Building Code Challenging the Ethics behind Adobe Architecture in North Cyprus

Abstract

Adobe masonry takes place within the vernacular architecture of Cyprus. Thus, it is possible to use this technology in a meaningful way on the island. On the other hand, although adobe architecture is more sustainable in comparison to other building technologies, the use of it is diminishing in North Cyprus. Application of Turkish building codes at the north part of the island made the use of adobe masonry complicated, because this building code asks use of reinforced concrete vertical tie-beams together with adobe masonry. Use of reinforced concrete elements together with adobe masonry causes problems in relation to climatic response of the building as well as causing other technical and aesthetic problems. This situation makes design of adobe masonry complicated and causes appearance of ethical problems of various types too. The objective of this article is to analyse the ethical problems due to the restrictive character of the building code by analyzing two case studies and conducting an interview with an architect who was involved with adobe masonry in North Cyprus. According to the results of this article there are ethical problems at various levels in the design of the two cases. These problems are about the responsibilities of architects concerning architecture`s social benefit, material production, aesthetics and affordability as well as presenting distrustful behaviour when the obligations of architects to their clients is concerned.