about me work experience
I am an urban designer specialized in urban regeneration, contested heritage, and sustainable urban development. My experience bridges research and practice, focusing on addressing complex urban challenges through innovative design strategies and collaborative stakeholder engagement. I bring a multidisciplinary approach, integrating spatial analysis, project management, and design processes to deliver impactful, community-focused urban solutions.
As part of my academic career, I led large-scale research on contested urban heritage in Varosha, Cyprus, utilizing methodologies such as digital ethnography, archival analysis, and master planning. This work demonstrated my ability to manage intricate projects, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and translate conceptual frameworks into practical design outcomes. These experiences have solidified my expertise in aligning urban design principles with real-world needs.
This portfolio showcases key projects that reflect my technical proficiency and creative problem-solving skills, from master planning urban regeneration sites to developing strategies for inclusive, sustainable development. Beyond my professional work, I am deeply passionate about engaging with diverse communities and exploring innovative approaches to design that honour heritage while fostering vibrant, resilient urban environments.
2021-2025 GRADUATE TUTOR
Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University
2017 INTERN TOWN PLANNER
Balcova Municipality
2015 ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
Bayramoglu Architect Office
education
2020-2025 PhD in Architecture
Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University
2018-2019 Master of Arts in Urban Design (RTPI accredited)
Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University
2014-2018 Bachelor of Science in Town and Regional Planning
Dokuz Eylul University
presentations & workshops
2024 Mark Her Words! Workshop – Cardiff University partnered with Dove Workshop
2023 Architectures of Alterity Symposium - Cardiff University
2023
International Seminar on Heritage Interpretation and Presentation - Poster Presentation (Published Online)
2022 SWWDTP Memory Studies Research Cluster
2021 AHRA REGION 2021 International Conference
2021 ACHS ECRN Spring Symposium
1 spatial dynamics
Revitalizing Heritage Landscapes for Contemporary Urban Needs
This project investigates the management of spatial dynamics within Conwy’s historic walled town. It addresses challenges such as balancing heritage preservation with contemporary urban demands, managing visitor flows, and enhancing the relationship between public and private spaces. The outcome is a design framework that promotes sustainable growth while preserving Conwy’s rich cultural identity.
CONCEPT: The framework integrates Conwy’s unique historical assets with modern infrastructure. Strategies include reconnecting fragmented spaces, improving pedestrian mobility, and reimagining the interaction between heritage and urban growth to foster an adaptive and resilient town.
Year: Spring 2019
Course: Research-Based Design Project
Degree: MA in Urban Design
Location: Conwy, Wales/UK
spatial analysis
Conwy’s evolution from a medieval fortress to a tourist hub has created tensions between residential, commercial, and heritage functions.
Key challenges include tra1ic congestion, privacy concerns near heritage pathways, and conflicts at residential-tourist boundaries. Targeted interventions focus on alleviating these pressures while promoting cohesion between heritage preservation and urban functionality.
design vision
The proposal envisions an inclusive urban environment through sustainable pathways, redesigned zoning, and enhanced public-private connectivity. By prioritizing walkability and adaptive reuse, the design fosters a vibrant community while safeguarding Conwy’s historic character.
Master Plan of the proposed Wall Elevator, Scale: 1/300
Master Plan of the Revitalized Historic Orchard, Scale: 1/500
Master Plan of the Re-purposed Fortifications, Scale: 1/1000
designing participation
Community-Driven Approach to Urban Regeneration
This project reimagines Rick Roberts Way, part of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as a mixed-use, community-focused urban area. By addressing affordable housing shortages and infrastructure gaps, the proposal integrates residential, cultural, and employment spaces while prioritizing local needs and aspirations.
CONCEPT: The design framework incorporates four integrated strategies aimed at fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and adaptable urban environment. Temporary activation revitalizes underused spaces by introducing interim uses that create vibrant and dynamic community hubs. Community empowerment is addressed through self-built housing opportunities, encouraging residents to actively participate in shaping their living environments. Finally, a digital platform for participatory decision-making is introduced, ensuring collaborative engagement between stakeholders and residents to reflect local needs and aspirations.
Year: Spring 2019
Course: Spring Studio
Degree: MA in Urban Design
Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London/UK
spatial analysis
The site faces challenges such as limited affordable housing, inadequate non-motorized transport networks, and a lack of functional integration. The project addresses these by proposing improved accessibility, mixeduse developments, and pedestrian-friendly connections, ensuring better social equity and urban cohesion.
design vision
The vision prioritizes participatory design and adaptability to create a vibrant, community-driven hub. By fostering inclusivity and sustainability, the proposal ensures the site evolves to meet the needs of its diverse population while strengthening its role as a dynamic urban centre.
heritage revival
Preserving Identity, Driving Tourism
This project explores the preservation and revitalization of Kuplu Village, a historic settlement in Turkey’s Bilecik Province. Despite its cultural assets, the village faces challenges such as abandoned heritage buildings and underutilized potential. Through community engagement and fieldwork, the project identified key heritage sites and proposed sustainable interventions to boost tourism and local economic development.
CONCEPT: The design adopts a holistic approach to heritage preservation, addressing both physical and social dimensions. It focuses on adaptive reuse of heritage buildings for community and cultural activities, the development of eco-friendly transport routes such as cycling and pedestrian pathways, and the implementation of an inclusive land-use plan that integrates heritage, tourism, and local needs. These interventions aim to enhance the village’s identity while promoting sustainable tourism and improving quality of life.
Year: SPRING 2018
Course: Planning Studio Graduation Project
Degree: B.Sc. in Town and Regional Planning
Location: Kuplu Village, Bilecik/Turkey
Land Use Map of Kuplu Village, Scale: 1/2000
A detailed spatial analysis evaluated building conditions, road networks, and land-use patterns. Insights from this analysis informed opportunities for adaptive reuse, infrastructure upgrades, and community-oriented development, balancing heritage conservation with modern infrastructure needs.
design vision
The vision is to transform Kuplu Village into a vibrant tourism hub that harmonizes cultural preservation with contemporary demands. By revitalizing historic assets and reimagining land use, the project fosters economic growth and celebrates the village’s unique identity. The approach emphasizes community inclusion, sustainable connectivity, and adaptive reuse, ensuring a thriving and resilient future.
doctoral research poster presentation
Pathway Towards Reconciliation
This poster presents insights from my doctoral research on Varosha, Cyprus, a contested urban heritage site undergoing transformation following its partial reopening in 2020. The research adopts methodologies such as digital ethnography, spatial mapping, and stakeholder interviews to uncover diverse narratives and aspirations for the site’s redevelopment. By integrating these narratives into urban design strategies, the research outlines actionable frameworks for balancing community needs, heritage conservation, and sustainable urban regeneration.
CONCEPT: The project employs an interdisciplinary approach to identify and leverage sites of contested heritage in Varosha. Digital ethnography and interviews provide insight into community aspirations, while spatial analyses inform actionable interventions that reconnect material and non-material heritage with present-day urban needs.
This research translates directly into practice by providing tools to engage with community narratives, inform site-specific regeneration strategies, and balance the demands of contemporary urban planning with heritage conservation. These methodologies emphasize stakeholder collaboration, adaptable planning, and holistic solutionscore competencies in professional design and planning environments.
PUBLICATION DETAILS: The poster was submitted to the Our World Heritage Global Platform and is available on their website. Full details can be accessed here.
erkulnilsu@gmail.com