ARCH201 Architectural Design I Fall’25

Instructors

Dr. Ömer Devrim Aksoyak, Dr. Vacide Betül Kurtuluş, Dr. Tuğçe Büşra Çadırcı, Res. Assist. Nurefşan Batmaz, Lec. Aydan Şahin

Design Topic: 

Home, apart from being a physical structure, is a space where individual can be a part of the communal life, feel belonged and secure; it is a place that individuals satisfy their needs for caring and conserving; and finally, a reach point on the journey of self-discovering. Individuals take shelter in home; being protected from the physical conditions of the outer world and nurture their senses in psychological aspects. It is like a skeleton that upholds the human body, acting as the key element of an arch; it grounds individuals in a place, both physically and spiritually. 

The aim of this studio is to try to understand our main living space “home” through different scales. In this context, three different works will be developed in the studio. First, in a two-week period, alternative solutions will be developed for different types of small size spaces. Then, a new approach is expected to an existing dwelling type in Kayseri. Finally, students are expected to develop a larger scale housing design consisting of different modules and plan solutions that will appeal to different users. 

• Workshop: Minimum Space (Hypothetical project area) 

Students have previously experimented with designing spatial     elements (modules) that address the basic needs of users, such as kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. In this exercise, students are expected to build on what they learned in the previous stage by exploring modifications and further development of those modules. The workshop requires creating a single, permanent space that includes areas for sleeping, cooking, living, and cleansing. The objective is to design the minimum necessary space for these functions. While there are no specific user or m² limitations, please ensure that the design optimizes space while adhering to ergonomic standards. 

• Design 2: New Generation Vineyard House (Talas) 

In this design, a contemporary approach is expected to address the vineyard houses, which are secondary residences in Kayseri. In doing so, students should take into consideration the vineyard culture, viticulture activities and habits. While combining tradition and culture with contemporary practices, the existing fabric, new lifestyle understandings and cultural habits should be considered, functions and needs should be determined accordingly. Approximately. 150m2 on at least 2 stories height.  

• Design 3: Housing + (Fevzi Çakmak) 

Housing+ is a design that includes another main function along with housing. Students are expected to solve a housing design with at least 3 or 4 different plan solutions for different users. With its repeating units, this design will be handled within an existing housing texture. Within the grid system, row houses or adjacent order design solutions will be produced. The main concerns of this project are the relationship to be established with the existing texture and the diversity to be created with solutions for different users. Moreover, students are expected to develop specific solutions for each project for the + function. The design should also include a social space. 

Each design proposal will have 1200-1500 m2 closed space (±%10) + service units and open, semi-open areas) should include: 

• Accommodation units (min 3 different scheme according to defined user groups) 

• Circulation (stairs, corridors, and elevators) 

• Service units 

• Common spaces 

 

Keywords: Minimum space, Mobility, Sense of belonging, Homemaking, Daily life, Experiential space