Theses supervised by Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Murat Sönmez
10 theses · TOBB Economics and Technology University
Buildings that are part of nature; a study of the relationship between architecture and nature through the cases of buildings
Uncontrolled urbanization and the resulting conflict with nature have led to global issues affecting the entire world and ecosystem. Climate crises, depletion of natural resources, and disruption of ecological balance are among the primary problems. While humans play a significant role in the emergence of these problems, architecture has become a crucial profession in preserving ecological balance. Innovative, sustainable attitudes, and approaches towards environmental and climate issues need to be developed through architecture. Just as nature offers unlimited possibilities to humans, buildings and people are also expected to provide unlimited opportunities to nature. It is of great importance that future generations efficiently utilize the opportunities offered by nature while producing built environments. When closely examined, the claim that buildings labeled as green or sustainable are in harmony with nature can be questionable. This thesis aims not only to explore self-sufficient buildings but also to investigate how buildings can be truly designed to be in harmony with nature and possess qualities that are in symbiosis with it. Initially, a conceptual framework encompassing ecological psychology, ecological architecture, and regenerative architecture will be discussed to explore the relationships between buildings and nature. Through these readings, the mutual interaction and exchange that should exist between buildings and nature will be revealed, and research will focus on how buildings should not just adapt to nature but coexist with it. In the continuation of the study, it is important not only to address this conceptual framework but also to examine current practices. Frequently used green building certification systems, awards, and principles will be scrutinized to evaluate whether they serve merely as a 'marketing tool' or if they genuinely provide adequate scope for evaluating buildings as integrated with nature. Based on all these readings and analyses, the developed holistic approach aims to define the qualities that a nature-integrated building should possess. Buildings with green building certification and those labeled as green/ecological/regenerative without certification will be selected. They will be evaluated and interpreted using the created holistic approach: the Nature-Integrated Building Evaluation Approach. Consequently, an inference will be made as to whether the buildings currently designated as sustainable/green/ecological are a part of nature, and their deficiencies will be highlighted, emphasizing the crucial role that nature should play in future architectural endeavors. This study aims to foster the adoption of a more solution-oriented and sustainable approach to global environmental problems, encouraging the design of built environments as structures that are not only integrated with nature but also have a positive impact on the environment. The integration of technological advancements and tools with environmental awareness will ease the process of designing buildings that not only emphasize eco-friendliness but also make a favorable impact on the environment.
Building anatomy: Impact of internal and external factors on building design; Production and analysis
Building production has historically followed similar practices, starting with receiving work, moving to projecting and concluding with the building's physical realization. While the steps remain consistent, the factors influencing building design have evolved due to changing construction techniques, advancements in technology, societal needs, socio-cultural dynamics, global epidemics, and natural disasters like earthquakes. Similarly, architects and designers have continually redefined the meaning of a building's existence, framing the process in terms of construction stages, design components, or acquisition phases. Despite these variations, the goal has consistently been the effort to create a building. This thesis identifies nine stages in the building creation process, starting with the emergence of a need and ending with user feedback. These stages are deeply connected to the body, which has been a fundamental reference in architectural production since its inception. Like the human body, each building possesses unique proportions and characteristics, making it a singular creation. This idea contrasts sharply with the "Type Project" concept, which advocates uniformity in design and production. A building's individuality emerges through its existence stages and the factors influencing it. The research explores how buildings are shaped by these dynamics, emphasizing their uniqueness as outcomes of their processes. The relationship between the body and buildings was initially examined, revealing historical parallels. Through this investigation, nine essential stages of building creation were identified: Emergence of Need, Receiving the Work, Contract, Design Studies, Implementation Project, Obtaining Project Permit, Structural Production, Obtaining Occupancy, and Usage/Acquisitions. The factors influencing these stages were subsequently analyzed. Central to this study are the concepts of "interoception" and "exteroception'' derived from the body and described as "internal and external balance." External factors include context, economy, culture, and materials, while internal factors involve the architect's identity, user needs, planning processes, and the roles of those involved in production. While each building possesses unique dynamics, the interplay of these factors remains universal, shaping the building's development. To visualize this interplay, the "building existence" stages were mapped out. To evaluate this framework, 80 architects were surveyed. Each selected a building they had contributed to and identified the factors influencing its production within the defined stages. This aimed to uncover how architects perceive these processes and identify additional factors. Through this analysis, the internal and external elements shaping buildings were examined, offering insights into optimizing building production processes. The study, titled "Building Anatomy," provides a roadmap for architects and stakeholders in construction. It also serves as a learning tool for students, offering a structured understanding of the processes and factors shaping architectural creation. By clarifying the dynamics influencing building production, this framework fosters a deeper understanding of the anatomy of buildings and the balance between internal and external factors.
