PEBBLE MOSAIC ART IN RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE: ANTALYA KALEICI AS AN EXAMPLE

Antalya Kaleici, one of important port cities in the Mediterranean, has hosted many civilizations until today. Besides their architectural features, the houses built in 19th century in this area also attract attention with artistic values. Shaped by the impact of hot Mediterranean climate, Kaleici houses consist of closed, open and semi-open spaces. Semi-open space which is termed as ‘taşlık’ is a transition zone between the closed living floor and open space garden. In addition to providing functional convenience, it has a special artistic value with respect to its mosaic floor. This study aims to present pebble mosaic decorations as a part of whole architecture. The examples of housing in Antalya Kaleici were examined and the identity of these houses is viewed from a different perspective. The role and importance of mosaic implementation in residential architecture is stated in terms of its aesthetic value, functionality and cost.