Exploring Sustainable Architectural Practices
Exploring Sustainable Architectural Practices
Exploring Sustainable Architectural Practices
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life, radical changes in innovative designs and methodologies within the
architectural and construction sectors have become imperative.
Fundamentally, sustainability has fostered the development of a systematic
perspective across sectors.
The development of sustainability principles in the architectural and
construction sectors, through systematic and strategic efforts using new
technologies and designs, will contribute to sustainability. The
advancement and implementation of these principles will play a crucial
role in enhancing sustainability within the sector (Okwandu et al., 2024).
In architectural design, an innovative systematic approach, incorporating
eco-design strategies, project-based component design, and material
properties, offers opportunities to reduce environmental impacts. When
these elements are integrated, they represent an approach that provides
effective solutions for minimizing environmental effects (Ahram et al.,
2023; Minson, 2024). The design of structures for purposes such as
housing, industrial use, and education, incorporating sustainable and eco-
design strategies, contributes to global sustainability. This field has
evolved into an interdisciplinary cluster through research and
technological development across various disciplines.
Architectural design plays a critical role in reducing carbon footprints and
promoting environmental sustainability with sustainable practices. Green
building applications, smart technologies, and low-energy consumption
strategies enhance environmental sustainability and operational efficiency
(Mi, 2024). Building orientation is key in maximizing energy efficiency,
leveraging natural resources, and optimizing performance while reducing
carbon emissions (Sharma & Dongre, 2024). Machine learning models,
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such as Transformers, minimize energy consumption and carbon
emissions with optimized building designs (Li et al., 2023).
Architectural design can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of
construction by using alternative materials, efficient systems, and waste
recycling, achieving up to a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions during the
construction phases (Sizirici et al., 2021).
Additionally, architectural design can significantly reduce the carbon
footprint and promote environmental sustainability in building
construction by integrating sustainable elements and ensuring minimal
environmental impact within the principles of sustainable development
(Majerska-Pałubicka, 2018).
The construction sector has been influenced by global sustainability and
green transformation. The architectural field, which provides know-how
to the construction sector, has adapted to sustainability the most rapidly.
In the process of developing sustainable solutions to address human needs,
the alignment of design and the elements used in design has significantly
impacted this field. The focus on ensuring that all components of the
design are harmonized has played a crucial role in achieving effective and
successful outcomes in the realm of sustainability. Thus, the coherence of
each design element with others has substantially influenced the
development of this field and the attainment of sustainability objectives.
These initiatives and commercialized applications contribute to the
reduction of CO2 footprints, enhance the effectiveness of the circular
economy in the field, advance the development of sustainable architecture,
and support the roles of designers in this domain (Agarwal,2023;
Minson,2024). New designs made with defined standards and compatible
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materials create positive success stories both for users and for improving
the current situation. In this transformation process, the targets set by
countries and their incentive mechanisms contribute to the advancement
of solutions in this field. Within the framework of the European Union's
Green Deal (Fit for 55: making buildings in the EU greener; 2024), targets
have been set for reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector
for 2030 and 2050. Additionally, Türkiye’s development plans include
goals for sustainable architectural design. The design centers established
by the regulatory framework introduced in 2016 provide incentives for the
development of sustainable practices in the construction and architecture
sectors.
The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Industry and Technology, through
Law No. 5746, provides tax reductions, exemptions, and incentives to
design centers in areas such as technological knowledge production,
innovation, efficiency, and cost reduction, aiming to enhance design
activities. The law also aims to increase the number of R&D and design
employees as well as attract more foreign direct investment in these fields.
Currently, there are 333 active design centers in Türkiye, and it has been
observed that only 9 of the companies with websites provide information
on sustainability, with 2 of them operating in the field of architectural
design. In this context, the study first involved a review of sustainability
criteria in the literature, followed by a technical evaluation of the projects
of two firms based on these criteria.
The purpose of this study is to emphasize the importance of more effective
and comprehensive implementation of sustainability criteria in the fields
of architecture and construction, examining how sustainability principles
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in these sectors can be integrated into a holistic approach that encompasses
environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Furthermore, the study
aims to systematically address design activities within the framework of
sustainable architecture and green transformation, evaluating whether
architectural design and technology integration in these projects align with
findings in the literature.
