Adaptation of a building to the environment – often referred as “contextuality” – is considered a key quality of architecture. The assessment of such contextual coherence is frequently attributed to the perception and expertise of architects. This is generally appropriate, as coherence depends on multiple factors such as form, color, materials, landscape, professional knowledge about ideas and historical contexts and an assessment of the genius loci, often described as atmosphere. Nevertheless, there is increasing interest in quantifying such aspects, particularly in the context of sustainability assessments like Social Life Cycle Assessment (sLCA).
This paper explores and discusses an approach to “quantifying the quality” of contextuality. It proposes a simple, image-based method for assessing contextual suitability using "Google Lens". The approach is as follows: Ten visually similar buildings are identified via "Google Lens" in relation to a specific reference building. The average distance between the physical locations of these search results and the location of the reference building is then calculated. This average distance serves as an indicator of whether comparable architectures are predominantly situated within the regional environment or dispersed over larger distances. The indicator is named the “Building Similarity Indicator” (BSI). The BSI was calculated for a dataset of 320 buildings. Data analysis shows significantly increasing BSI values depending on the estimated “modernity” of a building, representing a loss of geographical contextuality.
This highly oversimplified approach is ultimately discussed critically. It might offer no more than a quantifiable supplement to discussions on “contextuality.” As such, it is suggested as appropriate for playing a role in quantitative storytelling for planners, architects, or sustainability scientists. Furthermore, integration into sLCA for buildings is suggested. Geographical contextuality can be seen as triggering identity and the conservation of (parts of the) perceived cultural history of a place. Therefore, it possesses social value.

The purpose of this study is to examine, from a comprehensive standpoint, how architecture and printed mass media -such as newspapers and periodical- interact, as well as how these media shape architectural discourses and public opinion.
This study holistically examines the relationship between architecture and printed mass media (newspapers and periodicals). Systematic literature reviews evaluate the place of these tools in architectural research, their evolution over time, and their contributions. The study employs a mixed research methodology combining quantitative and qualitative methods. As a result of querying the Web of Science database with the keywords "Architecture," "Newspaper," "Journal," "Magazine," and "Mass Media," 127 articles were selected and analyzed with RStudio software.
In terms of publications, authors, journals, and countries, the research shows the structure, trends, and patterns of this field of study. The results draw attention to the role of newspapers and periodicals in shaping architectural public opinion. Moreover, architectural discourses disseminated through the media affect not only architectural designs but also social and ideological structures. The study provides significant findings on how architectural history is rewritten through the media.
This study presents a holistic analysis of this field by discussing the role of mass media in shaping research in the discipline of architecture. This comprehensive approach to the impact of media on architectural history and public opinion aims to reveal the existing knowledge gaps in the field.

During the constructions carried out within the scope of the Aerial Cable Car Project planned by Hatay Metropolitan Municipality, archaeological remains were discovered in İplik Pazarı District where a station was going to be built, and upon that discovery, rescue excavation works were started in 2012 for the conservation of the remains. This article deliberates the material analyses of the archeological remains performed during the preparation of the survey, restitution, and restoration projects; the field inspections and the small-scale intervention trials on the remains carried out during the implementation phase of the cable car project; the suggestions developed for the conservation of the remains based on these studies, and the conservation practices carried out in line with these suggestions. In this context, the determined characteristics of the stone, brick, and mortar samples taken from the remains were given, recommendations for the consolidation mortar and injection grout compositions were presented, and the field applications carried out in line with these recommendations were outlined. Other conservation activities were also addressed, such as the methods used in the fight against algae formation on the wall surfaces and works conducted for repairing terracotta pipes and sarcophagi.

Space occupancy is acknowledged as a parameter that affects communication, teamwork, and behavior patterns in healthcare settings. This research aims to understand the patterns of space occupancy in two Inpatient Units (IU) with differing indoor environments concerning configuration and morphology. In order to understand and explain the variations in patterns of occupancy, a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is employed to assess spatial analytics metrics such as visibility, accessibility, and physical proximity. These methods are crucial in providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between space occupancy and interactions among staff in healthcare settings. The results suggest that different spatial layouts in healthcare buildings affect the patterns of space occupancy and routes preferred by healthcare staff. Even though there are differences between morphologies of the two units studied, the research found that particular segments within corridors in relation to staff-related areas like nurse rooms, nurse stations, and med-preparation rooms affected patterns of space occupancy and movement in healthcare settings. This study may give a broader understanding on the impact of layout morphologies and the configuration and allocation of programmatic elements within layouts of medical surgical units.

