RURAL ARCHITECTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY: LEARNING FROM THE PAST

Traditional rural living environments have the potential to be instructive in numerous ways. Rural settlements, which are often created with a minimum of effort and have been around for thousands of years, can be a template for living environments of tomorrow. Starting off with that proposition, this paper goes on to emphasize the importance of examining the characteristics of traditional rural settlements in the context of sustainability. The article aims to analyze and thus improve our understanding of rural settlements, and in the process of doing so, it produces and reproduces knowledge within the field of sustainability. A model consisting of multiple layers was applied through the sampling of a particular rural-traditional settlement (Taraklı), thereby shedding light on the relationship between the settlement and the parameters of environmental sustainability. In that model, three main methods of learning from traditional architecture were proposed: (1) Learning From Vernacular Architecture (LF-VA) through existing settlements; (2) Learning From Experience (LF-E) through those who have learned from vernacular approaches; and, (3) Learning from Research (LF-R). Through the use of that model, the data obtained constitutes a holistic pool of information. The basic facts articulated in this pool are models, concepts and theories, and the prominent concepts include documentation, conservation, adaptation and innovation. As a result of the analysis based on the model, the relationship of the physical characteristics of the rural-traditional settlement exemplified in the article with the environmental sustainability parameters has been illustrated systematically. In the literature, the products of rural architecture generally exist with identification and documentation studies. In this article, the relationship between rural architecture and sustainability is discussed in the context of learning from the past and it is shown through an existing settlement. Â

RURAL ARCHITECTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY: LEARNING FROM THE PAST

Traditional rural living environments have the potential to be instructive in numerous ways. Rural settlements, which are often created with a minimum of effort and have been around for thousands of years, can be a template for living environments of tomorrow. Starting off with that proposition, this paper goes on to emphasize the importance of examining the characteristics of traditional rural settlements in the context of sustainability. The article aims to analyze and thus improve our understanding of rural settlements, and in the process of doing so, it produces and reproduces knowledge within the field of sustainability. A model consisting of multiple layers was applied through the sampling of a particular rural-traditional settlement (Taraklı), thereby shedding light on the relationship between the settlement and the parameters of environmental sustainability. In that model, three main methods of learning from traditional architecture were proposed: (1) Learning From Vernacular Architecture (LF-VA) through existing settlements; (2) Learning From Experience (LF-E) through those who have learned from vernacular approaches; and, (3) Learning from Research (LF-R). Through the use of that model, the data obtained constitutes a holistic pool of information. The basic facts articulated in this pool are models, concepts and theories, and the prominent concepts include documentation, conservation, adaptation and innovation. As a result of the analysis based on the model, the relationship of the physical characteristics of the rural-traditional settlement exemplified in the article with the environmental sustainability parameters has been illustrated systematically. In the literature, the products of rural architecture generally exist with identification and documentation studies. In this article, the relationship between rural architecture and sustainability is discussed in the context of learning from the past and it is shown through an existing settlement. 

Investigation of the change of the shopping mall’s space organization in Istanbul

Within the scope of this article shopping malls were discussed as a building type and the evolution of a building type was tried to be witnessed within a twenty-five year period by comparing the early and late examples of shopping malls in Istanbul. The change of Istanbul’s shopping culture / spaces and the inclusion of shopping centers into the practice of architecture as a building type are briefly mentioned . Each of the selected malls were separately examined in terms of location, concept, space organization and other functions included, and in the fourth section both early and late examples were evaluated together in the same terms with a holistic perspective. The effect of shopping malls, the number of which constantly increases in Istanbul, on the city and its architecture is highly important. These massive bodies of buildings play a significant role in the formation and even definition of the new settlement areas of the city, and generate new areas of attraction. Due to these reasons, from location to architectural characteristic, from schedule to interior quality, they need to be designed punctiliously and with the consideration of the effects at all levels

“Who is Le Corbusier?” According to Turkish Architecture

[EN] This study is to focus on the relationship between Le Corbusier and Turkish Architecture and the main question of the study is what Le Corbusier means for Turkish architecture. The method chosen in the research is to seek out answer this question over two main axes (architectural education and architectural practice). Besides a general overview in the section where Le Corbusier is examined within Turkey’s architectural education, it was consulted to student opinions and it was mentioned about the topics of master’s and doctorate theses conducted as directly related to Le Corbusier. Within Turkey’s architectural practice, the projects performed by being inspired of him in Turkey were included and these projects were examined in relation with Le Corbusier’s five main principles. The projects examined show that Le Corbusier has become an important guiding spirit in modern Turkish architecture and additionally, the architectural products arising as a conclusion of inspirations are qualified products verifying Turkey’s architectural medium. Besides, there is a sub-section titled as Le Corbusier’s experiences in Turkey in this section. In this section, by showing reference to Le Corbusier’s travels in Turkey and the things engrossed as a result of his travels (with drawings and writings), it is emphasized that the relationship between Le Corbusier and Turkish architecture can be interpreted as a two-way interaction.Ozorhon, G.; Ozorhon, I. (2016). “Who is Le Corbusier?” According to Turkish Architecture. En LE CORBUSIER. 50 AÑOS DESPUÉS. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 1614-1624. https://doi.org/10.4995/LC2015.2015.594OCS1614162

Effectiveness of standalone simulation-based optimization software in optimizing the life cycle cost of residential buildings

