustainable and harmonious architectural environment.