Soofia T. Elias-Ozkan and Françoise Summers

     Since 2002, the Kerkenes Eco-Center hosts research and activities focused on the reduction of energy consumption and improvement of village life. The aim is to secure a sustainable future through the promotion of renewable energy, appropriate building materials and techniques, and water and waste management. The eco-center has been a center of innovation and research working with local villagers and school children, architecture students from the Middle East Tehnical University (METU) and archaeologists studying the remains of the ancient city on the Kerkenes Dag. Most of the research and experimental buildings have been made possible by the close collaboration between the different team members and stakeholders as well as the support of several partners interested in archaeology, ecological architecture, environmental design research or the development of rural areas.

     Students and researchers from METU had a great role in development of Kerkenes EcoCenter. Experimental Straw-Bale Walls were done by one of the METU students groups. As can be seen on the Figure 2. ODTÜ Bostan group having a breakfast at the Kerkenes Eco-Center before the work. As well, visits to the Votorantim Cement factory were done by Arch 325 METU group, it can be seen on the Figure 3.