I’m Zeynep a Master of Architecture student at the University of Toronto. I am deeply committed to be a part of the change towards a sustainable future. As I am aware of the fact that every line that I draw on a paper shapes not only the form of the building but also the life of the earth, I am very determined and quite adamant to continue learning in sustainable designs. Today, I look forward to completing my Master’s Degree at University of Toronto in Canada. After conducting hands-on research as a graduate student, I am committed to integrating architectural practice into broader environmental and social frameworks, continuously contributing to its evolution and impact.
“We acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.”
68 Abell St. M6J 0B1 Toronto, ON, Canada
TABLE of CONTENTS
ITU FACULTY of MANAGEMENT
Professional Work 2020, Competition Project Office Work
With : Eren Ciraci, Nihan Boran
HOUSING FOR 500 PEOPLE
UOFT Comprehensive Studio School Work
With : Alessandra Castellini
A HOME OF ONE’S OWN
Algonquin College Work School Work
PUKASKWA PARK ADMINISTRATION BUILDING RETROFIT PROJECT
BUILDING CORE -LIFTS -FIRE ESCAPES -TECHNICAL ROOMS -TECHNICAL SHAFTS
STAIRS / THEATHER
SEATING UNITS SQUARE -DEANERY -BUSINESS INSTITUTE -CLASSES -LECTURE THEATHER -ARCHIVE KARAKOLHANE
Professional Office Work, Competition Entry, 2020
Group Work
With: Eren Ciiraci, Nihan Boran
Location: Istanbul, TR
Duration: 3 months
Role in Team: Research, Conceptual Design, All Diagrams Digital Modelling & Rendering, Technical Drawings
BUILDING CORE
-LIFTS
-FIRE ESCAPES
-TECHNICAL ROOMS
-TECHNICAL SHAFTS
OFFICE BLOCK
-ECONOMY
-INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
-MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING
ENTRANCE OF PARKING LOTS
PROTOCOL / EMERGENCY PARKING LOT
TALIMYERI ENTRANCE
Render
Street entrance
The project integrates the historical Karakolhane building with a new faculty structure, reflecting ITU’s deep-rooted identity while fostering interaction and community. Karakolhane serves as the symbolic main entrance, emphasizing history, while the new building introduces a secondary entrance, enhancing campus connectivity and revitalizing surrounding spaces. By blending old and new, the design creates a focal point at the intersection of significant streets, opening public spaces for communal use. The approach prioritizes inclusivity, preserving existing trees and designing shaded, stepped areas to encourage gathering and interaction.
MACKA
Render Computer Lab and Library
The building is constructed as a non-dilated reinforced concrete system consisting of two blocks and two cores. The office block is solved in 8m x 6m axes. In the education block, 3 floors with 16m spans on each floor are separated from each other by gallery spaces. This opening distance allows to pass the space required for the conference hall and lecture halls on the first two floors. On the upper floors, it enables to create uninterrupted wide spaces in common spaces such as the library and computer laboratory..
Render Section Perspective
Foyer Usage Alternatives
1- Exhibition The Foyer can be used for various styles of exibitions. Size of space allows curators flexibility and capacity
2- Forum Forums are inevitable parts of college life. It should be accessible for everyone at every moment. Forums can be watched
3- Coctails In addition to the educational events, the Foyer can be used for other social activities not only during school
MANAG. EN. OFFICES INDUSTRIAL EN. OFFICES ECONOMY OFFICES CLASSES AMPHITHEATERS capacity towelcome to crowds. from upstairs’ and downstairs’ corridors. hours, but also on weekends.
Render Gallery space, Common areas
The aim of the building is to maintain the spirit of the modernist style, which reflects the load-bearing system of the faculty building, it will replaced with a different interpretation. In the education block, unlike the existing building, the elements placed modularly inside the reinforced concrete skeleton on the facade have been replaced by surfaces that slide behind the carrier grid, come out from the facade as sunshades from time to time, and are expressed with materials of different colors and textures. .