1.1 Understanding and Embracing the Sustainability
Sustainability is an idea that was developed to ensure that the demands of
future generations are addressed by reducing the adverse effects of human
activity on the environment and protecting natural resources (Kuhlman &
Farrington, 2010). According to the International Organization for
Standardization (2019), ISO 15392:2019 focuses on three main aspects of
sustainability: the environmental, social, and economic. Environmental
sustainability includes stopping climate change, reducing pollution of the
environment, and protecting biodiversity and the natural environment,
according to F. Rana et al. (2024). Subhan et al. (2024) define economic
sustainability as involving issues with resource efficiency, job growth,
economic progress, and innovative and technical advancements.
According to Saladert (2024), social sustainability includes maintaining
human rights, promoting gender equality, and providing greater access to
healthcare and education.
The development of the concept of sustainability dates back to ancient
times. Ancient civilizations developed various laws to protect forests and
use water resources effectively (Timsina & Weerahewa, 2023). During the
Middle Ages, soil fertility became important (Paché, 2023). In the 18th
and 19th centuries, especially with the Industrial Revolution,
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environmental issues drew attention, and efforts were made to prevent
population growth and resource scarcity. 1972 Stockholm and 1987
Brundtland conferences helped address this issue globally, and the 1992
Rio Conference laid the foundations of sustainable development. The 2015
UN Sustainable Development Goals aimed to achieve 17 specified goals
by 2030, promoting sustainability. The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement was
seen as a significant step in combating climate change, and the 2019
European Green Deal aimed to make Europe carbon neutral by 2050
(Battaglini, 2024). The cooperation of different governments, the private
sector, civil society, and individuals in working for sustainability has been
encouraged by the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the
2021 Convention on Biological Diversity, the IPCC Reports, the 2021
United Nations Sustainable Development Report, and the 2022 World
Economic Forum Global Risks Report (Convention on Biological
Diversity, n.d.; Framework Convention on Climate Change, n.d.; IPCC,
2024; Spindler, 2013; Republic of Türkiye Presidency Strategy and
Budget Directorate, 2019; TISK, 2022).
Today, sustainable development is observed globally in many areas. In
Haiti, the rate of children weakened due to malnutrition decreased by 2.2%
in 2017 compared to 1990 (Our World in Data team, 2023a). The share of
the population with access to basic services such as electricity, water, clean
fuels, and waste disposal increased by approximately 17% in 2022
compared to 1998 (Our World in Data team, 2023b). Academic
publications on gender equality have increased by 4.5% in the last five
years compared to the past (Spagnolo & Capodanno, 2024). Similarly, the
number of studies conducted on the health of the world and sustainable
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development has shown a linear increase between 2006 and 2022 (Pham
et al., 2024).
1.2 Sustainable Design in Architecture
Building is one of the key industries influencing sustainable development.
Approximately 13% of the global gross domestic product (GDP) is
attributed to buildings, and it is anticipated that this percentage will rise to
15% soon. Building development, maintenance, and construction, along
with infrastructure and urban projects, now have a budget of about 294
quadrillion TL; by 2023, this amount is predicted to increase to 359
quadrillion TL (Santamouris & Vasilakopoulou, 2021). According to IAE
50 (2023), building operations account for 26% of worldwide energy-
related emissions and 30% of global final energy consumption.
Sustainable design minimizes the environmental impact of buildings and
protects natural resources to meet current requirements without sacrificing
the ability of future generations to meet their own. Multifaceted tactics
including material selection, waste management, energy efficiency, water
conservation, and social sustainability are used to put this concept into
practice (Li, 2011). Despite growing demand, the construction industry is
still not realizing sustainable buildings at a high rate (du Plessis, 2005).
The difficulties in striking a balance between economic and environmental
performance are assumed to be the cause of this low rate. To address this
issue, it is advised that decision support tools be created that demonstrate
to building owners and architects how environmental constraints can be
reduced by incorporating Life Cycle Costing (LCC) into the design
process from the beginning. These technologies support sustainable design
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decisions by assessing costs and environmental impacts at an early stage
of development (Kang, 2015).
