Social responsibility in architectural education: exploring experiential design studies in Mardin

The action research study examines the long-term socio-spatial impacts, pedagogical outcomes and potential and limitations of the design studies conducted by Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in Mardin. These studies were embodied in a holistic working process that included integrated studios and interdisciplinary urban design studios. Primary data were collected through reflective interviews with all stakeholders, including former students, academic staff, local community members, and institutional representatives, and examined through content analysis. The findings demonstrate that engaging with real-world social issues through integrated studio processes generates pedagogical outcomes and fosters a long-term sense of social responsibility among students’ professional careers, as well as socio-spatial benefits for the local community. By providing a long-term reflection on the ITU Mardint approach within the discourse on socially responsible architectural education, this study offers empirical data to support the development of future experiential learning cycles.