Measuring Visual Complexity of Sedad Eldem’s SSK Complex and Its Historical Context: A Comparative Analysis Using Fractal Dimensions

Abstract

Located in the District of Zeyrek in Istanbul, Turkey, and completed in the 1960s, the Sosyal Sigortalar Kurumu (SSK) or Social Security Agency Complex is currently accepted as one of the most important works of the architect Sedad Hakkı Eldem as well as one of the key modern buildings in Turkey. The most admired characteristic of this complex is how it is harmonically integrated into its historical context, which was once an urban fabric consisting of vernacular Turkish houses, but has changed significantly to its present condition. To evaluate this claim of harmony in a measurable manner, the present paper uses fractal dimension analysis in four hierarchical layers of consecutively diminished complexity. Thus, it is possible to measure the visual complexity of both the SSK Complex and its historical context in a comparative manner and gain insights about the frequently claimed visual harmony.