1.3 Methods for reaching sustainability
Several tactics that architects can use during the design phase can help
them achieve sustainability. The Integrated Design Process (IDP), Voigt
et al. (2023) evaluate the potential technical needs of the building, energy
efficiency, environmental impact, indoor environment, functionality, and
many other important factors using data analysis. In the same way, the
process of creating and managing digital representations of a building's
functional features is called Building Information Modeling, or BIM. BIM
encourages collaboration between different fields (Gao et al., 2019). Altan
et al. (2016), passive design provides guidelines for designing buildings
that fit into the surrounding environment and are aesthetically pleasing.
Creating ecological areas and sustainable living conditions is the goal of
green urbanization (Lehmann, 2010).
Many techniques that lower expenses, lessen environmental impact, and
increase energy efficiency can be used to improve a building's energy
performance. Tools like EnergyPlus, eQUEST, or IESVE simulate the
prospective energy performance of buildings to determine the optimal
design criteria (El-Gohary et al., 2023; Mushtaha et al., 2021; U.S.
Department of Energy, 2020). High-Performance Building Envelopes
contribute to sustainability by applying building materials and systems that
create a comfortable environment sensitive to external and internal
conditions (Aslani & Hachem-Vermette, 2022). Smart Building
Technologies use sensors, automation systems, and energy management
systems to monitor and reduce energy use, improving the building's energy
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performance (Ejidike & Mewomo, 2023). Solar panels help generate
electricity from solar energy (Laabab et al., 2023). Solar thermal systems
are used for heating water or air in the building (Tschopp et al., 2020).
Wind turbines assist in generating electricity from wind energy (Jiang,
2021). Geothermal systems meet the heating and cooling needs of a
building by utilizing underground heat sources (Sowiżdżał, 2022).
Conserving and efficiently using water resources is crucial for a
sustainable future. Water conservation can be accomplished through a
variety of strategies. Systems for collecting and storing rainwater are made
to be used for purposes other than drinking, such as irrigation and toilet
flushing (Villarreal & Dixon, 2005). Greywater recycling systems enable
the repurposing of water from sinks, washers, and showers for landscape
irrigation and other non-potable uses (Elhegazy & Eid, 2020). Low-flow
fixtures contribute to sustainability by using water-efficient showerheads,
toilets, and faucets to reduce water usage (Maleki Nasab et al., 2007).
Sustainable building design and construction also give waste management
and material selection priority in order to lessen their detrimental effects
on the environment. Life cycle assessment, or LCA, is a systematic
procedure that evaluates the environmental consequences of materials
throughout their life cycles to identify sustainable choices, according to
Chau et al. (2015). Recycled and renewable materials help conserve raw
materials, energy, and water by utilizing pre-existing resources
(Mohammadabadi et al., 2021; Papadaki et al., 2022). The construction
waste management process includes the reduction, reuse, and recycling of
construction trash (Ismaeel & Kassim, 2023).
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Improving comfort levels in interior design is also essential to sustainable
design. Several tools and strategies are applicable in this case.
Measurement and control of ventilation, humidity, and pollutants are made
possible by monitoring indoor air quality (Saini et al., 2020). Building
biology aims to create sustainable environments based on 25 fundamental
principles that establish a relationship between humans and the
environment (Kokulu, 2017). Filters can be used to prevent various
pollutants from entering indoor spaces from the outside environment (A.
K. Rana et al., 2023).
Green building certification and rating systems are important tools for
evaluating buildings based on sustainability criteria. BREEAM (Building
Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) was
developed by the United Kingdom (Yang, 2016). BEPAC (Building
Environmental Performance Assessment Criteria) was developed by
Canada (Cole, 1994). The WELL Building Standard was developed by the
United Kingdom (WELL Building Standard — IIDA New England, n.d.).
CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Building
Environmental Efficiency) was developed by Japan (Potbhare et al., 2009).
ABRI was developed by Taiwan (Cheng, 2008). DGNB (Deutsche
Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) was developed by Germany. LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was developed by the
United States (Bahale & Schuetze, 2023). GBC (Green Building
Challenge) was initially developed by Canada and subsequently by an
international consortium (Larsson, 1999). BEAM Plus and HK-beam were
developed by Hong Kong (Wadu Mesthrige & Chan, 2019). HQE (Haute
Qualité Environnementale) was developed by France. LiderA (Sistema
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Voluntário para Avaliação da Construção Sustentável) was produced by
Portugal. Spain developed VERDE (Bednarik, 2009). TGNBS was
developed by India. NABERS (National Australian Buildings
Environmental Rating System) was developed by Australia (Lee et al.,
2022). GBAS was developed by China (Wang et al., 2017).
