A Model for Researching the Concept of Beautiful in Architecture: The Three Structures of Mimar Sinan

Abstract

The use of computer-aided software in architecture is increasing day by day. The software used in the design and production processes of the buildings facilitates the discovery of architectural works technically and structurally. However, the software used to quantitatively evaluate and interpret the aesthetic and technical beauty phenomena contained in the produced architectural works is quite limited. A computer-aided model was developed that can measure the linear proportions of architectural works through visuals in order to make a new expansion in this limited area. In the first stage of the study, the concept of beauty and its place in architecture were mentioned, and examples of computer-aided software used in the research of the phenomenon were presented. Afterward, information is given about Mimar Sinan and his three works used in the study. Then, the development and application of the line analysis model, which is the method of the study, is explained by touching on the subject of linearity in composition. Before the analysis of the mosques, line analyses of the works from different branches of art were made through the model. In these analyses, it was observed that some of the visually perceptible features of the artifacts, such as flatness, curvature, complexity, and order, could also be read in the line analysis data. In the next step, line analyses were made on the interior images of the three Sinan mosques and the results of the analysis were evaluated. When the results are examined, it is seen that the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal line ratios are very close to each other in the nine photographs taken from similar angles, although the three structures have different designs and technical features, and the same close ratios can be read in the mean line ratios. It is expected that the study will provide a different perspective to the field of quantitative evaluation of architectural works of art.