A computational study of visual complexity in architecture, focusing on the Sehzade Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Selimiye Mosque.

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to (i) examine the characteristics of Sinan's architecture and the & Scedil;ehzade, S & uuml;leymaniye, and Selimiye mosques in light of insights from historians and researchers, (ii) conduct three-layered fractal analyses of the facades of these works and provide mathematical definitions, and (iii) ultimately, compare numerical analyses within the context of conceptual discussions on Sinan's architecture in terms of periodical differences. Theory and Methods: Within the scope of the research, a study was conducted on three mosques designed by Sinan using the fractal analysis method, a computational analysis technique. This study compared and examined the information that architectural historians and theorists have established about Sinan through quantitative methods. Results: When the three frequently studied masterpieces of Sinan are examined through shape grammar and fractal analysis methods, it is observed how his design philosophy simplified and evolved over time. It has been determined that with each new structure, he added innovations, thereby enhancing his knowledge base. Furthermore, it has been identified that the patrons of Sinan's works had significant influences on the visual complexity and the formal and spatial configurations of the structures. Conclusion: The use of fractal dimension in the architectural context emerges as an extremely effective tool for deeply analyzing the transformation and development processes of architectural constructs, from largescale planning to detailed design. In this study, the fractal dimension was employed to meticulously examine the evolutionary changes and inter-structural relationships in the works of Mimar Sinan. The intuitive and cognitive architectural theoretical knowledge has been supported with quantitative data. This integration has bridged various disciplines such as architectural design, architectural history, and mathematics, adding new perspectives to architectural criticism and debates.