An Architect's Notes, from an Architectural Perspective

Architecture is not merely a matter of Width-Depth-Height. It cannot be limited to a volume or volumes defined by these 3 components. If it were, it could not go beyond a simple arithmetic or geometric sequence. If that were the case, this discipline could be equivalent to solving a simple Sudoku of the serial type. The fundamental element that defines architecture is that it is 4-Dimensional. This 4th Dimension is Time! If one must define architecture in a single sentence, then it can be said that "Architecture is 4-Dimensional Planning". Time; means being portable and sustainable. The visible aspect of architectural designs is a 3-dimensional space or phenomenon consisting of width, depth and height. However, the fundamental factor that constitutes its essence is Time… The phenomenon of time defines being transportable into the future. The elements that strengthen the dimension of time are related to being livable—being usable, durability and being transformable.

This Quality Encompasses the Following:

1) Mathematics: Every measurement must carry harmony and balance in every dimension. If you eliminate mathematics, the fundamental science of life, there will be no architecture. Moreover, mathematics is an indispensable prerequisite for the building's ability to resist natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides. The building's ability to be carried forward to future periods will also be parallel to the correct use of this fundamental science. Standing firm can only and exclusively be associated with mathematical theories. The dynamics of the structure and the correct definition and analysis of forces are also connected to this. 2) Philosophy-Sociology: The main foundation of architectural works is also related to how much the planned space helps its users. The contributions it brings to users' individual freedoms, the contributions it makes to living together and organizational skills. As emphasized in one of our proverbs, "The way people live determines the way they think…" therefore the main goal should be happiness. Providing this certainly cannot be the task of the architect alone. But it is at least an unavoidable duty to point toward this, to open paths to make it achievable. This can also be referred to as peace… 3) Economy: An architectural work must not forgo economy in both its investment and operational (usage) dimensions. Economy is not only about being cheap or expensive. This is important, but these alone cannot define the concept of "economic". The problem is about the most appropriate and correct solutions. When this dimension is transferred to private property, it becomes a complete "deadlock". The problem must be addressed at its source. This can only be achieved with the right fields, the right projects and the right material choices!

It is precisely at this point that we can speak of Protection, Insulation and Paints.

Does the building receive enough light? Can it generate its own energy? At least can it minimize this need within itself? Does it have measures against fire? Can the building breathe? Does it provide sufficient protection from the sun's harmful rays? To address these applications only from an economic perspective would be to belittle or trivialize the matter. Because the subject is directly linked to being livable, being sustainable and being at peace. No space's fundamental elements can be replaced with the color of its tiles or the size of its cabinet. Because these are always changeable elements according to taste. Imagine the discomfort created by the observation that "Our space is taking moisture from the floor and walls!" – setting aside the serious material expenses it will create anew, consider the psychological deformation it causes… The same goes for "Our walls are getting damp!" or "The heat coming from the roof is so much that it heats us up so intensely and the interior does not fall short of the heat of hell!" – then come the bloated bills caused by air conditioning… Similarly, "Our space becomes so cold that sometimes we feel like we're living at the poles!" – then come the bloated bills caused by heating… "Our paints are not durable. They keep falling off!" the unhappiness and discomfort they create is added to this… There is no way to compensate for that… In reality, any correct investment in all types of insulation (heat-moisture-sound-water) and paints is an investment in people themselves and in their own peace. It is also an important factor that will carry the architectural work forward into the future… Cem Cemil Öztürk Architect