Architectural representation and spatial practices: Adiscourse-oriented reading of competition projects
Architectural representation has been used as a communication tool in architecture for centuries, employing various forms and techniques. Each production establishes a language through its representation. From Antiquity to the present, architectural representation has been employed in various ways, and today it has evolved beyond simply presenting what has been constructed. Today, it has become an integral part of the design process and the transformation of ideas (Maver, 2002). As Uğur Tanyeli emphasized in his seminar "The Meaninglessness of Meaning," the power of representation has grown in modern architecture, where "the built word" has been replaced by "the printed word" (Tanyeli, 2016). With this transformation, architectural representation has evolved beyond being a mere communication tool, becoming a mechanism that generates a growing disconnection between what is represented and what is built in modern architecture. The idealized spaces conveyed through representation often fail to align with the actual spatial and social conditions of everyday life, making this discrepancy a critical area of inquiry. This study explores the extent to which architectural representation, discourse, and built reality overlap or diverge, and aims to analyze the underlying causes of this gap. Grounded in Michel Foucault's theory of discourse, the study treats discourse not only as a linguistic construct but also as a structure that produces spatial norms and power relations. In this context, the investigation focuses as much on what is made visible through representation as on what is consistently rendered invisible. The research analyzes ten architectural competition projects held and realized in Turkey over the past decade. Each project is examined through a multilayered methodology involving representational visuals, jury evaluation reports, user feedback, and data on the implementation process. The study compares the differences between the graphic language of representation and the spatial reality of the constructed buildings, drawing on the discourses of designers, users, and jury members. Python-based discourse analysis is used to objectively identify the dominant concepts emphasized by each actor group, and these concepts are further examined through targeted survey questions. Rather than offering a critique of architectural practice alone, this research seeks to establish a constructive framework that connects theoretical discussions on representation with the realities of design and implementation. By positioning architectural representation as not merely a reflection of design, but as a discursive force that shapes the social production of space, the study aims to expand the conceptual framework of the field. Through its integrative approach that bridges theory and practice, the research contributes to an alternative architectural thinking that fosters more equitable, inclusive, and context-sensitive modes of representation.
The effect of new technologies on architectural design, production and architect's role in contemporary architecture; Changing thinking sets in architecture
Architecture is a continuously evolving discipline shaped by technological, social, economic, and cultural transformations. As technological, social, economic, and cultural transformations reshape architectural processes, it becomes essential to examine how these developments influence architectural thought and practice. This study explores the concept of thinking sets—cognitive and methodological frameworks that may redefine contemperory architectural design, production, and the architect's role. By investigating the formation and evolution of thinking sets, the research aims to provide a critical understanding of their potential impact on contemporary architectural methodologies and professional practices. The research explores whether integrating contemperory thinking sets represents a paradigm shift in architecture or an evolution of existing methodologies. The study employs a multifaceted research methodology, integrating a comprehensive literature review, chronological mapping of paradigm shifts, and an experimental case study within the "st1 | y ı k ı m e k i b i" Architectural Design Studio at TOBB University of Economics and Technology. The literature review establishes the theoretical foundation of thinking sets, exploring their historical development and influence on design methodologies. The chronological mapping method identifies key turning points in the evolution of thinking sets, providing insights into their transformative impact on architectural practice. The case study examines the proposed new design language and contemporary architectural thinking set in practice, testing its implications on design methodologies within the "st1 | y ı k ı m e k i b i" Architectural Design Studio at TOBB University of Economics and Technology. This experimental framework explores how the proposed thinking set, structured as a non-linear five-phase process, redefines architectural cognition and spatial productionBy analyzing how this proposed thinking set influenced architectural design processes, the study provides empirical insights into how contemporary architectural methodologies can be restructured through innovative, adaptive, and technology-driven frameworks. Furthermore, this study examines the potential of contemporary thinking sets to challenge traditional constraints, fostering a more dynamic, process-oriented approach to architectural design. The proposed five-phase thinking set model aims to provide a structured yet adaptable methodology for engaging with micro theory, representation of thought, search for possibilities, architectural program and size, and production of space. This approach can expand the scope of architectural practice beyond conventional methods, positioning design as an exploratory and interdisciplinary process that responds to emerging technological and conceptual challenges. Rather than presenting a definitive framework, this research proposes an evolving perspective that can inform future studies and discussions on how architects may critically engage with digital advancements. By situating thinking sets as a conceptual and methodological foundation, the study can contributing to a progressive discourse on the future of architectural thought and practice by raisingnew questions about architecture's trajectory in the digital age.
