THE CURRENT STATUS OF ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION IN TURKIYE AND ITS VARIATIONS

Abstract

Architectural education is constantly evolving and changing. Aim: This study aims to reveal the differences between all architectural education institutions in Turkiye. Course contents, course hours, studio hours, elective course hours, interdisciplinary courses, IT-based courses, number of students and faculty members, part-time faculty members, teaching languages, geographical locations, international connections, achievements and accreditation status of universities were analyzed. Results: According to the results, it was observed that the unbalanced increase in the number of faculty members, especially in foundation universities, was met by externally supported part-time faculty members. Although this situation provides a solution in the short term, it negatively affects the quality of education in the long term. In addition, the inability of architectural education institutions in Turkiye to achieve international accreditation leads to a loss of prestige in the international arena. Conclusion: The study identifies the shortcomings of architectural education and profession in Turkiye and offers recommendations for educational development. Among these recommendations is that all universities should undergo a joint accreditation process and become members of the national accreditation platform, MİAK. It is then suggested that MİAK should move to an international level by providing a global co-operation. It is also suggested that the duration of architectural education in Turkiye be increased to six years and a new curriculum be proposed. These steps are thought to help improve the quality of architectural education in Turkiye and make it internationally competitive.