Architectural documentation as field of research is far more than the survey of building and drawing of plans. In a modern scientific approach buildings should be interpreted as the product of many influences: historical, social, cultural, economical and ecological factors are all having effect on design,structure and function of architecture. A multidisciplinary research approach ensures the possibility of analysing a building in far more depth than its mere technical structure. For such an approach it is customary to use methods and sources applied or provided by other academic disciplines such as social anthropology, ethnography, sociology, history or ecology. In case of larger projects experts from different academic fields are asked to cooperate, which of course would be too time-consuming an effort in case of a University course. Nevertheless this course lays an emphasis on working with sources and methods, which are not originating from the field of classical architectural research and documentation as such. Detailed examples how such work can be done will be presented during lectures. The aim of the course is to motivate students to do research independently and summarize their findings in an article which would be fit for presentation at an international scientific conference.  

Summary:

- Introduction to social and cultural sciences aspects of architectural research.

- mediation of methodological tools to independently carry out empirical field studies and to make the results understandable.

To promote a better understanding of the relationship between the inhabitants and their built environment. This should enable future architects to react more specifically to the needs and requirements of the users of architecture

Topic of the semester:

Historic Fortress of Amasra in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. Architectural Heritage and Culture

The Byzantine and Genoese fortress of Amasra on the Turkish Black Sea coast will be the subject of the module Cultural Spaces in 2018 and will be examined in terms of its architectural, urban and landscape features as well as its potential for sustainable preservation and future use under World Heritage status.

The ancient coastal town Amastris was built on a natural, topographically advantageous double bay on the south coast of the Black Sea. Historical evidence goes back to the time of a Milesian colony. In the cityscape, the architectural remains of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine buildings are still visible. The place is separated by high mountains from the hinterland and was accessible mainly by water. Located on the main Byzantine sea routes across the Black Sea, ports and shipping were of primary importance to the local economy (tuna fishing, export of timber) and military use.

The Byzantine fortification was built between the 7.-9. century in several phases of construction, partly on older foundations and with extensive use of antique spolia (architectural fragments and in particular massive ashlars). The city became bishop`s see with church buildings inside and outside the fortification. Under Genoese rule at the end of the 14th century, Amasra and the fortress had a reputation as a safe harbor and as a stopover for long-distance trade across the Black Sea. Amasra is under Ottoman rule since 1460.

The walls of the citadel facing the harbors, which are still up to 10m high today, are fortified with rectangular towers of various sizes. In front of this main wall a second wall is situated. Three fortified main gates led to the castle, which today houses not only modern buildings and traditional wooden houses typical of the Turkish Black Sea region, but also other Byzantine buildings and ruins. The castle of Amasra has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2013 as part of the proposal "Trading Posts and Fortifications on Genoese Trade Routes from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea".

INTRODUCTION: Monday, 05.03.2018 10:00 Seminar room 251

Courses: Wednesdays 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00

Excursion to the Black Sea coast of Turkey between April 7-15, 2018

There are 2 options: Focus on 1) Building Analysis or 2) City Analysis

for 1)
- Compilation of the results of the field study
- Scientific paper, which could be handed in at an international scientific conference
- presentation of the paper in PechaKucha format

and for Course 251.748 Comparative research in architecture - Cultural Spaces and Identity in Architecture:
- Compilation of the results of the field study 

for 2)
- Compilation of the results of the field study

and for Course 251.748 Comparative research in architecture - Cultural Spaces and Identity in Architecture:
- Compilation of the results of the field study
- Scientific paper, which could be handed in at an international scientific conference
- presentation of the paper in PechaKucha format