An Integrated Structural–Typological–Value Sensitvity Model (STVSM) for Vulnerability Assessment and Conservation Prioritization of Historic Buildings

This study presents the Structural–Typological–Value Sensitivity Model (STVSM), a multi-dimensional framework for evaluating vulnerability in historic buildings where fragility cannot be explained by structural indicators alone. Existing models prioritise load-bearing behaviour but overlook typological discontinuity, spatial fragmentation and erosion of cultural or architectural value. STVSM addresses this through three weighted sub-indices—structural vulnerability (SV), typological degradation (TV) and heritage value (HV)—each calibrated using expert-derived micro–macro coefficients. Field-based deterioration scores (0–1) are multiplied by these final weights to produce SV, TV and HV values, then merged into a Conservation Priority Index (CPI).The model is applied to twenty-five buildings in three heritage contexts: Cumalıkızık traditional houses, vernacular dwellings in Balıkesir–Karesi and nineteenth-century Greek Orthodox churches in Bursa. The churches yield the highest CPI values due to roof loss, wall deformation and spatial discontinuity, reinforced by cultural significance. Vernacular houses show moderate structural deterioration but marked typological distortion linked to later additions and façade alterations. Cumalıkızık houses present heterogeneous conditions, combining preserved structures with material decay.By quantifying structural behaviour, typological integrity and heritage value within a single analytical system, STVSM offers a transparent and repeatable basis for conservation prioritisation across diverse historic building stocks.