Exploring the geometry of awarded competition entries: morphological and fractal descriptors in architectural competitions
Architectural Science Review, 2026 (AHCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/00038628.2026.2734442
- Journal Name: Architectural Science Review
- Journal Indexes: Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Art Source, Avery, Compendex, ICONDA Bibliographic, The International Construction Database (ICONDA)
- Keywords: 2D footprint analysis, Architectural competitions, computational morphology, decision support systems, fractal dimension, MCDM, spacematrix
- Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Architectural competition evaluations are often characterized by procedural and interpretive uncertainty. This exploratory and descriptive pilot study examines how selected 2D morphological and fractal descriptors can be formulated as candidate variables for future Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) and Decision Support System (DSS) frameworks. Focusing on the Kadıköy Municipality Building competition, 11 awarded entries and the existing building are analysed using pixel-based land-use segmentation, Spacematrix indicators, spatial centroid deviation, shape descriptors, and fractal dimension. The awarded entries show measurable variation in land-use distribution, density, spatial positioning, footprint compactness, solidity, and boundary complexity. The 1st Prize entry combines a public-hardscape ratio close to the existing building, relatively central positioning, high compactness and solidity, and a lower fractal dimension than the awarded-set average. The findings are descriptive rather than causal or predictive and demonstrate how 2D site-plan properties can be translated into comparable numerical descriptors for future MCDM/DSS evaluation models.