METU Faculty of Architecture – Ankara, Turkey
“As I am new to Canada, I recall my undergraduate faculty building in Ankara, Turkey being a very good example of positive experience of quality. When I first visited this building as an applicant, I was struck by its overall tectonic articulation. Having spent 4 years in it, I am convinced that the building made my university experience 10x better by its inspiring and airy atmosphere. METU Faculty of Architecture building remains one of the first and best examples of brutalist architecture in turkish context. The building is significant both as a masterful application of brutalist and traditional architecture aesthetics and as an institution that fosters education of future architects by being their literal “teacher”. The building is made up of rectangular prism blocks interconnected by wide circulation areas with unexpected open courtyards in between. While individual box-like studios beautifully gather around a central courtyard, classrooms and offices follow linear arrangement along wide corridors. The use of exposed concrete for walls, columns and corniches with visible marks of wooden framework gives it a special raw aesthetic. Penetration of natural light is cleverly designed through different types of fenestrations such as skylights, clerestories and courtyards. On top of providing a creative environment for students who spend most of their time there, it serves as a laboratory and case study for student with its unique architectural features: freshmen learn about scale and dimension by counting the 1mx1m grids on ceiling; students usually find themselves producing drawings of the building in the scope of drawing courses. Every instructor will have at least one example from the faculty building related to the taught material. Moreover, specific places of the building with unique features gain their own identities and are even called by their nicknames such as kubbealti (under-dome). Wide circulation areas allow organization of various spontaneous activities such as exhibitions, juries, cocktails and others, thus creating a transparent education environment. If a building’s merit is to be measured by its quality of user experience, then it is one of the best examples I have ever seen. It is a wholistic building that allows free flow of movement and creation of sense of academic community. It is also an intriguing and inspiring space that not only makes the students feel dignified but also invites them to observe and appreciate the architecture. It is an example of how built environment can meet specific needs of the users.”(Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.57).
Image: Kubbealti (under-dome) © D. Tuntas
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