2. Material and Method
The Republic of Türkiye's Ministry of Industry and Technology drafted
Law No. 5746 on February 26, 2016, to further design activities (Statistics
| Ministry of Industry and Technology, Republic of Türkiye, n.d.). Design
centers are entitled to discounts, exemptions, support, and incentives under
this legislation to encourage the creation of technological knowledge,
innovation in product and production processes, improvement of product
quality and standards, increased efficiency, reduced production costs,
commercialization of technological knowledge, establishment of
partnerships before competition, technology-intensive production,
entrepreneurship, and investments in these areas. The law also intends to
increase the number of R&D and design employees as well as the amount
of direct foreign capital investments for innovation, design, and R&D that
come into the country. The law also seeks to increase the number of skilled
workers and R&D and design staff in the country, as well as to accelerate
the inflow of direct foreign capital investments for these areas into the
country. According to figures released by the Ministry of Industry and
Technology of the Republic of Türkiye, there are 333 active design centers
as of right now. Of these centers, 44 are made up of
engineering/architecture firms, and 14 are made up of construction
enterprises. (Data | Ministry of Industry and Technology, Republic of
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Türkiye, n.d.). Out of 49 businesses having websites, it was discovered
that only 9 shared information about sustainability. Two of these firms
were found to be engaged in the architectural design industry upon closer
inspection of their respective areas of expertise. The initial step in the study
process was a review of the literature on studies that define sustainability
criteria. Due to the identification of only two architectural firms in the
architectural design sector that provide information on sustainability
through their websites among the active design centers, the most recent
and up-to-date projects of these two firms were evaluated according to
sustainability standards developed through the literature review. The
framework of the study is given in Figure 1.
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Due to the confidentiality of company information and the technical
examination of the projects, project images have not been included in the
scope of the study.
2.1 Literature Review
Ibiyeye et al. (2024) assess architectural students' awareness and
application of sustainability principles in Nigeria, noting gaps in using
sustainable materials and renewable energy despite acknowledging health
and environmental impacts. Akadiri & Olomolaiye (2012) address the
challenge of prioritizing sustainable building materials in the UK,
identifying aesthetics, maintainability, and energy saving as crucial factors
through literature review and surveys. Feria & Amado (2019) advocate
integrating economic, social, and environmental factors into architectural
design early on, proposing guidelines to enhance sustainability practices
and improve existing assessment tools. Nguyen et al. (2010) use BIM to
create a framework for assessing sustainability and apply it to a hotel
project that follows the LEED Green Building Rating System. Bauer et al.
(2010) give practical recommendations and case studies on sustainable
building design, highlighting examples like Hamburg Dockland and
Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg in Stuttgart, acting as a compact
reference for energy efficiency and sustainability in architecture. Markelj
et al. (2014) present SMEBS, a simplified method of evaluating building
sustainability that uses expert-assigned weights using AHP to analyze
aspects unique to early project planning. A comprehensive examination of
the sustainability evaluation method in architectural design, construction,
renovation, and restoration is given by Pons-Valladares & Nikolic (2020).
They give particular weight to grading systems, life cycle approaches, and
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the rising acceptance of probabilistic scenarios and their combinations.
Patel et al. (2022) advocate for green building practices in India promoted
by organizations like IGBC and TERI, and propose steps to enhance
awareness and adoption of sustainable construction practices. Gökşen et
al. (2017) emphasize the high energy consumption and environmental
impact of residential buildings, advocating for ecological and sustainable
design measures from planning through use stages to support sustainable
development in architecture. Shahda (2018) proposes a framework for
sustainable architecture by linking architectural composition principles
(MASS - COVER - SITE) with six sustainable architectural guidelines
through a literature review, analytical study of buildings, and a matrix
alignment of composition approaches with sustainability criteria. Using six
study scopes to define sustainability criteria and a case study of a printing
company to show its efficacy, San-José Lombera & Cuadrado Rojo (2010)
introduce an Integrated Value Model for Sustainable Assessment with an
emphasis on industrial buildings. They establish a "environmental
sustainability index" using both qualitative and quantitative indicators. Xia
et al. (2014) analyze the procurement process in the US public sector for
specifying sustainability requirements in design-build (DB) projects,
emphasizing the importance of clear sustainability criteria in requests for
proposals (RFPs) to achieve green construction goals. Assefa et al. (2022)
developed and implemented a Building Sustainability Assessment System
(BSAS) tailored for Ethiopia, addressing local challenges and promoting
sustainable building practices in economically least-developed countries.
