Semiotic Analysis of Public Building Facades of Russian Period in Kars as an Urban Interface

Abstract

The pristine urban morphology of streets, buildings and open spaces determines value of historical centers. Considering that different social factors shape urban identity, influence of Russians was seen especially in urban fiction of Kars between years 1878-1918. Among urban elements, main element that gives city its identity is streets. The urban interface, which is outer surface of urban space, provides transition between public-private spaces and allows morphology of city to be read. In this study, it is aimed to analyze design language of different cultures on facades, which are vertical components of urban interface, through street element. It is aimed to determine various cultural effects and different usage processes of Haydar Aliyev Street in Kars. The analysis of facade through semiotic parameters has been determined as a method. Using semiotic method in architecture brings along production of signs, interpretation, and understanding of signs. Accordingly, method of study is analysis of facades' indicators (mass organization-facade features, symbol-context features of facade elements, surface-deep level aspects of facade order), which are communication interface with street and carry traces of period or culture in which facade was built. The visual message reflected by selected buildings and reflected meanings were examined.