FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND FINE ARTS

GAU - Department of Architecture was established in 1994 as part of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture and once the old faculty dissolved the program became part of the newly established Faculty of Architecture, Design and Fine Arts in 2009; situated within the main campus of Girne American University. 

With a strong emphasis on cosmocentric design values and professional ethics, the Department of Architecture program has been offering an education based on critical thinking, social responsibility and sustainable design approach. Educational principles of the program follow the general faculty as well as department principles which are based on the belief that the creative process in art and design relies on critical thinking and a broad body of knowledge for direction and inspiration.

The mission of the Department of Architecture (English stream) is to educate creative, responsible, and innovative architects who possess the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to shape the built environment in ways that enhance the quality of   life. The department is dedicated to delivering a learner-centered education that integrates theory, research, and practice, enabling students to approach architectural challenges with critical awareness, cultural sensitivity, and a broad understanding of global and local contexts.

Grounded in design excellence, technological competence, and sustainability, the curriculum seeks to cultivate in students a meaningful balance between artistic expression and functional, life-centered architectural responses. It emphasizes the development of aesthetic judgment, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities that respond sensitively to social, environmental, and economic conditions.

Aligned with its cosmocentric approach, the department aims to prepare young architects who understand the interconnectedness of humans, nature, culture, and the built environment. This approach encourages students to design not only for human needs but also for the wellbeing of the broader ecological and cultural systems in which architecture exists—promoting harmony, balance, and responsible stewardship of the planet.

Furthermore, the department promotes ethical and social responsibility by encouraging students to evaluate the cultural, ecological, and societal implications of their design decisions. It strives to foster lifelong learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional integrity, preparing graduates to become visionary leaders and innovators in the field of architecture at both local and global scales.

The vision of the Department of Architecture (English stream) is to become a leading academic unit recognized nationally and internationally for its excellence in architectural education, innovative research, and meaningful contributions to society. The department aspires to serve as a center of creativity, critical inquiry, and professional development, setting high standards in architectural design education and advancing the discipline within both academic and professional contexts.

By fostering an environment that values innovation, diversity, sustainability, and design excellence, the department aims to nurture a new generation of architects capable of responding to the complex spatial, cultural, technological, and environmental challenges of the 21st century. It envisions a dynamic educational model that integrates foundational architectural knowledge with emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global perspectives, thereby strengthening the connection between academia, industry, and community needs.

Through continuous improvement, international partnerships, and socially responsible design practices, the department seeks to contribute to the sustainable transformation of the built environment. Its ambition is to be recognized as a hub of academic excellence, creativity, and cultural relevance in the field of architecture.

1. Creativity and Innovation: The department embraces creativity as the foundation of architectural education and practice. It encourages students and faculty to think critically, explore new ideas, and experiment with emerging design technologies, materials, and methodologies. Through studio-based learning and research-driven projects, the department cultivates a culture of innovation that challenges traditional architectural paradigms and promotes visionary, future-oriented solutions for the built environment.

2. Sustainability: Committed to environmental stewardship and global responsibility, the department promotes sustainable architectural design principles that prioritize ecological balance, resource efficiency, and human well-being. Students are trained to integrate sustainability into every phase of design—ranging from site analysis and passive strategies to material choices and building performance—ensuring that architectural interventions contribute to long-term environmental resilience and climate-responsive development.

3. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing the deep interconnection between architecture, culture, and identity, the department values design as a medium for expressing, preserving, and reinterpreting cultural heritage. It fosters awareness of the social, historical, and geographical contexts in which architecture operates. Students are encouraged to design environments that respond thoughtfully to local traditions while engaging with global influences, reinforcing architecture’s role in shaping culturally meaningful and contextually appropriate spaces.

4. Ethical Responsibility: The department upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics within the architectural discipline. Students and faculty are guided to conduct their work with honesty, justice, respect for communities, and responsibility toward users and the environment. Ethical considerations are embedded throughout the curriculum to ensure that future architects practice with accountability, social awareness, and a strong sense of moral responsibility in shaping the built environment.

5. Collaboration and Community Engagement: The department believes in the transformative power of collaboration and collective creativity. It promotes teamwork among students, faculty, professionals, and interdisciplinary partners, while strengthening engagement with local, regional, and international communities. Through design studios, community-based initiatives, research projects, and institutional partnerships, the department aims to bridge academia and society—positioning architecture as a catalyst for positive social, cultural, and environmental transformation.

6. Lifelong Learning: Acknowledging architecture as a continuously evolving discipline shaped by technological advances, cultural shifts, and global challenges, the department fosters a commitment to lifelong learning. Students and faculty are encouraged to remain open to new knowledge, tools, and perspectives throughout their careers. This value supports adaptability, professional growth, and intellectual curiosity, empowering graduates to remain innovative and relevant within the dynamic architectural profession.