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2.2 Key parameters in sustainability
When the concept of sustainability was incorporated into the field of
architecture, the parameters of architectural design also changed. In
addition to the basic architectural design criteria, sustainability parameters
also became more important, and thus a more holistic design approach
began to be adopted. In the planning phase of the building, some objectives
must be taken into account so that the principles of sustainable
development are realized according to appropriate methods and specific
criteria.
According to Dias Cordeiro Féria (2018), sustainability includes
renewable energy, natural light, thermal comfort, natural ventilation,
visual comfort, wastewater reuse, rainwater harvesting, a healthy
environment, reusable/recyclable materials, local materials, and ease of
maintenance. It depends on parameters like Liu et al. (2022) added low-
carbon materials and certification systems. Wen et al. (2024) considered
criteria such as innovative technologies, service life, safety, accessibility,
and acoustic comfort. Gökşen et al. (2017) considered criteria such as
solutions to global and local environmental problems, interdisciplinary
cooperation, nature conservation, regional climate suitability, topographic
suitability, and solid waste/biological waste conversion. Bragança et al.
(2010) added parameters such as building pre-occupancy costs,
maintenance costs, operating costs, post-construction costs, and added
value. Considering all these parameters, sustainability was considered in
this study under four main headings: main design criteria, passive system
criteria active system criteria, and other parameters (Belek & Yamaçlı,
2023).
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3. Findings and Discussion
The projects of the design centers were examined primarily in the context
of the main design criteria (Table 1). It was observed that both projects
emphasized open/closed/semi-open areas, accessibility, enough openings,
climatic conditions, spatial comfort, site-specific landscaping, and
topographic suitability. Additionally, it was found that flexible design
criteria were not applied in either project, and implementation was done
without considering the functional changes of the spaces. Specifically, no
information was shared regarding durable materials and low-cost
maintenance in both projects. Different approaches were observed in the
projects concerning local culture parameters, local materials,
recyclable/reusable materials, solutions to global and local environmental
problems, climate suitability, and the preservation of natural life. Overall,
Project 1 incorporated sustainability criteria at a rate of 62.5%, while
Project 2 did so at 56.25%.
When sustainability is examined according to passive system criteria, it is
observed that both projects include mechanical shafts and skylights.
However, neither of them gives sufficient importance to passive system
criteria. Project 1 features an atrium and shading devices, while Project 2
includes soundproofing applications. Notably, neither project has
information regarding rainwater storage and use. The rate of meeting
passive system criteria is 26% Project 1 and 33% for Project 2.
When sustainability is examined according to active system criteria, it was
observed that Project 1 used solar panels and solid/biological waste
recycling, while no efforts were made in Project 2 to meet active system
criteria. Neither project included heating and electrical systems using
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vegetable oil, biogas, landfill gas, solid biofuel, greywater treatment
systems, or blackwater management. The compliance rate with active
system criteria was observed to be 33% for Project 1 and 0% for Project 2.
When sustainability is examined according to other parameters, in both
projects, there is no information available regarding the use of a certificati-
on system. While Project 1 provides superficial information about cost,
Project 2 lacks any information on this matter. Project 1 incorporates
innovative techniques, whereas Project 2 employs conventional methods.
Additionally, neither project shares any information regarding indoor air
quality. The rate of meeting other sustainability criteria is 50% for Project
1 and 33% for Project 2.
4. Conclusion and Suggestions
The construction industry is one of the important sectors of our country, as
well as in the world. With numerous internal and international projects,
our country has significant know-how in this field. The construction sector
is interconnected with many other industries within the scope of the
infrastructure it produces. In addition to the economic value and
employment it generates, the sector’s interactions with other industries
result in significant outcomes for the national economy. However, the high
potential carbon footprint arising from the sector’s current business and
production routines highlights the need for change in this area. The
construction sector's interaction with economic, environmental, and social
values in terms of sustainability shows that improvements and impacts that
contribute to green transformation in this field will be essential. Many
national and international action plans include roadmaps for the
construction sector, setting targets for changes in the existing paradigm.
