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.