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.