Location
Bodrum (Halicarnassus) is a peninsula on the southwest corner of Turkey, on the Aegean Sea. The ancient city of Halicarnassus, now Bodrum, sits on the western shores of the peninsula with its magnificent Castle, the tomb of Mausolus (one of the 7 wonders of the world), bustling markets, one of the best surviving examples of the vernacular fabric that to this date still supports a unique way of life for a most diverse population. The peninsula is dotted by villages and municipalities along 100 kms of pastoral Aegean coastline which has been developed into "holiday villages" and second homes during the past three decades. The region has been settled by the Carians and Lelegians during the 2nd Millenium BC. The ruins from those and subsequent invasions decorate the shores. The settlement pattern and architectural forms reflect a blending of the people of insular lands and the people of the sea. So does the way of life of the locals who are tolerant and gentle people. It was these attributes, most of all, the lure of the local people and their way of life that attracted poets, writers and artists to this exquisite land. Soon, others followed and the area has been under siege by hoards of humanity from all over Europe and the mainland for the last three decades. Now, Bodrum, the city is a metropolitan area with three fully equipped hospitals as well as the likes of Hard Rock CafÈ, Ralph Lauren, and of course McDonalds. And yet, these exist side-by-side with the traditional markets, old ways of passing time, and the coast is one of the last remaining unpolluted spots on the Mediterranean.

The primary purpose of the course is to develop the students' abilities to engage in planning and design in context, by directly interacting with the various interest groups. Growth management, sustainable development, eco-tourism, historic preservation and rehabilitation will be the major emphases of the work. We will study and design for sites that exhibit rich cultural overlays, with urban fabrics manifesting complex historical accumulations. We will also investigate land use patterns in the larger scale and develop proposals to mitigate environmental impacts. We will present our proposals to the local officials. An important concern will be to ensure the continuation of local way of life and to maintain the current diversity of the population, both residents and tourists. It is our hope that this course will improve students' skills and understanding of planning and design as an integral part of political, cultural, and artistic life of a region.

In the meantime, a number of highly sophisticated groups representing diverse interests have emerged. These include the Habitat cells, environmental and animal rights groups, local chamber of architects, artisan guilds, and business organizations. All groups are exerting influence on the planning process to varying degrees. Prior to the studio, the instructors will hold intensive meetings (workshops) with these interest groups and the municipalities, to frame the issues and identify the projects. The participants will then be available as resources and critics during the studio.

The studio space and contact with the interest groups are provided by the Halicarnassus Foundation of the University of the Mediterranean.

Transportation
The costs associated with transportation to and from Denver and within Nepal are not included in the cost of the program. The airfare from Denver to Istanbul may range from $800 to $1,100 per round trip ticket.