“Wise city” approach for architectural design in historical contexts: Visual integrity and decision support with 3D GIS

The spread of digital technologies has advanced data-driven planning, promoting the “smart city” model. Yet it often neglects cultural and contextual continuity in historic areas. This study proposes a “wise city” approach using 3D Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to integrate spatial knowledge and temporal layers of heritage sites. The approach employs digital simulations of historical areas to inform and support heritage-sensitive design, evaluating building heights in relation to historical continuity, visual integrity, and place identity. A pilot study was conducted at Kurşunlu Han in Istanbul to test the proposed framework. Based on the London View Management Framework (LVMF), visibility analyses were carried out at three key points using ArcGIS and CityEngine for different height scenarios. The results demonstrated the quantitative visual impact of new designs. This workflow interprets spatial data through contextual and visual analysis to support design decisions. While the broader framework of the “wise city” concept encompasses governance, environment, economy and mobility, this study focuses only on its architectural dimension. Rather than applying the full model, it tests how 3D GIS-based visibility analysis can contribute to design decisions in heritage contexts. This pilot application exemplifies how the wise city approach can function as a decision-support tool for architectural design.