"Mediterranean windmills" on the intersection of sustainability, locality, and interior design

Abstract

Local architecture and material are one of the most important areas upon acceptance of the notion of sustainability becomes necessity nowadays. At this point, the windmills are prominent local buildings of architectural products. The aim of this study is to specify the importance of re-usage of existing structures - as windmills - in the intersection of sustainability and local architecture. In this study the old windmills which located in Mediterranean countries such as Turkey - mostly emphasized - Greece and Spain have been included. Also the historical development, the architectural design process and the interior design setup of old windmills are researched. Observation and screening - document and information - methods have been used as research methods. The different uses of windmills were mentioned on re-use well constructed windmills within the scope of a basic act of sustainability. The importance of old windmills was mentioned and new usage suggestions for the old windmills were given in the conclusion part. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.