Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences · Architecture · Undergraduate
Course Objective
This course aims to demonstrate that architecture is not merely a field of physical production, but also a form of cultural, social, and ideological expression. It seeks to teach students how architectural spaces are shaped by cultural contexts and how they can be interpreted through concepts such as identity, belonging, representation, power, and collective memory. Through examples from different geographical regions and historical periods, the course aims to critically examine the reciprocal relationship between architecture and cultural production.
Course Content
This course critically examines how architectural spaces have been shaped throughout history by identity, representation, belonging, memory, and power relations. Within the scope of the course, the effects of everyday life, migration, globalization, gender, traditions and customs, religion, and belief on the architecture of different geographical regions are explored.
Required Resources
-
Recommended Resources
Architect’s guide to Feng Shui, Cate BRAMBLE
Feng Shui for Architecture: How to Design, Build and Remodel to Create a Healthy and Serene Home, Simona F. Mainini, Dr. Arch
Feng Shui: A Chinese approach to integrated design, Michael Y. Mak Frampton, K. Mimarlığın Yedi Işığı
Lefebvre, H. Mekânın Üretimi
Sennett, R. Kenti Okumak
Tanyeli, U. Taşra Epiği: Mimarlık ve Kültür Üzerine Denemeler
Explanations
- Midterm Examination: The date, time, and venue of the midterm examination will be announced by the Dean’s Office.
- Practical Exercises: Practical exercises will be carried out in accordance with the topics covered during the course. Submission deadlines for each exercise will be announced separately.
- Quizzes: Quizzes will be announced one week in advance, and the announcement will specify the course content to be covered.
- Final Submission: The final submission will consist of six practical applications completed throughout the semester. These applications must be integrated into the student's architectural design project developed within the concurrent Architectural Design Studio. For each application topic, students are required to prepare one A3 or B2 presentation board that explains both the theoretical framework of the application and its implementation within the architectural project. Final submissions must be submitted both digitally and in printed format.
- Final Assessment Policy: As the final assessment is based on a comprehensive project submission rather than a written examination, there is no make-up (resit) examination for this course.
Rules
Attendance: According to the University Regulations, students who fail to attend at least 70% of the total course hours will receive a grade of DZ (Absent) and will automatically fail the course.
Late Arrival: Students are expected not only to attend class but also to arrive on time. Please note that three late arrivals are considered equivalent to one full absence. A late arrival is defined as entering the classroom after attendance has been taken by the instructor and more than 10 minutes after the scheduled start of the class.
Seeking Assistance: Students are encouraged to ask questions during class or office hours and to seek assistance whenever necessary. Obtaining timely support is an important part of the learning process and is strongly recommended.
Academic Integrity: All coursework submitted for assessment must represent your own original work and effort. Acts of academic misconduct, including plagiarism and cheating, are subject to the University's Academic Integrity and Disciplinary Regulations and may result in disciplinary action and the corresponding sanctions.
Assessment Policy: The assessment methods and grading criteria specified in this syllabus are final. No additional assignments, examinations, or make-up assessments will be offered for the purpose of improving course grades.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Mimari mekânları araştırma yaparak tarihsel ve toplumsal bağlamlar içinde okur
- Kültürel kimlik, temsil, aidiyet ve bellek gibi kavramlarla mimarlık ilişkisini kurar
- Farklı dönem ve coğrafyalardan mimari örnekleri kültürel bağlamlarıyla analiz eder.
- Eleştirel düşünme becerileriyle mekânın ideolojik ve politik yönlerini değerlendirir
Core Area Distribution
Teaching Methods
Assessment & Evaluation
ECTS / Workload
| Activity | Quantity | Duration (h) | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Duration (Including Exam Week) | 14 | 2 | 28 |
| Out of Class Study Period | 14 | 2 | 28 |
| Midterm | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assignment | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Practice | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 4 | 4 |
Course Schedule
| Week | Subject | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction and Getting Acquainted; Presentation of the Course Content and Assessment Criteria | |
| 2 | Architecture and Culture: Introduction and Fundamental Concepts | Reading |
| 3 | Introduction to Different Cultures | Reading |
| 4 | Middle Eastern Architecture through the Lens of Culture | Reading |
| 5 | Middle Eastern Architecture through the Lens of Culture | Reading |
| 6 | Far Eastern Architecture through the Lens of Culture | Reading |
| 7 | Far Eastern Architecture through the Lens of Culture | Reading |
| 8 | Ara Sınav | Ara Sınav |
| 9 | Culture-Based Spatial Organization | Research |
| 10 | The Use of Lighting and Natural Light | Research |
| 11 | The Use of Plants, Objects, and Symbols | Research |
| 12 | Culture-Based Selection of Form, Color, and Materials | Research |
| 13 | Preliminary Student Study: Analysis of Their Own Living Spaces | Research |
| 14 | Student Presentations: Spatial Analysis and Redesign Proposals | Research |
| 15 | Student Presentations: Spatial Analysis and Redesign Proposals | Research |
| 16 | Final Sınavı | Final Sınavı |