An analysis of the transformation of public space designs in architecture
Since ancient Greece, users can create public and private spheres with the architectural spaces they produce by taking action. It can be claimed that the concept of the public sphere has undergone changes and transformations with various factors in historical processes. At this point, this thesis explores the conditions that make up the public sphere and the architectural/spatial discussions on the production of public space in the context of the factors affecting social life by creating breaks in historical processes within the framework of the view and evaluation of events by thinkers and architects. In this context, this study presents research on the existence and qualities of public space. In this study, in the context of the historical reading process and the conditions affecting the existing social structure, the current state of the public space and its content on architectural thoughts and practices are discussed. It is a study based on the program/action and structural qualities of the architectural content of the public space through the events, thinkers, and architects determined at this point. The study analyzes the changes and transformations in design and structural elements, such as the sizes of public spaces, ground-surface relations, and interactions of architectural elements. In this context, the thesis uses three primary methods: literature research, tabulation, and comparative analysis. The first method that constitutes the study is the literature search on how the definition and content of the public sphere in philosophy are created. With this method, the concept and definitions of public sphere of the thinkers Hannah Arendt, Jürgen Habermas, Richard Sennett, Oskar Negt-Alexander Kluge, Henri Lefebvre, Jacques Derrida and William Gibson were reached. The second research method of the study is analysis and classification. In the first part of the research, the definitions and expansions of the public sphere and the public space programs and contents pointed out by the selected thinkers were examined. In the period determined by the discourses of these thinkers and the definitions of the public sphere, the practices of space to produce public space in the context of the works of architects such as Herman Hertzberger, Rem Koolhaas, Bernard Tschumi, Marcos Novak, and Bjarke Ingels were also examined. As a result of this research and analysis process, the technological, political, economic, artistic, health, social and architectural changes that change the historical methods and the intellectual and practical counterparts of the architectural content that establishes the public space are brought together with tabulation. The last method of the study is a process for designing contemporary images of public space. It includes a method to define and discuss the architectural contents of the public space of conditions affecting the social structure, such as climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, economic and political changes, and technological developments, which are included in the current conditions that emerged during the analysis process of the tabulation. Thus, the factors affecting the design and production of public space in today's architectural thoughts and practices, architectural programs, intellectual and structural elements in the production of public space, and how the public space will be formed are discussed through understanding the present and the near future.
An analysis of the transformation of public space designs in architecture
Since ancient Greece, users can create public and private spheres with the architectural spaces they produce by taking action. It can be claimed that the concept of the public sphere has undergone changes and transformations with various factors in historical processes. At this point, this thesis explores the conditions that make up the public sphere and the architectural/spatial discussions on the production of public space in the context of the factors affecting social life by creating breaks in historical processes within the framework of the view and evaluation of events by thinkers and architects. In this context, this study presents research on the existence and qualities of public space. In this study, in the context of the historical reading process and the conditions affecting the existing social structure, the current state of the public space and its content on architectural thoughts and practices are discussed. It is a study based on the program/action and structural qualities of the architectural content of the public space through the events, thinkers, and architects determined at this point. The study analyzes the changes and transformations in design and structural elements, such as the sizes of public spaces, ground-surface relations, and interactions of architectural elements. In this context, the thesis uses three primary methods: literature research, tabulation, and comparative analysis. The first method that constitutes the study is the literature search on how the definition and content of the public sphere in philosophy are created. With this method, the concept and definitions of public sphere of the thinkers Hannah Arendt, Jürgen Habermas, Richard Sennett, Oskar Negt-Alexander Kluge, Henri Lefebvre, Jacques Derrida and William Gibson were reached. The second research method of the study is analysis and classification. In the first part of the research, the definitions and expansions of the public sphere and the public space programs and contents pointed out by the selected thinkers were examined. In the period determined by the discourses of these thinkers and the definitions of the public sphere, the practices of space to produce public space in the context of the works of architects such as Herman Hertzberger, Rem Koolhaas, Bernard Tschumi, Marcos Novak, and Bjarke Ingels were also examined. As a result of this research and analysis process, the technological, political, economic, artistic, health, social and architectural changes that change the historical methods and the intellectual and practical counterparts of the architectural content that establishes the public space are brought together with tabulation. The last method of the study is a process for designing contemporary images of public space. It includes a method to define and discuss the architectural contents of the public space of conditions affecting the social structure, such as climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, economic and political changes, and technological developments, which are included in the current conditions that emerged during the analysis process of the tabulation. Thus, the factors affecting the design and production of public space in today's architectural thoughts and practices, architectural programs, intellectual and structural elements in the production of public space, and how the public space will be formed are discussed through understanding the present and the near future.
