Shaping the physical environment has been a fundamental human need throughout history, and it continues to hold its importance today. Despite advancing technology and increasing resources, the negative impacts of urbanization and natural disasters reveal challenges related to different dimensions of this need within existing infrastructure and the built environment. In particular, the effects of global warming and climate change compel us to reassess the design, infrastructure, and construction of cities, buildings, and spaces with the aim of creating sustainable ways of living.

In this context, the Department of Architecture at Hacettepe University’s Faculty of Architecture aims to educate professionals who are capable of critical and creative thinking, conducting research, questioning, and developing solutions in line with contemporary understandings of design, city, and space—while taking into account natural, environmental, social, economic, and cultural factors. The program emphasizes social awareness and sustainability, and encourages its students to adopt principles of responsible production and consumption as well as inclusive design.