In the 20th century, learning spaces began to change in parallel with the transition from traditional pedagogies to student-centered learning. In the 21st-century, the transformation of space continues in the context of contemporary skills and new generation learning. This article aims to evaluate the relationship between learning and space in new-generation learning environments by examining the potential for spatial usage in educational buildings. The study will consider the Gökçeada High School Campus as a case study, as it was implemented as an innovative and exemplary model. Analyses were carried out on the educational building on the campus and the learning spaces associated with it. The learning approaches supported by the spaces were determined using a plan reading method developed by Dovey & Fisher based on Assemblage theory. The spatial usage potential of the school in the context of new-generation learning is evaluated based on the findings and learning modes obtained. According to the findings, while the school primarily offers traditional learning spaces, it also provides innovative ones. It has been determined that new-generation learning applications are possible in the educational building that accommodates innovative spaces, such as flexible classrooms, street-spaces and special open commons. The study's original contribution is its analysis of an implemented national innovative educational building, revealing formal, informal or integrated (formal & informal) learning modes through spatial typologies. In this context, suggestions are presented on how the current design of Gökçeada High School can be adapted to accommodate new generation learning and contemporary needs, and strategies are proposed for redesigning traditional learning spaces.

Rural policies and approaches shape the physical, economic, social, and environmental dimensions of rural life. When well-designed and implemented, they lead to improved living standards, greater opportunities, and sustainable development, all of which are core components of quality of life. Since the founding of the Republic, Türkiye has developed numerous policies and approaches to address rural settlements. However, comparative analyses examining these policies and their impact on the quality of life in rural areas remain scarce in the existing literature. In this regard, this study investigates Türkiye’s rural settlement policies and approaches during the Planned Period (1963–present) through the lens of quality of life. It does so by assessing the extent to which these policies incorporate quality of life aspects, identifying areas that have been addressed and those that have been neglected, and offering insights for future policy development. To this end, the study conducts a comprehensive review of relevant literature and policy documents, offers a comparative evaluation of rural policies in the context of quality of life, and discusses the findings to support the formulation of future approaches. The key recommendations of this research include: (1) clearly defining the tools and mechanisms for implementing policy strategies; (2) increasing the state's role in developing new approaches and applications for rural settlements; (3) addressing each settlement’s unique priorities for sustainable development; and (4) holistically evaluating the multiple dimensions comprising rural quality of life.

The growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable buildings has accelerated the exploration of advanced technologies to optimize thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. Machine learning techniques, particularly supervised learning approaches, have shown strong potential to optimize HVAC control while maintaining comfort. However, existing studies are often fragmented, with limited integrated analyses of methodologies and applications, particularly in the context of diverse climates, building typologies, and occupant behaviors. This study addresses these gaps through a semi-systematic review of peer-reviewed studies applying supervised machine learning techniques for thermal comfort prediction and energy optimization. Using a transparent process involving Web of Science search, predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, and Rayyan-assisted screening, 18 supervised learning articles were identified from an initial 603 records. These articles were categorized into tree-based models, regression-based models and neural networks. The review identifies critical gaps, such as the insufficient integration of real-time occupant behavior, limited applicability across diverse climatic conditions, and challenges in achieving a balance between energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Findings highlight the strengths of tree-based models in feature selection and real-time decision-making, the simplicity of regression-based models for controlled environments, and the adaptability of neural networks in complex, non-linear scenarios. Despite these advancements, limitations such as data scarcity, computational demands, and the lack of long-term validation persist. Addressing these challenges is essential for the development of robust and scalable machine learning-driven solutions. This study provides a roadmap for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the transformative potential of supervised machine learning techniques in achieving sustainable, energy-efficient, and occupant-centered building environments.

This study explores an innovative teaching methodology in interior design education incorporating Augmented Reality (AR) technology to create an immersive and interactive learning experience for building systems learning. AR transforms traditional didactic teaching into dynamic, 3D visualization, allowing students to explore and interact with technical/mechanical systems within the building in real-time. This approach also bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering a deeper understanding of the intricacies of plumbing applications and their impact on interiors. In this context, interior architecture students taking the Environmental Systems Building Dynamic (ESBD) course were given a different practical experience in which AR technology has adapted through the drawing applications given in the course. It was observed that the students experienced the practice of plumbing knowledge through a digital and 3D practice compared to the classical method, and the effects of this experience process on the students' course and interior architecture practice were questioned through a survey. Considering the findings obtained, increasing students' theoretical knowledge of ESBD courses and their 3D practices have been evaluated through classroom-based experiments. Its impact on student engagement, comprehension, and problem-solving skills is questioned, shedding light on how AR technology could revolutionize the teaching of ESBD. Based on the student's experiences, suggestions are presented that this approach can be integrated into interior architecture education in different courses and can also be a guide in professional projects in the sector.