An analysis of the transformation of public space designs in architecture
Since ancient Greece, users can create public and private spheres with the architectural spaces they produce by taking action. It can be claimed that the concept of the public sphere has undergone changes and transformations with various factors in historical processes. At this point, this thesis explores the conditions that make up the public sphere and the architectural/spatial discussions on the production of public space in the context of the factors affecting social life by creating breaks in historical processes within the framework of the view and evaluation of events by thinkers and architects. In this context, this study presents research on the existence and qualities of public space. In this study, in the context of the historical reading process and the conditions affecting the existing social structure, the current state of the public space and its content on architectural thoughts and practices are discussed. It is a study based on the program/action and structural qualities of the architectural content of the public space through the events, thinkers, and architects determined at this point. The study analyzes the changes and transformations in design and structural elements, such as the sizes of public spaces, ground-surface relations, and interactions of architectural elements. In this context, the thesis uses three primary methods: literature research, tabulation, and comparative analysis. The first method that constitutes the study is the literature search on how the definition and content of the public sphere in philosophy are created. With this method, the concept and definitions of public sphere of the thinkers Hannah Arendt, Jürgen Habermas, Richard Sennett, Oskar Negt-Alexander Kluge, Henri Lefebvre, Jacques Derrida and William Gibson were reached. The second research method of the study is analysis and classification. In the first part of the research, the definitions and expansions of the public sphere and the public space programs and contents pointed out by the selected thinkers were examined. In the period determined by the discourses of these thinkers and the definitions of the public sphere, the practices of space to produce public space in the context of the works of architects such as Herman Hertzberger, Rem Koolhaas, Bernard Tschumi, Marcos Novak, and Bjarke Ingels were also examined. As a result of this research and analysis process, the technological, political, economic, artistic, health, social and architectural changes that change the historical methods and the intellectual and practical counterparts of the architectural content that establishes the public space are brought together with tabulation. The last method of the study is a process for designing contemporary images of public space. It includes a method to define and discuss the architectural contents of the public space of conditions affecting the social structure, such as climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, economic and political changes, and technological developments, which are included in the current conditions that emerged during the analysis process of the tabulation. Thus, the factors affecting the design and production of public space in today's architectural thoughts and practices, architectural programs, intellectual and structural elements in the production of public space, and how the public space will be formed are discussed through understanding the present and the near future.
Concept of tectonics in architectural education
The creation of space in architecture can be explained in many ways and understandings. The ideational and practical creation or production of space, as the principal act or focus of architecture, is the result of a form of conception associated with the technological, cultural, social, philosophical or structural data contained in the relevant time. It can be said that researching expressions about the creation or production of space gains meaning depending on time, theoretical reading style and factors that affect architecture, such as technology or culture. This study sees the theoretical and practical expressions related to the creation of space can acquire different contents according to time and conditions, in the context of different factors, and the new readings to be made in current conditions that can produce new meanings as different conceptions of space as the source of its discussion. In this context, for example, investigating the effects of digital production and software technologies on the creation and production of space these days creates a research and discussion area in order to understand the attitudes of contemporary architecture towards the creation of space and to create a contemporary reading of space. This research, which can be generalized as the production of space and the questioning of the effect of current technologies on it, requires understanding different approaches and methods from the past in terms of the creation and production of space, considering the production of space before digital technologies. In addition, this study includes a discussion for the changes and transformations that have occurred or will occur in the spatial production of contemporary architecture, in the field of architectural tectonics, with the developing technology. Thus, it claims that classical and digital tectonic understandings have affordances for each other and understanding the affordances can enable the definition or comprehension of the new tectonic approach. In this framework, this study investigates James Gibson's concept of affordances as a theoretical basis. Afterwards, an experimental study in the field of education in the context of the results of this research is explained. This experimental study, which was created within the scope of Building Technologies MIM107 and MIM108 courses conducted at the first-year level of TOBB ETU Department of Architecture, provided the research and definition of the content of the new tectonic approach. This thesis depends on classical and digital tectonic understandings and concludes that hybrid tectonics, which emerged from them, as a theoretical research and experiment area, can create different and innovative approaches in all relevant areas of architectural theory and practice.
