Course Contents

On one hand it is intended to introduce theories that can be used in architectural research by readings and classroom discussions. On the other hand, it is expected that students define a research problem in the fields of architecture-design-planning, achieve a literature research, accomplish field studies such as measurements and interviews, and evaluate the data obtained through scientific methods.

This course contributes to knowledge of students with developing their skills through design. The course also helps student to get familiar with the concepts of integrated, and sustainable design for built environment. Students are expected to develop/implement a term project with the panel critics provided which are based on expert meetings. Effects of global warming, and climate change for humanity and built environment are among the agenda of the course as well as sustainability. Evaluation of the term project is based both on the progress achieved through the term and the quality of final submission.

This course covers the main theoretical discussions that have shaped architectural practice from the Enlightenment to the 21st century. By examining the main philosophical movements of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, the architectural movements initiated by them and the architectural practices that emerged as a reflection of these movements, and by discussing important texts on this subject, the course aims to provide the student with the ability to understand and think critically about contemporary developments in the field of architecture today.

In this course, students conduct original research on a specific topic within their field of study, report this research, and present it orally at the end of the semester. By means of this report and oral presentation, it is ensured that the basic principles of scientific rules, spelling, and presentation rules that the student should follow in his/her thesis study are conveyed. The course involves independent study under the guidance of an advisor, focusing on: • Identifying a research topic • Conducting a comprehensive literature review • Preparing a seminar report • Delivering a seminar presentation • Evaluating feedback and finalizing the report.

This course is the main course of the Master of Architecture program and it covers the thesis study. It is a non-credit and compulsory course. Throughout the course, all essential phases of the thesis process are carried out, including the identification of the thesis topic, definition of its purpose, scope, and objectives, conducting a comprehensive literature review, selection of the research methodology, development of research content, and the writing of the thesis. Under the supervision of their academic advisors, students are expected to design and implement an original research plan. During this process, they engage in advanced studies on scientific research methods, ethical standards, literature analysis, data collection and analysis techniques, academic writing conventions, and presentation skills. By the end of the course, students are expected to complete their thesis in compliance with academic and ethical standards as well as the Graduate School’s Thesis Writing Guidelines, and to successfully defend it before a jury.