Effects of a matrix route on the third dimensionality of a townscape

Street systems are fundamental elements of cities, and they include many hierarchies that determine the structure of the urban fabric. It is possible to identify some basic typologies of streets as routes found in all spontaneous building fabrics. The matrix route is the oldest and most important one, as it has led to the development of settlements and often formed naturally without a planned design. The study focuses on the matrix route’s three-dimensional impact on the urban form, specifically analyzing Karakolhane Street’s role in shaping the Yeldeğirmeni district in Kadıköy, Istanbul. The street was chosen due to its evolution being traceable on historical maps, and the changes in its three-dimensional structure can be identified based on zoning laws and personal observations. The analysis methodology comparatively focuses on the street structure and nodes, height changes, height differences at polar nodes, and their impact on the urban landscape. The inquiry aims to document these changes using historical maps, records, texts, illustrations, and photographs. Historical maps are the primary source of information as they display the layout of streets, urban blocks, and buildings, preferably dating back to the 18th century.