Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

A masterclass titled “The Architecture of Nature: Formation of Vernacular Architecture in Karabakh” was held at the Faculty of International Relations and Economics of Baku State University within the framework of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.”

The session was delivered by Anar Yusifli, a doctoral candidate at Politecnico di Milano and an expert in ecological architecture.

At the beginning of the lecture, Anar Yusifli explained the concept of vernacular architecture, emphasizing that it is closely shaped by local climate conditions, geographical features, available construction materials, and the lifestyle of the population. He highlighted that the unique relief, climatic diversity, and natural resources of the Karabakh region have directly influenced its architectural patterns, supported by concrete examples.

He stressed the importance of maintaining harmony between architecture and nature, presenting traditional buildings as relevant models for contemporary urban planning and sustainable development due to their integration with the landscape and minimal environmental impact. He also noted that this heritage is not only of historical and cultural value but also represents an important practice that can be applied in modern urban planning strategies.

Anar Yusifli further emphasized the importance of preserving vernacular architectural elements in ongoing reconstruction processes in Karabakh, underlining the need to maintain national architectural identity. He also noted that balancing tradition with modernity requires a carefully considered approach.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion and a Q&A session with participants.

SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action