Author: Sümeyye Okumus

Off-grid living, a sustainability ideal that is increasingly embraced today, refers to self-sufficient ways of life. Enabling residents to live independently of municipal services and/or infrastructure, off-grid living also requires using available resources to develop systems for waste disposal, water storage, and off-grid energy production. Aligning with the motivations of various social movements, from environmentalists to advocates of minimalist lifestyles, off-grid living has become one of the leading approaches for those seeking to escape the noise of urban life and live in closer connection with nature. Off-grid homes, which promote a self-sufficient lifestyle, offer the freedom to manage resources and…

Bridges, which connect two areas separated by gaps or obstacles, have transformed into architectural marvels thanks to today’s technology. While mostly constructed using materials like steel and concrete, structural glass is another preferred material. Structural glass bridges, or skybridges, connect two separate areas, offering panoramic views of the landscape and often creating the feeling of walking in mid-air. Furthermore, thanks to the transparency of the glass, sunlight effortlessly filters through the bridge, reflecting interesting light and shadow patterns onto the surrounding structures. In this article, we will examine 8 impressive glass bridge designs that give the impression of walking in…

The increasing scarcity of usable space in urban life and the creation of narrow plots for construction have led to a new architectural invention: Super Slender Buildings. These structures, with extremely narrow base areas compared to their height, push the boundaries of modern design, architecture, and engineering. Rising meters into the sky, these slender skyscrapers withstand high wind loads and structural oscillations, shaping city skylines. Here are the world’s 10 super-slender skyscrapers: 1. 111 West 57th (Steinway Tower) Location: New York, USArchitect: SHoP ArchitectsYear: 2022 Designed by SHoP Architects, 111 West 57th Street holds the title of the world’s slenderest…

Observation decks, born from the desire to admire magnificent panoramic views from above, blend architectural creativity with unique cultural experiences to offer breathtaking vistas. Providing the best vantage point for iconic skyscrapers against a stunning city skyline, these observation decks stand out not only for their panoramic views but also as a showcase of technological advancement and engineering achievement. Located in towers across the world’s major cities, observation decks have become one of the most remarkable elements of modern architecture and tourism through the experiences they offer. In this article, we explore the world’s 10 most impressive observation decks: 1.…

Every project shaping the skyline of our cities is unique and special. From design to construction, each project takes weeks or even years to complete. Throughout history, some projects have stood out not only for their architectural impressiveness but also for the extraordinarily long construction times they took. Disagreements, wars, crises, technological challenges, and many other factors have caused iconic structures in many parts of the world to have construction periods that lasted for years. While some of these projects, which took years to complete, were only finished by subsequent generations, others were completed far beyond their original design. In…

UNESCO defines heritage as “our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations,” and describes World Heritage sites as “irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.” In this context, a World Heritage country or World Heritage Site refers to places designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having outstanding importance in categories such as history, culture, or science. These sites may be cultural, natural, or mixed properties that showcase the world’s rich history, artistic achievements, ecological diversity, and scientific heritage. From Italy’s iconic Roman ruins to India’s…

What would the city you live in look like if it were completely abandoned one day? Around the world, many places were once filled with lively crowds and the fast pace of daily life, yet now stand deserted. Known as “ghost towns,” these former settlements were abandoned by their residents for many reasons, including natural and man-made disasters, changing economic conditions, and political turmoil. For years, no trace of civilization has been found in these cities, which have now fallen into decay. Despite periodically attracting explorers due to their desolate and mystical atmosphere, these cities have remained lifeless for years.…

Diébédo Francis Kéré, a Burkinabe architect known for his pioneering approaches to design and sustainable construction methods, is the recipient of the 2022 Pritzker Architecture Prize. Founded in 2005, Kéré Architecture is recognized for its structural elegance, innovative use of materials, and tendency to build in regions that much of contemporary architecture has yet to explore. Approaching architecture with a utopian and pragmatic vision, Francis Kéré draws inspiration from the specific characteristics of each location and its social fabric. By understanding the specific needs of a given context, he uses local knowledge and resources as tools in his designs. Here…

Airports, where aircraft take off and land, are spaces that enable the transportation of people and cargo between cities and countries. Considering transportation infrastructure, airports cannot be seen merely as simple structures that allow planes to travel. They also reveal a city’s cultural value and engineering prowess. Airports form a passenger’s first impression of a city or country. In this context, the architecture of airports defines the culture of nations, and their designs provide a great deal of information about that city. In this article, we examine 10 airports that reflect the culture of their nations: 1. Beijing Daxing International…

Throughout history, people have designed the spaces and environments they build according to their needs, values, and worldview. This design represents a reciprocal interaction; while humans transform space, space also shapes humans’ ways of thinking, behaviors, and inner world. The design of the environments we inhabit has a significant impact on our mood and well-being. Depending on specific Spatial design decisions, a space can evoke feelings of spaciousness and tranquility, or conversely, feelings of confinement and discomfort. Health is defined by the World Health Organization as “not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, but a state of complete physical,…