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Table 1. The Comparison of Design-Center Projects (Belek & Yamaçlı,
2023; Bragança et al., 2010; Dias Cordeiro Féria, 2018; Gökşen et al.,
2017; Liu et al., 2022; Wen et al., 2024).
PROJECT 1: PROJECT 2:
CRITERIAS METHODS INDUSTRY AREA EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTION
YES NO NO YES NO NO
INFO INFO
Space Open /closed / semi-open √ √
organization and areas
design Local culture parameters √ √
Accessibility √ √
Flexible design √ √
Enough opening √ √
√ √
MAIN DESIGN
Solar panels √ √
Heating and electrical sy. √ √
Waste Greywater treatment system √ √
management Blackwater management √ √
Waste recycling √ √
Certification LEED/ BREAAM/ DGNB √ √
OTHER
system
Innovative tech. Design/ construction/ usage √ √
Indoor air quality Indoor pollutants protection √ √
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Implementing green transformation has become an essential framework
for achieving the targets outlined in roadmaps by changing existing
paradigms. The production of knowledge and technology for green
transformation is an area where many researchers and experts work across
various fields. In this sector, the integration of innovations derived from
research and development and design activities, conducted collaboratively
by internal and external stakeholders within a holistic approach, is a key
activity for both achieving targets and maintaining competitiveness. When
the literature is examined, there are publications, products, and patents
produced by researchers and companies in many different fields to
contribute to this field. Supporting and systematizing these activities
positively impacts the sector's sustainability compliance and
competitiveness, leading to favorable outcomes for countries in economic,
environmental, and social domains.
Our country supports this field with its public policies and funding
mechanisms. One of the important support mechanisms in making this
support systematic in the sector is R&D and Design Center support. Law
no. 5746 (2016), which supports R&D, innovation, and design activities,
offers systematic value creation. In this context, the aim is to trigger
positive contributions to the sector through design, technology, and
innovation that contribute to green transformation, particularly in the
construction, architecture, and engineering sectors.
When the sectors of design centers in our country are examined, the fact
that there are nearly 18% of companies operating directly in this field
shows that a significant critical mass has formed in this field. Additionally,
due to the relevance of sustainability in the field of architecture, the
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performance of design activities, when integrated with technology, will
create opportunities for implementing sustainable projects.
As part of this study, sustainable projects shared on the websites of
businesses of various sizes engaged in systematic design activities in our
country were examined within the framework of a set of sustainable
criteria. Limited data has been accessed on projects that will contribute to
sustainable and green transformation carried out by businesses with design
centers. From this perspective, it can be said that there is room for
improvement in how businesses showcase their work in this field on their
websites, which serve as external promotional tools. Additionally, the
visibility of completed projects and the sharing of their impacts within the
sustainability framework is an important process for social and economic
integration.
The information gathered from the projects analyzed based on the criteria
developed in this study is important for understanding the current state of
design-focused architectural firms in our country regarding sustainable
practices. While aspects such as the organization of open, enclosed, and
semi-enclosed spaces, accessibility, provision of adequate openness,
consideration of climatic conditions, analysis of spatial comfort for users,
and evaluation of local landscape and topographic conditions are important
architectural design principles and are viewed positively in the two
projects examined, there are notable deficiencies. These include the
insufficient consideration of flexible design criteria and the failure to
design spaces to accommodate potential functional changes. Furthermore,
the lack of emphasis on material selection and characteristics, which are
crucial for sustainability, represents a significant shortcoming. Allowing
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for functional changes in designs to adapt to changing conditions will
enhance the usability and adaptability of the design to the evolving era.
The use of environmentally friendly materials in designs is globally
important. Within the scope of sustainability, especially recently, the use
of passive systems in designs for energy saving has become extremely
important. Literature reviews indicate that implementing passive
ventilation and lighting in architectural designs yields significant
economic and environmental benefits. This ultimately reduces carbon
emissions. Similarly, in terms of water conservation, the collection and use
of rainwater and the implementation of insulation practices to prevent
energy loss in buildings are crucial for sustainability. Although mechanical
shafts and sky windows were included in the examined projects, it was
observed that passive systems were not used sufficiently in their designs
and the necessary importance was not given to passive systems.
