An Ecological approach to the architectural design; a design proposal for Adana

In the prevention process of environmental pollution that is generated by the deterioration of ecological balance world-wide, the responsibility of architecture as a discipline is, to develop an understanding of ecological building and to provide a sustainable environment. Determining the criterias of ecological building design, this thesis argues the applicability of its hypothesis through a case study held in Adana,Menekşe Village. Ecological solutions developed for buildig structure, form and material; recycling and household utilization of clean energy not only minimize but also contribute to the effect of man-made physical environment over eco-systems. But since eco-systems present great differentiations either scale or character wise for each application, ecological architecture is highly based on local site requirements. Analysing several case studies over the world, in this thesis, Adana-Menekşe Village is identified as the application area for the proposed model after a through evaluation of its physical environment data such as climate, vista, infrastructure, geological formation, vegetation, etc. together with socio-cultural condition of its users. Ecological architecture, infact, does not claim a total understanding for a certain model; however, it points out sume critical and basic issues that has to be carried out through the design and application process. Applying the principles suggested above for an ecological approach to architectural design through a project in this thesis a high potential for ecological building and settlement for the region is achieved. KEYWORDS: o Ecological Architecture o Eco House o Eco-Design Principles o Sustainable Architecture o Energy Conscious Design