Re-viewing the role of culture in architecture for sustainable development

Architecture is most often defined as the art and technique of creating space. The understanding and use of space in a society is the most important means that concretely reflects the cultural system and way of life, which is the sum of all the experiences, talents and values of that society. While the physical environment created by people in history is mostly shaped according to local values, the spaces designed by architects have been the scene of conflict among universal and regional values, especially after the Industrial Revolution, with the development of Modern Architecture. This study which evaluates the architectural approaches adopted after Modern Architecture, within the framework of economic, technological and socio-cultural developments in the world and discusses them with their reflections in Turkey, emphasizes the validity of striving for lasting values instead of fashions in architecture. In this context, the issue of culture and identity comes to the fore. Cities have their own unique appearance, physical structure and way of life, as well as a "spirit" that makes them distinctive. The characteristics of the city which make it different from the others constitute "urban identity". Especially in developing countries, many cities face the risk of losing their identity in the process of urban development, which consists of the expansion of the streets and the demolition of buildings that can actually be evaluated. The cultural and natural heritage that makes cities different is also the foundation of urban identity. These values are also a prerequisite for the sustainability of cities. Cultural heritage can be considered not only as a trace of the past, but as a wealth for the future of people. When properly managed, there are many opportunities to create a strong relationship between identity, culture and heritage. Since these opportunities vary in each settlement, different solutions need to be developed. However, it is important that different solutions are produced in a consistent and meaningful integrity, and not as independent initiatives of cities that share the same geography and culture in regional scale. In this process, it is necessary for central administrative bodies, local governments and civil society to work together for an effective and sustainable urban structure.