Focusing on energy conservation has become essential in contemporary
designs, where the use of solar panels and the recycling of solid/biological
waste are crucial for sustainability. In this context, the presence of efforts
toward active system criteria in Project One and the lack of such efforts in
Project Two are negative aspects from the perspective of sustainable
design.
In terms of other parameters, the lack of information on certification
systems and the absence of details regarding indoor air quality in both
projects indicate that sustainability criteria are not fully met. While the
inclusion of innovative techniques in Project One is considered a positive
feature, the use of traditional methods in Project Two falls short in terms
of sustainability.
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This study provides important and comprehensive findings on how
sustainability criteria should be applied in architectural projects. The
compliance levels of the examined projects with sustainability criteria
provide valuable information about the current status of sustainability
practices in the field of architecture. In this context, it should be
emphasized that sustainability is not only limited to reducing
environmental impacts but also provides long-term economic and social
benefits.
Sustainable architecture aims to achieve environmental goals such as the
efficient use of natural resources, minimizing energy consumption, and
reducing waste production. Additionally, it addresses social and economic
goals by ensuring suitable indoor conditions for users' health and comfort,
responding to the needs of local communities, and producing economically
sustainable solutions. Therefore, careful application of sustainability
criteria in projects requires architectural designs to be handled with a
holistic approach.
In future projects, the carefull application of sustainability criteria will be
of utmost importance. In this context, it is essential to increase the use of
innovative sustainability solutions, integrate energy-efficient
technologies, prefer local and recyclable materials, and adopt design
principles that are harmonious with nature. In addition, eliminating the
deficiencies identified in current projects will contribute to the further
implementation of sustainable architecture.
In this way, architectural projects can better respond to the needs of both
today and the future. Creating more livable, environmentally friendly
structures not only improves the quality of life of individuals but also
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makes a significant contribution to the solution of global environmental
problems. Sustainable architectural approaches play a critical role in
combating climate change, protecting natural resources and promoting
sustainable urbanization.
As a result, this study once again reveals the importance of applying
sustainability criteria more effectively and comprehensively in
architecture. Adopting sustainability principles in architectural projects
requires a holistic approach with environmental, economic and social
dimensions. This holistic approach is an important step towards building a
sustainable future and emphasizes the role and responsibility of the
architecture discipline in this process.
This study examined projects in terms of systematic design activities in the
fields of construction and architecture within the framework of
sustainability and green transformation in our country, providing access to
current application information in the field. It has been observed that the
architectural design and technology integration criteria in the executed
projects are consistent with the findings in the literature. The economic,
social, and environmental impacts of the innovations in this sector, which
plays a crucial role in sustainability compliance and integration through
interdisciplinary interactions in design, are significant. Increasing the
number of applications in the sustainable architecture and construction
sector is an important economic and social issue that requires the
development of a skilled workforce in design and product development to
contribute to the application processes. It is believed that continued
support through public policies during the development process in this
field will contribute to the growth of the existing critical mass. In addition,
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it is anticipated that making sustainable architectural projects carried out
by design centers more visible and presenting them as success stories by
public authorities will be important for social integration.
The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of more effective and
comprehensive implementation of sustainability criteria in the fields of
architecture and construction, and to examine how sustainability principles
can be integrated into a holistic approach encompassing environmental,
economic, and social dimensions. Additionally, the study aims to
systematically address design activities within the framework of
sustainable architecture and green transformation, evaluating whether
architectural design and technology integration in these projects align with
findings in the literature. The projects reviewed were found to be
consistent with the literature. However, it was observed that insufficient
attention is given to the concept of sustainability
163
Information Note
The article complies with national and international research and
publication ethics. Ethics Committee approval was not required for the
study.
Author Contribution Conflict of Interest Declaration Information
All authors contributed equally to the article. There is no conflict of
interest.
164
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Lec. Nil KOKULU
E-mail: [email protected]
Educational Status: Ph.D. candidate, Istanbul Technical University
License: Bahçeşehir University
Degree: MSc in Architecture
Professional experiences: Lecturer at Antalya Bilim University
175