Designers aim to build nearly zero energy buildings and positive energy buildings to comply with regulations. However, due to many variables affecting the energy performance of buildings, energy-efficient building design is a challenging task. Among the proposed methods, simulation-based systems are promising. The proposed simulation-based systems are not suitable for the construction sector because of the long optimization periods. The primary goal of this study is to emphasize the necessity of standalone software packages in solving usability problems and to provide a tool for designers and architects to incorporate into their daily works. To demonstrate the advantages of standalone software a test study was conducted to find a cost-optimal configuration for a typical residential building. In addition, the obtained cost-optimal design was compared to the energy-optimal design obtained in previous studies and it was seen that the outcomes are in parallel with the results of previous studies. It was observed that the optimum insulation thickness obtained from the case study is significantly higher than the limiting values in the national regulation. The results of the parametric analysis demonstrated that wall type, window area, and window type have the highest influence on thermal performance. The results of the study have confirmed that stand-alone software performs optimizations faster overcomes the shortcomings of simulation-based optimization systems comprising integrated multiple software packages.Publisher's Versio

Design In / Designing the First-Year Studio: An Experimental Study

This article focuses on first-year design studios, which include of “firsts” and difficulties at the same time for both instructors and students in architectural education. The study questions knowledge that students would encounter tools that they would use and experiences that they would practice and a course was developed accordingly. The course was planned in two phases and lasted 14 (8+6) weeks. The first phase included consecutive practices that were supported by theoretical knowledge, the second one focused on a single complex problem (3D-Portfolio design/tower) which consists of basic knowledge and skills. This problem was designed in a way that it contained the following components: (1) ensuring that pluralistic environment in studio becomes a part of the process (2) in this environment, students learn by experience through back-and-forth steps (3) making the model as an active component of design process and (4) ability to handle 1-1 scale. In this article, definition/process of this problem, which can be defined as experimental, is demonstrated in detail. Finally design question is evaluated by course executors through components of this design problem and it is revealed that how and to what extend design components determinant/directive in this process.. Keywords: first year design studio, design education

Natural light as a determinant of the identity of architectural space

In this study, the effect of natural light on the architectural space quality was examined. Contribution of natural light in three different dimensions as the readability of the space, the effect of the space, and its aesthetical evaluation was taken into consideration and discussed in the given order. The study involves a review of the related architecture literature, various books, articles, essays, and opinions. The major objective of this research is to explain the place of natural light in architectural design and its different aspects through its functional and semantic dimensions in the space. In this respect, contributions of natural light to the identity of the space were examined based on three renowned Turkish architects and their significant works. The paper focuses on the contribution of natural light to the space, emphasizing its qualitative aspects; whereas its physical and measurable aspects are beyond the scope of the paper. The study demonstrates the importance of experiencing the space in terms of understanding the aspect of light that determines the space identity. It also stresses that buildings designed considering the use of natural light could turn out to be more original

Social network analysis of construction companies operating in international markets: case of Turkish contractors

Investigation of market entry strategies is critical for the success of international contractors. Establishing partnerships is among the most effective vehicles of operating in international markets. The major objective of this paper is to analyze the partnership behavior of contractors in overseas projects. In this respect, social network analysis (SNA) was used to better understand the collaborative project networks in different markets and for projects of differing sizes. A database was developed based on the collaborative international construction projects where Turkish firms and their non-Turkish partners were involved. A total of 449 projects carried out in 46 countries were used for the analysis. The findings of the study suggest that contractors adopt different strategies depending on the market and project character­istics. The majority of the companies tend to remain in the same markets; they keep working with the same partners or choose local partners; and engage with multiple partners in more complex projects. This study is expected to help contractors reflect on their internationalization decisions and devise appropriate strategies to establish project networks. First published online: 27 Jun 201

Redefining ICT Embeddedness in the Construction Industry: Maximising Technology Diffusion Capabilities to Support Agility

Architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) research often engages linear approaches for embedding/implementing/diffusing new technology into existing business systems and processes. However, developments in information and communication technology (ICT) often fail to deliver their full potential for a number of reasons. This paper presents these challenges and highlights the need to embrace equifinality as part of a structured approach for improving impact diffusion. The central tenet and foci of this work rests with the optimization of AEC business agility. Given this, a multiple case study approach using three large construction organizations (in Turkey) was used to capture primary data from 30 respondents – representing viewpoints from three management levels: top management, middle management and first line management. Findings are presented in the form of a conceptual framework, the details of which highlight the constructs needed (inter alia ICT adoption/diffusion) to develop organizational: (i) responsiveness, (ii) flexibility and (iii) corporate competence

Learning from Mardin and Cumalıkızık: Turkish Vernacular Architecture in the Context of Sustainability

The criterion of sustainable design today ranks among the most important factors influencing architectural design, and the contributions of sustainability to architectural design are steadily increasing in parallel with developments in technology and material science. Although sustainability seems to be a new concept, the subject, in reality, is not. Much of contemporary architecture depends on references to traditional architecture in its development, and there are many examples of sustainable architecture found in different parts of the world to which architects can refer. Turkey is one of these countries and it has a variety of traditional housing cultures that have developed with their own unique characteristics. This paper uses two examples that are very different from each other to investigate the traces of sustainable design criteria in Turkey’s traditional housing architecture. One of the investigated locations is in Cumalikizik, while the other is located in Mardin