7. Cosmocentric Approach: Aligned with the department’s philosophical foundation, the cosmocentric approach emphasizes harmony between humans, the built environment, and the broader cosmos. It promotes a holistic understanding of architecture that transcends anthropocentric perspectives, encouraging designers to consider the interconnectedness of ecological systems, cultural narratives, natural forces, and universal principles. Through this value, the department aspires to cultivate architects who design with awareness, balance, and respect for the larger order of the world—creating spaces that are sustainable, meaningful, and attuned to the rhythms of nature and the universe.

GOAL 1: To provide high-quality education that integrates design theory, technology, and practice.

The department aims to deliver a comprehensive education that bridges theoretical knowledge with hands-on design experience. By combining design principles, emerging technologies, and practical applications, the curriculum prepares students to approach complex spatial challenges with confidence and creativity. Continuous curriculum updates, studio-based learning, and technology-integrated coursework ensure that students develop a holistic understanding of the architecture discipline.

GOAL 2: To promote interdisciplinary learning and research across design-related fields.

Recognizing that architecture intersects with numerous disciplines—such as architecture, industrial design, environmental psychology, and urban design—the department encourages collaboration across academic and professional fields. Interdisciplinary projects, workshops, and joint research initiatives help students and faculty broaden their perspectives and develop comprehensive design solutions that respond to the diverse needs of contemporary society.

GOAL 3: To equip students with the analytical, creative, and technical skills necessary for professional success.

The department strives to cultivate well-rounded designers capable of critical analysis, conceptual thinking, and technical proficiency. Through structured coursework, studio practice, and exposure to real-world case studies, students develop strong design communication skills, digital competencies, and problem-solving abilities. This integrated skill set prepares graduates to enter the global design profession with competence, adaptability, and innovation.

GOAL 4: To contribute to academic research and design innovation in architecture.

As an academic unit, the department is committed to advancing knowledge in the field of architecture through research, experimentation, and scholarly dissemination. Faculty and students are encouraged to engage in research that explores design theories, materials, sustainability, and human-centered approaches. By fostering a research culture, the department aims to become a reference point for innovative and evidence-based design education.

GOAL 5: To strengthen partnerships with industry and the community for real-world learning opportunities.

The department seeks to build strong relationships with professional organizations, governmental bodies, and private sector partners. These collaborations provide students with opportunities for internships, workshops, and community-based projects, enhancing their practical experience and professional readiness. Through such partnerships, the department contributes to the social and cultural development of the community while maintaining a strong connection between academia and practice.

GOAL 6: To continuously enhance the quality assurance processes and academic standards within the department.

The department is dedicated to maintaining and improving academic excellence through systematic evaluation, feedback, and quality assurance mechanisms. Regular curriculum reviews, student assessments, and accreditation processes ensure that teaching and learning outcomes align with institutional, national, and international standards. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the department ensures that its programs remain relevant, competitive, and responsive to the evolving needs of the design profession.

The Department of Architecture (English) operates under the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Fine Arts. It is administered by a Department Chair, supported by Administrative Staff. The department’s structure ensures the effective coordination of academic, research, and administrative functions.

The organizational scheme typically includes:

Head of Department

Academic Staff (Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Lecturers)

Research Assistants and Technical Staff

Administrative Assistant

Regular departmental meetings, curriculum committees, and quality assurance reviews are conducted to ensure transparency and collaborative decision-making.

LO1- Create comprehensive architectural designs within different scales.

LO2- Generate effective communication through different media.

LO3- Interpret the knowledge of histories and theories of architecture.

LO4- Relate to different methods and researches in the field of architecture.

LO5- Design building technologies and structures in architecture.

LO6- Compile projects according to professional codes and principles.

LO7- Combine environmental aspects and sustainability within the design process.

LO8- Organize the space within the planning process.

1. Program Aims, Learning Outcomes, and Curriculum Coherence

The Department of Architecture (English) has clearly defined program aims and learning outcomes that are consistent with national and international expectations for architectural education. The curriculum demonstrates coherence between program objectives, course content, and learning outcomes, particularly in studio-based courses where theory, design, technology, and context are integrated.

2. Teaching and Learning Processes

The department adopts a student-centered, studio-driven educational model, emphasizing active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Design studios are supported by theoretical and technical courses, enabling students to apply knowledge in practice. Assessment methods are diversified and include juries, project-based evaluation, presentations, and written submissions.

3. Academic Staff Qualifications and Professional Engagement

Academic staff possesses appropriate academic qualifications and professional experience, contributing to both education and research. Faculty members actively participate in professional chambers, academic conferences, editorial boards, and research activities, strengthening the link between education, practice, and academic development.

4. Sustainability, Ethics, and Cosmocentric Approach

The department’s cosmocentric approach represents a significant strength, aligning architectural education with ethical responsibility, environmental stewardship, and social sustainability. Sustainability principles are embedded across design studios and theoretical courses, supporting YÖKAK criteria related to social contribution, ethics, and environmental awareness.

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Professional Integration

The department maintains strong interaction with external stakeholders, including professional chambers (KTMMOB), public institutions, and interdisciplinary bodies. Guest lectures, seminars, and collaborative events enhance professional awareness and align educational outcomes with sector expectations.