ARCHITECTURE
Bachelor	TR-NQF-HE: Level 6	QF-EHEA: First Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code	Course Name	Semester	Theoretical	Practical	Credit	ECTS
ARC2933	Earth Architecture	Spring	1	2	2	4

This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction:	English
Type of course:	Departmental Elective
Course Level:	Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery:	Face to face
Course Coordinator :	Assist. Prof. MELEK ELİF SOMER
Course Lecturer(s):	Instructor SEPEHR ROSHANSHOMAL
Course Objectives:	The main objective of the course is to introduce students to the use of earth-based materials in architecture. The course also aims to create the necessary infrastructure to be able to design with earth-based materials and to acquire skills in their application. The quality of the cooperative human-nature relationship is promoted, the students' perception, observation and analysis skills are improved and their awareness is raised so that they can use these skills to solve contemporary problems.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1.Ability to design projects that optimize, conserve, or reuse natural and built resources, provide healthful environments for occupants/users, and reduce the environmental impacts of building construction and operations on future generations through means such as carbon-neutral design, bioclimatic design, and energy efficiency.
2.Understanding of the relationship between human behaviour, the natural environment and the design of the built environment.
3.Understanding of the basic principles of structural behaviour in withstanding gravity and lateral forces and the evolution, range, and appropriate application of contemporary structural systems.
4.Understanding of the basic principles utilized in the appropriate selection of construction materials, products, components, and assemblies, based on their inherent characteristics and performance, including their environmental impact and reuse.
5. Ability to work in collaboration with others and in multidisciplinary teams to successfully complete design projects.

Course Content

Earth-based materials in architecture.
Teaching Methods and Techniques Used in the Course are:
Individual Study, Experiment, Observation, Collaborative Learning, Social Activity, Discussion, Technology-Enhanced Learning, Implementation.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	Introduction of the course. Philosophical inquiries.
2)	Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space, Human-nature relationship
3)	Opportunities provided by soil-based materials
4)	Demonstration of sample soil-based materials, implementing experience
5)	Experiment with Trampled Soil and Cob Lecture
6)	Trial of making Super Adobe and Rammed Earth
7)	Midterm Exam
8)	Arch and Dome systems in soil-based masonry structures
9)	Design and implementation with learned methods focused on soil element analysis
10)	Design and implementation with learned methods focused on water element analysis
11)	Design and implementation with learned methods focused on fire element analysis
12)	Design and implementation with learned methods focused on Air element analysis
13)	Design and implementation with learned methods focused on void element analysis
14)	Course evaluation and philosophical discussions
15)	Final

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:

References:

Khalili, N. (2000). Ceramic houses and earth architecture. Cal-Earth Press, California.
Alexander, C. (1979). The timeless way of building (Vol. 1). New York: Oxford University Press.
Fathy, H. (2010). Architecture for the poor: an experiment in rural Egypt. University of Chicago Press.
Glassie, H. (2000). Vernacular architecture (Vol. 2). Indiana University Press.
Hanh, T. N. (2017). The art of living. Random House.
Jung, C. G. (2002). The earth has a soul: CG Jung on nature, technology and modern life. North
Atlantic Books.
Khalili, N. (2008). Emergency sandbag shelter and eco-village. Hesperia, CA: Cal-Earth Press.
Rudofsky, B. (1987). Architecture without architects: a short introduction to non-pedigreed
architecture. UNM Press.
Snell, C., & Callahan, T. (2009). Building green: a complete how-to guide to alternative building
methods: earth plaster, straw bale, cordwood, cob, living roofs. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.
Schumacher, E. F., & Beautiful, S. I. (1977). Economics as if People Mattered. Thesis.
Weismann, A., & Bryce, K. (2006). Building with Cob: a step by step guide (No. 691.4 W426b).
Devon, GB: Green Books, 2006.
Zimmerman, J. M., & Coyle, V. (2009). The way of council. Bramble Books, Las Vegas.
Roshanshomal, S. (2019) Self-help rural housing as contemporary vernacular architecture in cases of
Yuva, Çuva, Turnarado, and Umcali (Bahçeşehir University, Master's thesis, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü).

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Attendance	14	% 10
Application	8	% 15
Homework Assignments	8	% 15
Midterms	1	% 20
Final	1	% 40
Total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 40
Total		% 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities	Number of Activities	Duration (Hours)	Workload
Course Hours	13	1	13
Application	13	2	26
Midterms	1	3	3
Paper Submission	8	7	56
Final	1	2	2
Total Workload			100

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Low	3 Average	4 High	5 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	Using the theoretical/conceptual and practical knowledge acquired for architectural design, design activities and research.	1
2)	Identifying, defining and effectively discussing aesthetic, functional and structural requirements for solving design problems using critical thinking methods.
3)	Being aware of the diversity of social patterns and user needs, values and behavioral norms, which are important inputs in the formation of the built environment, at local, regional, national and international scales.
4)	Gaining knowledge and skills about architectural design methods that are focused on people and society, sensitive to natural and built environment in the field of architecture.
5)	Gaining skills to understand the relationship between architecture and other disciplines, to be able to cooperate, to develop comprehensive projects; to take responsibility in independent studies and group work.
6)	Giving importance to the protection of natural and cultural values in the design of the built environment by being aware of the responsibilities in terms of human rights and social interests.
7)	Giving importance to sustainability in the solution of design problems and the use of natural and artificial resources by considering the social, cultural and environmental issues of architecture.
8)	Being able to convey and communicate all kinds of conceptual and practical thoughts related to the field of architecture by using written, verbal and visual media and information technologies.
9)	Gaining the ability to understand and use technical information about building technology such as structural systems, building materials, building service systems, construction systems, life safety.	4
10)	Being aware of legal and ethical responsibilities in design and application processes.