Author: Sümeyye Okumus

Green architecture, an environmentally friendly approach to design and construction in the building industry, aims to reduce the impact of human activity on the natural environment across all stages, from the design phase through construction to subsequent operation and maintenance. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program is one of the most widely recognized and trusted systems for green building rating. Established by the U.S. Green Building Council, which has advocated for efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in community development since 1993, LEED serves as a leading international standard for constructing energy-efficient buildings and protecting human living environments. These…

One of the most effective principles of sustainable architecture is rainwater harvesting. Representing a strategic approach to managing a vital natural resource, rainwater harvesting is crucial in reducing the demand on our overloaded water systems. Especially in regions where water scarcity is increasing, this practice eases pressure on urban water resources, provides an additional water source during dry periods, and contributes to replenishing groundwater levels, which is essential for maintaining the ecological cycle. Rainwater harvesting, which promotes the efficient use of water resources, reduces the environmental footprint of human activities. By capturing excess rainfall before it causes flooding, these systems…

Today, global warming and climate change have become major issues, and one of their primary drivers is the construction and operation of buildings. In a rapidly changing world, sustainable Design construction, which is becoming a necessity rather than a trend, shapes the future of the sector, from reducing carbon emissions to conserving resources. According to the EPA, a green building, or sustainable building, is the practice of creating environmentally responsible and resource-efficient structures and processes throughout a building’s life cycle. This practice expands upon and complements classic building design concerns such as economy, functionality, durability, and comfort. Green buildings are defined…

There are movies that everyone watches over and over again without getting tired of them. Some of these movies stay in our minds not only because of their stories and characters, but also because of the places where the events unfold. These movie houses, which draw us in and stimulate our imagination as we watch the film, become architectural characters that make us wish they were real, even though they are merely set decorations.  Many of us, while watching The Grand Budapest Hotel, have imagined spending even a single night in that pink hotel or wished to attend one of…

Mixed-use developments, which focus on combining various functions such as residential units, retail spaces, offices, and parks within a single structure, make environments more accessible, elegant, and efficient. Bringing together living, working, relaxing, and entertaining areas, these structures allow people to lead more comfortable and connected lives. Offering an alternative to the decades-long dominance of single-use zoning, which impractically separates the many activities of daily life, today’s mixed-use designs serve as highly influential models for contemporary urban development. Unlike residential or commercial architecture, mixed-use developments must cope with complex issues such as the integration of various uses, pedestrian circulation management,…

Rammed earth, a material used since ancient times, is not only durable and energy-efficient but also features a striking, layered appearance with natural color variations. Formed by compacting layers of raw materials such as sand, gravel, clay, and stabilizers, its warm tones and textures often harmonize with the surrounding natural environment. Enabling sustainable and environmentally conscious design in its environment, rammed earth, combined with advanced construction techniques, is frequently preferred in the construction of modern homes. Let’s explore the top 10 rammed-earth houses that look surprisingly modern: 1. Casa Lasso Location: Ranchos San Jose, Lasso, Cotopaxi, EcuadorArchitect: Rama Estudio Casa…

Technological devices used to make modern life more comfortable and the widespread use of electricity generate a very high energy demand. The construction sector, which consumes 40% of global energy every year, is one of the main causes of climate anomalies arising from the deterioration of the environment and global warming. For a sustainable future, architects need to use energy efficiently and effectively. At this point, passive design strategies are employed, which utilize natural resources to optimize a building’s performance, comfort, and energy efficiency. Unlike active design, which relies on mechanical interventions, passive strategies in architecture utilize the natural characteristics…

Vernacular architecture, shaped by local knowledge, materials, and building traditions rather than formal architectural theory or professional design, is a product of its region. Closely related to its context, this architectural style is strongly influenced by and aware of the specific geographical features and cultural aspects of its environment. Evolving gradually in response to the environmental and social conditions of communities, vernacular architecture is built using shared knowledge and traditional techniques passed down among local people. Although it continues to develop alongside new technologies, its essence lies in adapting these innovations in ways that remain faithful to local traditions and…

Istanbul is a fascinating city. Having been home to numerous civilizations throughout history, Istanbul boasts a wide variety of historical artifacts. With its monuments, streets, and unique spirit, Istanbul is a city that is truly enjoyable to explore. One of the best routes to understand the city lies within the Historic Peninsula. İlber Ortaylı, one of Turkey’s leading historians, points out that the historical peninsula, where Byzantine churches and Ottoman complexes are located in the same neighborhoods and along the same routes, offers a wonderful way to grasp Istanbul’s millennia-old history. İlber Ortaylı (1947–2026), one of Turkey’s most celebrated historians,…

The construction and maintenance of buildings that shape our cities today are a significant source of greenhouse gases. Structures built with traditional materials, in addition to their initial environmental costs, often fail to adapt to change. These structures end up being dismantled in a costly and materially inefficient manner at the end of their lifespan. Energy and material inefficiency in construction has driven the search for a new generation of sustainable and environmentally conscious architecture. In this context, “living architecture” has emerged, treating buildings as organisms that actively interact with, respond to, transform, and even produce within biological systems. This…