Thesis Defense - Ali Kemal Terlemez (PHDDTS)

You are cordially invited to join the Ph.D. thesis defence by Ali Kemal TERLEMEZ (S007990) on Wednesday May 18, 2022 at 1:45 pm. on Cekmekoy Campus AB4-B213.  Thesis title and abstract are below.

Thesis Subject: AN ASSESSMENT MODEL FOR PARTICIPATORY ARCHITECTURE: 

THE EXAMPLE OF THE SOLIDARITY ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION GROUPS

Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Orhan HACIHASANOĞLU

Jury Members:            Prof. Dr. Orhan HACIHASANOĞLU (Thesis Advisor) (OZU)

                                    Prof. Dr. Hülya TURGUT (OZU)

                                    Prof. Dr. Emel BİRER (External Member) (IKU)

                                    Asst. Prof. Dr. Demet MUTMAN ULUENGİN (OZU)

                                    Asst. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Ayşe GÖKŞİN (External Member) (IKU)

Abstract:

The relationship between participation and architecture has been discussed for more than fifty years, along with human-oriented design approaches. Scientists from the field of architecture and other related disciplines have been tackling the concept of participatory architecture and its various aspects through several methods and theories. This thesis aims to present a model by setting forth multiple dimensions of participatory architecture. The purpose of this model is to evaluate participatory architecture, making use of a multi-dimensional perspective to participatory architecture practices.

Individuals need to have a certain level of say in the emergence of the place where they spend their daily lives, state their ideas and requests, and experience the space they use to take ownership of the area and establish a bond. It is an accepted fact that the user exists not as a subject but as an object within the architectural product produced in conventional architecture and construction processes. However, architectural figures, groups, and collectives also produce products applying alternative models contrary to these processes. Architectural forms that offer examples by adopting understandings that incorporate users through various tactics, methods and designs can be seen in different geographies.

This thesis study focuses on the projects that incorporate users in processes through alternative architectural products. The thesis study model searches for the potentials, opportunities, and threats in participatory architecture. In this context, the theoretical and practical background of the literature research was carried out primarily to understand the concept of participation and its dimensions related to architecture. The inferences made here reveal the multiple dimensions of participatory architecture. These dimensions are levels and processes, players and participation techniques.

The study addresses the applied processes conducted by the Solidarity Architecture Exhibition groups that have compiled alternative architecture practices employed in Turkey in recent years. Conducted by quantitative techniques, the thesis uses a summative evaluation methodology. It builds a three-stage model for method of analysis. Participation ladder analysis (1), stakeholder typology analysis (2) and participatory techniques analysis (3) have helped interpret the architecture activities carried out with participants. In light of the evaluation, this thesis discusses the issue of participatory architecture using various observations made in the processes. This discussion describes a guiding method for participatory architecture. Data collected from primary and secondary sources are tested using a structured evaluation form to carry out the analysis. The structured evaluation form is a systematic examination that questions the existence of the specified parameters. The resulting findings provide information about the strengths and weaknesses of participatory architecture and its place in the Turkish world of architecture. The participant discusses architecture in the light of various inferences observed in the evaluation processes. This discussion describes a guiding participatory method of architecture.

Chapter 1 provides detailed information on the problems, hypothesis, research questions, aims of the research, the scope of the research, and the methods used to conduct the research. Chapter 2 describes the concept of participation and its relations with architecture as a profession based on theoretical and practical studies. Chapter 3 describes the methodology of the study. the level and process relationship, players and participation methods described as multiple dimensions of participation are classified based on references from the literature. A new analysis model is introduced according to this classification. In line with the parameters determined by the three-stage analysis method, data collection criteria from primary and secondary sources related to the production of SAEx groups determined as case studies are specified within the scope of the study. Chapter 4 focuses on the data collected in 28 projects of the SAEx groups in line with the parameters determined in the previous chapter and various findings collected applying the three-stage analysis method. The results obtained are based on these findings. The last chapter discusses the relationship between participation and architecture, first in SAEx and then in Turkey and the global context, in the light of findings and results.