The Place of Earthquake in Architectural Education and the Educational Dimension of the Earthquake: An Evaluation of the Global Agenda and Turkey Context

Abstract

Due to tectonic - seismic - topographic structure, Turkey which is among most affected countries in global scale of earthquakes, role of architects associated with / phenomenon is important in terms of interdisciplinary relations, processes related to planning, the process of resistant building design, the process of resistant building construction and inspection, post-disaster recovery, reconstruction process. In this context, in this research, professional responsibility area of architect was evaluated with these criteria and role of architect in relation to disaster management phases was questioned. The place and importance of in education which is based on foundations of profession was evaluated as through comparative global agenda (USA, Japan, Turkey) by quantitative and qualitative dimensions. In addition to this general framework, local context of subject was questioned in terms of dimension of earthquake. The data was obtained through program, curriculum and course contents shared online and by reaching institutions through correspondence in case where digital access is not possible. Turkey context, compared to international agenda, was questioned by a slightly wider frame. A situation assessment has been made in terms of undergraduate programs, graduate programs and supportive environments. These data also provided basis for holistic assessment carried out in terms of education. The proposals developed have been classified in a very broad scope under different headings due to multifaceted relations of phenomenon of / with education and professional practice. Thus, suggestions have been developed in various scopes including Regarding General Responsibility, Regarding Planning Decisions, Regarding Interdisciplinary Relations, Regarding Undergraduate Curriculum, Architectural Design Studio Courses,Regarding Supportive Learning Environments for education. The results show that, in terms of education practices (undergraduate / graduate / supportive environments) and requirements of mechanism which training is based (structure design / production / inspection system and related legislation), 1999 Marmara Earthquake directly triggered some developments in terms of learning from disasters, the educational dimension of earthquake in its early years, but this acceleration has not been permanent in past 20-year period. In this context, proposals are about necessity of providing a multidimensional set of relationships in terms of issues such as an integrated system organization. In this context, in relation to / phenomenon, together with self-criticism provided on qualitative and quantitative determinations, it is thought that research will contribute to the education, architectural profession field and therefore country's architectural practice and policy. The Marmara Sea (Silivri) (September 26, 2019) that occurred during evaluation process of this article was felt in entire Marmara Region. This earthquake, which took place in 20th year of 1999 Marmara Earthquake, is important in terms of social memory and reminding reality, as it was felt in a large, populated area. On other hand, Coronavirus Pandemic, which emerged in evaluation process of this article and declared as a global epidemic by World Health Organization, is within scope of epidemiological risks. Due to its global effects occurring simultaneously all over world, Pandemic is an important milestone and breaking point in terms of being prepared for all kinds of disasters because of its vital - economic - sociological - psychological dimensions. It is thought that pandemic is important in terms of re-questioning period, which can be described as Anthropocene Age, when human being was at center and nature was interpreted as an unlimited resource to meet human needs. This questioning may have potential to alter - transform general trends all over globe. It is possible that these changes will have an intense effect on education and professional practice. It is among promising predictions that young generation at education stage, who faced -without painful consequences- through Silivri Earthquake and experienced effects of pandemic -an epidemiological disaster- will have a more sensitive and conscious base for ethical, global, social responsibilities of professional practice.