Examination of earth material usage possibilities in architecture within the framework of ecological design concept

Environmental problems such as air, water and soil pollution, global warming and desertification, which developed due to reasons such as industrialization, urbanization, rapid increase in urban population and traffic, which increased rapidly in every field with the Industrial Revolution, led to the development of the concept of ecology and the formation of awareness in this direction. Especially in the construction sector, measures should be developed by taking into account the environmental impact of every process from the design process of buildings to the end of use and recycling. Ecological architecture, which develops within the framework of this understanding, adopts a holistic approach at every stage, from the integration of buildings with the natural environment to the use of resources and the impact of the building on the environment throughout its life. Considering that the materials used in construction directly or indirectly affect the natural environment; emphasis should be placed on the use of materials that are compatible with the ecosystem, have low embodied energy, and have high insulating properties. At this point, raw earth building materials enable the design of energy efficient, environmentally friendly, sustainable, durable, healthy and natural buildings. With the use of new technologies as well as traditional production methods, significant progress has been made in the production and improvement of earth based building materials, and their potential for use in modern architecture has expanded. Within the scope of the thesis, the development and characteristics of the concept of ecological architecture were examined, and the traditional applications of raw earth building materials, which are described as an ecological material, and their usage possibilities in modern designs were investigated. Especially as a result of the different techniques used in production and the improvement applications developed, it has been determined that it is possible to design buildings that can meet contemporary needs with raw earth building materials. Knowing the design possibilities and limitations of earth building material allows the development of original designs in modern architecture.