1. Hello, could you please introduce yourself? Can you tell us about your educational background?
I was born in Malatya in 1980. My education took place in Malatya until I graduated from Malatya Science High School in 1996. Afterward, I completed my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at Gaziantep University, followed by my Master’s and PhD at the ITU (Istanbul Technical University) Faculty of Architecture. During my graduate studies, I began teaching as an external lecturer at universities while also taking part in various projects in the professional sector. In the early stages of my career, I gained experience in both the design and implementation phases of architectural and engineering projects by working at different construction and project firms. In later years, I continued project production and field applications through companies I founded.
Deciding to pursue my lifelong goal of a sustainable academic career, I joined Istanbul Gelişim University in 2024 as a full-time Assistant Professor in the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design.
2. What are the sources of inspiration or theoretical frameworks that most influence your academic work?
Interdisciplinary studies have always interested me. This is why I chose to pursue graduate studies in architecture following a degree in engineering. From Ancient Greece until the 1800s, we see that architecture and engineering were considered within the same scientific field for a long time, and both architectural and engineering decisions were handled together in many structures. In this sense, the term "architect-engineer" is a very accurate definition for historical figures.
I am particularly interested in the approaches where architecture and engineering were integrated in Ancient Greek and Roman architecture, Renaissance architectural and mechanical designs, and Ottoman architecture. The holistic construction of structural and spatial decisions in Mimar Sinan’s works; the approach to proportion, order, and structural systems seen in the Parthenon by Kallikrates and Iktinos in Ancient Greece; the architectural and static balance of the Colosseum in Ancient Rome; and the examples from the Renaissance where architecture and engineering were produced together are among my strongest references for interdisciplinary thinking.
3. Why did you choose the State University of Applied Sciences in Przemyśl (PANS) in Poland for your Erasmus Staff Mobility? What did you observe regarding the academic atmosphere and educational approach compared to Istanbul Gelişim University?
Poland is a geography I have long been curious about as a Northern European country and an EU member. Having experienced many wars throughout history, being under different administrations, and eventually regaining its freedom, the country's architecture reflects a variety of styles and influences. Observing this diversity on-site was an important experience for me.
The city of Przemyśl is close to the Ukrainian border; it is a city with a strong historical fabric that carries traces of Russian architecture in places. Although PANS is a relatively small university, I saw that they have invested significantly in digital facilities such as 3D visualization, computer infrastructure, and modeling supported by VR headsets. Additionally, it was striking that they emphasize hand drawing in first-year courses to develop students' freehand skills. In short, I observed a balanced educational strategy aimed at strengthening both technology and manual drawing skills together. Furthermore, conducting project education in classes of maximum 15 students in most courses supports the learning process by increasing one-on-one interaction; I believe this approach positively impacts success in international platforms and competitions.
4. Can you tell us about the workshops you conducted at the State University of Applied Sciences in Przemyśl (PANS)? Which technical subjects or design approaches did you focus on?
I participated in 3D modeling and project workshops, which are my areas of expertise. I was particularly interested in the high-performance computer lab and the specialized area dedicated to design with VR headsets, as these are systems that could also be implemented at our university.
Being able to connect to projects developed in a computer environment via VR headsets and walk through the space in 3D to evaluate design decisions instantly—and make changes when necessary—stands out as a very effective support that strengthens students' spatial perception. Moreover, being able to step outside the building to experience the relationship between the exterior environment and the interior space was truly an eye-opening experience.
5. How would you define the contribution of such international mobility programs to an academic’s vision? Based on your experience, what advice would you give to colleagues and students who want to take advantage of opportunities abroad?
It is true that traveling abroad can be quite tiring due to intense schedules, and differences in food culture can be challenging at times. However, these are minor details compared to the experience gained. Getting to know different cultures, improving language skills and social relations, and observing educational systems in different countries to brainstorm improvable applications for our own institution provide truly priceless gains. My recommendation to my students and academic colleagues is to regularly follow not only Erasmus programs but also scholarship and support programs offered worldwide. Especially establishing communication and collaboration with academics abroad related to their fields of study can open doors to new scholarships and support programs. I would like to thank the Istanbul Gelişim University Erasmus Office, the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Fine Arts, and the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design for their support in my participation in this program.
We thank Asst. Prof. Volkan Öztaş and wish him continued success in his career...