SOCIAL SPACES
RESTING ROOM
COMPUTER LAB LIBRARY
COPY CENTER
STUDENT CLUBS
AUDITORIUM CANTEEN
Render Main Hall
Parking Lot Plan Level 1
Section
HOUSING FOR 500 PEOPLE
Stacked Community: Sharing Vertical Living
02
UofT Comprehensive Studio, 2023
Group Work
With: Alessandra Castellini
Location: Toronto, ON
Duration: 3 months
Role in Team: Conceptual Design, All Diagrams, One Click LCA Study Sustainability Study, Digital Modelling & Rendering
The project is to design a new 15,000 sm mixed-use housing project for 500 people. While primarily residential, the program also inclides a community progran and retail space that together will serve both the building residents and neighborhood. The apartments are intended to be affordable to mid-rise market and not luxury housing.
Stacked communities embodies a bold vision for contemporary vertical living, inspired by the principles of unity, vibrance, and scalability. The design philosophy revolves around rethinking notions of shared amenities and the balance between private and common areas.
Daylight Autonomy Study
Useful Daylight Illuminance
When autonomous illuminance level >300 Lux (Light Perceived by Human Eye) is met exclusively by natural daylight without the need for supplemental artificial lighting.
The quantity of daylight available in a space within specified illuminance ranges that are deemed beneficial for visual tasks and occupant comfort.
Most Optimum Annual Daylight Autonomy Scenario
Reaching 40%-60% (Starting Feb to Ranging from 9am to 4.30pm.
Base Information (1 Building)
Total Site Building Area: 27,896 m2
Roof Area: 1898 m2
EUI: 140.6 kWh/m2/a
PV Array Energy Generation: 384,300 kWh/year
Total Energy Use: EUI x 01 Building Area: 2,401,729.2 kWh
One Roof Presents 16% of the total energy from PV Array
The radiation map reveals that the total solar exposure on all surfaces for all hours amounts to 609 kWh/m² annually. This comprehensive solar data shows the signifcant infuence of solar radiation on the building’s energy performance that will contribute with the data provided in the next board. The peak solar exposure months (May, June, and July) coincide with periods of heightened solar heat gain potential previously found. During these months, the building experiences increased solar radiation, which can signifcantly impact cooling loads.
Conversely, off-peak months, including January, November, this, solar radiation still contributes to passive heating and may periods. The Total EUI of 140.6 kWh/m²/a provides a comprehensive per unit area annually. This metric serves as a foundational indicator Implementing energy-saving measures considering the specifc in overall energy consumption and operational costs.
and December, show lower solar exposure. Despite may infuence heating requirements during these comprehensive measure of the building’s energy consumption indicator of the building’s overall energy effciency. specifc EUI breakdown can lead to signifcant reductions
Exterior Wall Details:
Exterior Film
Fiber Cement Board Cladding with 3/4”
1x3 Wood Strapping 16”o.c.
Exterior Insulation
Exterior Plywood Sheating
2x6 Wood Stud 16”o.c.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Gypsum Board
Interior Film
Understanding the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of building materials is essential for promoting sustainability in construction practices. By quantifying the emissions associated with each material, expressed in kilograms of CO2 equivalent per cubic meter, we gain real knowledge about their environmental impact over their lifecycle. This information allows us to make informed decisions during the design and construction phases, selecting materials with ower GWPs to minimize the overall carbon footprint of the building. Additionally, incorporating GWP considerations enables us to prioritize renewable and low-carbon alternatives, fostering a more environmentally conscious approach to building design and construction.
3 ply sheatig, asphalt with gravel
0.25m CLT
200 mm Glass Fiber Rigid Insulation (2x0.7) 20 mm Gypsum Board (2x0.08)
Exterior and Interior Insulated 2x6 Wood Stud (16” o.c.) Wall Assembly with Wood Strapping Supporting Fiber Cement Board and R-19 Batt Insulation in Stud Cavity –Clear Wall.
* Value selected orientation.
