Structure

The notes and detail sheets for the construction course and practical training had been prepared for many years according to the curriculum but could not be published until now due to financial constraints. However, a decision taken in 1966 finally made this possible.
The Construction Department of the Academy of Fine Arts was first established in its current form in 1930, with Prof. H. Poelzig as its head, and after his death, Prof. M. Schneer took over. Finally, in 1936, I was permanently appointed head of the department. Semih Rüstem Temel, Ziya Kocamemi, and Zeki Sayar supervised the department as acting heads during the years I was abroad. Since then, M. Ali Handan, Maruf Önal, Muhteşem Gjray, Turgut Cansever, Utarit Izgi, Ferzan Baydar, Mahmut Bir, İlhan Türegün, Hamdi Şensoy, Vahit Erhan, Gündüz Gökçe, Tan Oral, Öktem İren, Özer Erenman, and Aydan Akoba have served as assistants in the department. In 1941, it was deemed necessary to establish a second department, separate from the Construction Course, called Fine Construction, which dealt with cladding and joinery. M. Ali Handan was appointed as its head. Utarit Izgi followed him and has continued the work to this day.

I am one of those who believe in the necessity of an architect having strong knowledge of construction techniques. In fact, I would like to go further and state that, especially considering the situation in our country, I advocate for the idea that an architect must first and foremost be a good builder. The necessity of mastering more primitive and therefore traditional methods, as well as modern methods, should also be emphasized. It is a fact that should not be forgotten, especially for us, that a good architect can only rely on sound and robust construction techniques.
This published series mainly features simple and traditional construction details. More advanced and specialized construction details will be included in subsequent series. The order in which the plates will appear is indicated by the symbols next to them. The same symbols are also found in the curriculum. The plates are arranged to be detachable for easier use and to form separate files when needed.
Gündüz Gökçe made a great effort in compiling the existing material and managing the publication work for this series. I sincerely thank him here.
Head of the Construction Department
SEDAD H. ELDEM