Concept of tectonics in architectural education
The creation of space in architecture can be explained in many ways and understandings. The ideational and practical creation or production of space, as the principal act or focus of architecture, is the result of a form of conception associated with the technological, cultural, social, philosophical or structural data contained in the relevant time. It can be said that researching expressions about the creation or production of space gains meaning depending on time, theoretical reading style and factors that affect architecture, such as technology or culture. This study sees the theoretical and practical expressions related to the creation of space can acquire different contents according to time and conditions, in the context of different factors, and the new readings to be made in current conditions that can produce new meanings as different conceptions of space as the source of its discussion. In this context, for example, investigating the effects of digital production and software technologies on the creation and production of space these days creates a research and discussion area in order to understand the attitudes of contemporary architecture towards the creation of space and to create a contemporary reading of space. This research, which can be generalized as the production of space and the questioning of the effect of current technologies on it, requires understanding different approaches and methods from the past in terms of the creation and production of space, considering the production of space before digital technologies. In addition, this study includes a discussion for the changes and transformations that have occurred or will occur in the spatial production of contemporary architecture, in the field of architectural tectonics, with the developing technology. Thus, it claims that classical and digital tectonic understandings have affordances for each other and understanding the affordances can enable the definition or comprehension of the new tectonic approach. In this framework, this study investigates James Gibson's concept of affordances as a theoretical basis. Afterwards, an experimental study in the field of education in the context of the results of this research is explained. This experimental study, which was created within the scope of Building Technologies MIM107 and MIM108 courses conducted at the first-year level of TOBB ETU Department of Architecture, provided the research and definition of the content of the new tectonic approach. This thesis depends on classical and digital tectonic understandings and concludes that hybrid tectonics, which emerged from them, as a theoretical research and experiment area, can create different and innovative approaches in all relevant areas of architectural theory and practice.
Concept of tectonics in architectural education
The creation of space in architecture can be explained in many ways and understandings. The ideational and practical creation or production of space, as the principal act or focus of architecture, is the result of a form of conception associated with the technological, cultural, social, philosophical or structural data contained in the relevant time. It can be said that researching expressions about the creation or production of space gains meaning depending on time, theoretical reading style and factors that affect architecture, such as technology or culture. This study sees the theoretical and practical expressions related to the creation of space can acquire different contents according to time and conditions, in the context of different factors, and the new readings to be made in current conditions that can produce new meanings as different conceptions of space as the source of its discussion. In this context, for example, investigating the effects of digital production and software technologies on the creation and production of space these days creates a research and discussion area in order to understand the attitudes of contemporary architecture towards the creation of space and to create a contemporary reading of space. This research, which can be generalized as the production of space and the questioning of the effect of current technologies on it, requires understanding different approaches and methods from the past in terms of the creation and production of space, considering the production of space before digital technologies. In addition, this study includes a discussion for the changes and transformations that have occurred or will occur in the spatial production of contemporary architecture, in the field of architectural tectonics, with the developing technology. Thus, it claims that classical and digital tectonic understandings have affordances for each other and understanding the affordances can enable the definition or comprehension of the new tectonic approach. In this framework, this study investigates James Gibson's concept of affordances as a theoretical basis. Afterwards, an experimental study in the field of education in the context of the results of this research is explained. This experimental study, which was created within the scope of Building Technologies MIM107 and MIM108 courses conducted at the first-year level of TOBB ETU Department of Architecture, provided the research and definition of the content of the new tectonic approach. This thesis depends on classical and digital tectonic understandings and concludes that hybrid tectonics, which emerged from them, as a theoretical research and experiment area, can create different and innovative approaches in all relevant areas of architectural theory and practice.