The Power of Architecture: A More Inclusive, Greener World
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sertaç İlter, Head of the Department of Architecture at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture at Cyprus International University (CIU), gave a statement for World Architecture Day on October 3rd. İlter expressed that architecture is not only responsible for producing buildings but also carries the responsibility of enhancing the quality of life for society. He highlighted that technological transformations have also led to changes in the role of architects, stating, "Today, architects play an active role in shaping not only the physical but also the social and cultural structures of cities." He emphasized that architecture is the material foundation for building a better future. "World Architecture Day reminds us that our profession is not only an individual responsibility but also a societal one. My call to all my colleagues, students, and society is this: Let's believe in the transformative power of architecture for a more just, more inclusive, and greener world," he concluded.
1. What are the social responsibilities of architecture?
Architecture is not just about producing buildings; it carries the responsibility of enhancing the quality of life for society. An architect cannot overlook the psychological, social, and cultural effects that the spaces they design have on individuals. Creating safe, healthy, accessible, and aesthetically valuable spaces is not just a professional duty, but an ethical responsibility to society. In this context, architecture is one of the most powerful tools for both environmental and social sustainability.
2. How has the role of architects changed in today's cities?
In the past, architects were primarily defined by aesthetics and functionality, but today, issues such as social justice, environmental crises, and technological transformations have expanded the role of architects. We no longer just design buildings; we shape the social fabric of cities and confront global issues such as migration, climate change, and digitalization. Architects today play an active role in shaping not only the physical but also the social and cultural structures of cities.
3. How can more inclusive, accessible, and human-centered living spaces be created through architecture?
Inclusive architecture is an approach that serves the principle of social equality. Universal design principles make it necessary to create spaces that can be equally used by people of different age groups, individuals with disabilities, or people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Human-centered living spaces should not only be functional but also be spaces that create emotional connections and provide peace to individuals. To achieve this, the democratization of public spaces, pedestrian-focused transportation solutions, and planning that harmonizes with the natural environment are key priorities.
4. How can the architectural fabric of Cyprus be defined? Is the heritage here adequately preserved?
Cyprus is a multi-layered geography that has hosted many civilizations throughout history. The traces of the Ottoman, Venetian, British colonial periods, and local Mediterranean architecture can still be read today. This diversity makes Cyprus a unique architectural laboratory. Unfortunately, rapid urbanization, economic pressures, and the eagerness for modernization make it difficult to preserve cultural heritage. The responsibility falls on architects: not only to protect the heritage but to revitalize it with contemporary interpretations and keep it alive in the collective memory of society.
5. Sustainable and environmentally friendly architecture is now a necessity. In your opinion, how prepared are architects for this transformation?
Although most architects are aware of this transformation, we see differences in practice. Energy efficiency of buildings, the use of green spaces, recyclable materials, and natural climate control strategies are no longer luxuries but indispensable standards of the profession. Architects must take a leading role in these areas. Especially in climatically sensitive regions like Cyprus, passive design principles, water management, solar energy use, and planning in harmony with nature have become critically important.
6. How is architectural education transforming? What skills should the new generation of architects possess?
Architectural education today is not limited to providing technical knowledge alone. Students need to be equipped with a sense of social responsibility, ethical values, and aesthetic sensitivity. It is very important for the new generation of architects to think critically, work interdisciplinary, effectively use digital tools (BIM, artificial intelligence, 3D printers), and at the same time, not lose their cultural sensitivity. At our university, we aim not only to provide our students with technical skills but also to instill an ethical stance and an aesthetic vision.
7. How do you evaluate the impact of digital technologies (artificial intelligence, BIM, 3D printers, etc.) on architecture?
Digital technologies are radically transforming both the intellectual and production processes of the architectural profession. Thorough artificial intelligence, we can extract spatial analyses from big data; BIM processes integrate the design–construction–operation cycle; and 3D printers accelerate the construction practice. However, what is important is that these tools do not replace architectural thinking; on the contrary, they support the architect’s imagination and creativity. Technology is a tool, and at its core, architecture is the art of shaping the relationship between humans and space.
8. How do you think the cities of the future will be shaped? What role will architecture play in this transformation?
The cities of the future will be smart, green, and resilient. Energy production, transportation, infrastructure, and public spaces will all be redesigned based on principles of sustainability. Architecture is a critical guide in this process: we will be key players not only in designing buildings but also in shaping urban ecosystems. Especially, cities that are disaster-resistant, have a low carbon footprint, and live in harmony with nature will be the greatest goals of the future.
9. What is the role of architecture in building a better future?
Architecture is the construction of the material foundation for a better future. Producing spaces that enhance people’s quality of life, developing urban solutions that support social justice, and designing structures that protect the environment are the essence of our profession. Architecture builds not only the physical but also the cultural and social memory of the future.
10. What is your message for World Architecture Day?
World Architecture Day reminds us that our profession is not only an individual responsibility but also a societal one. My call to all my colleagues, students, and society is this: Let us believe in the transformative power of architecture for a more equitable, more inclusive, and greener world. Architecture is not just buildings; it is life itself.