A research about visual representation and its importance in architecture

There are many observations and researches in our country, likewise all around the world, about architecture education as it is a subject which is frequently being debated and criticized. The computer technology, which has enabled new possibilities and methodologies in architecture, as well as in many other industries, has brought new aspects to the debates that have been going on about the educational process of architecture. Through out the history of architecture; visual representation studies have inevitably took place in production process due to the nature of architecture. While some schools regarded those representation studies as an independent area of specialization; some has regarded them as architecture itself. The objective of this study is to analyze whether the architectural representation concept is handled at the necessary level in educational process -by considering the place of visual representation in the practice of architectural production- in the framework of facilities provided by the developing computer technology. What is stated as visual representation concept is all kinds of tools and methods to form the image of the architectural product before the construction takes place. First, representation concept and its relation with architecture is discussed through out the historical development process. Surveys and interviews with experts have been made to determine the structure of the approach in our country. Sufficiency of approach to architectural representation in our country?s educational system has been interrogated in light of the data derived from the surveys and interviews. A survey study with the students and interviews with faculty have been carried out in order to interrogate the sufficiency of the subject in the education system. Moreover, studies made in the industry have been collated and the opinions of the employees of establishments ?furnishing services in the area of architectural representation- have been assessed. Architecture is not a production activity that is carried out by an individual person. Thus, it is clear that there is need for people with different area of specialization. Among the said specialists, there is definitely need for person or persons who provide service in the area of representation. The importance of representation studies are far beyond their necessity in the said production organization. Representation studies take place in the process starting from the first stage ?the idea stage- of arise of architectural product; and the tools and methodologies used in this area contribute to visual thinking capability which is a very important asset for an architect. Thus, the aim of this thesis study is to highlight the need for increased exposition of architectural representation studies in the educational process by drawing attention to the contribution made to the visual thinking capability. Key Words: Architectural representation, architectural illustration, representation tools, architecture and representation relation, representation in architectural education.