Roof Section
Wall Assembly
A HOME OF ONE’S OWN
Window, Cleansing & Heart
03
Algonquin College, 2021
Individual Work
Location: Ottawa, ON
Duration: 3 weeks
What do you see in your light-hearted dreams? Behind the window or reality? Is it the slience of the forest that whispered their eternal secret to you? So much glory around us. In everything, sometimes if it is hard to see it, sense it behind the foggy shimmer. Growing up does not mean changing. You can become anything you want. Just follow your dreams. It is not about what’s visible behind the windows.
Inspiration Short Movie Render Entrance
PUKASKWA ADMINISTRATION BUILDING ENERPHIT RETROFIT
Role in Team: Research, Building Analysis, Energy Audit, Revit Modelling Heating Demand Existing - Target
The Administration Building at Pukaskwa National Park is undergoing a major renovation to enhance durability, efficiency, and comfort. Decades of exposure had deteriorated its wooden exterior, leading to rot, insulation issues, and failing heating systems. The rehabilitation addressed these concerns by installing fiber cement siding for durability, adding two inches of rigid insulation, upgrading to triple-pane windows, and integrating an advanced heating control system. As of January, with 80% of the work complete, the building has already seen significant improvements in comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
SITE, MATTER, ECOLOGY and INDIGENOUS STORYWORK
PART I
Design a room to host the art-work. Art Work: Brian Jungen, “Warrior” 1,2,3,4.
05
UofT ARCH1012 Core Studio 2
Group Work
With: Yi Liu
Location: Canada, ON Duration: 2 months
Role in Team: Research, Conceptual Design, All Ilustrations & Visualization
Model Photo
The exhibition space is an assimilation of the artwork that pertains to ‘space’.
With the recreation of Brian Jungen’s “Warrior”.
“Indigenous people come from a perspective of balance and harmony with nature. It is a different way of looking at the world.”
Metis architect Douglas Cardinal
This quote encourages us to view the artwork through a more specific lens, much like how Brian Jungen’s perspective inspires us to reimagine the process of ‘making things.’ We center our exhibition space around the negative space of the artwork—the voids that shape the room, the air that carries light to illuminate the space, and the profound understanding of ‘space’ as an immersive experience. The exhibition room evokes a sense of density, filling the space through methods inspired by Brian Jungen’s approach to creating his artifacts. We pay more attention to a lot of traditional ways of making things and the indigenous technology as making drums, gutting salmon and cleaning fish. To point out the main idea of his works, we used recyling materials and consumer products’ packages to follow his initiative.
/ Concept
i. Traditional ways of making things
ii. Indigenous culture - the importance of gathering
iii. Negative space
// Methods
m.1. Wrapping
m.2. Tufting
m.3. Cutting - slicing
m.4. Tie knot
/// Volumes
m.1. Wrapping
m.2. Tufting
m.3. Cutting - slicing
m.4. Tie knot
The earth, the seasons, the learning process, the growth cycles of plants, the directions on the medicine wheel, the stages of our lives; all of these are circular and cyclical.
Indigenous people value living in harmony with Mother Earth. To honor this connection, every unit was designed with a patio door, offering more than just access to the outdoors. This door symbolizes permeability, openness, and a sense of freedom, allowing residents to step outside, feel the earth beneath their feet, and gaze at the sky above.
Furthermore, Indigenous people have a deep connection to nature, attuned to the sky, weather, and climate. To honor this relationship, we incorporated wind and sunlight considerations into the design, using a circular form to shield against harsh winter winds while fostering a sense of protection and harmony with the environment.
Finally, the gardens embody the teachings of the Medicine Wheel, where each direction represents the seasons, the stages of life, and the four sacred medicines. These gardens are thoughtfully designed to include meaningful plants chosen for their unique sunlight needs. Circular layouts create spaces for gathering, planting, and resting, fostering community and reflection. For instance, the music room extends into the garden with a small concert area, blending nature and art into a harmonious experience.
Model Photos
Indigenous people have a profound connection to the sky, serving as a bridge between the spiritual and the land, embodying a unique harmony with the natural world. We aim to represent the spirit of the sky’s map through an abstract architectural language, transforming it into a grounded space that allows people to observe the sky’s changes. While modern life has introduced tools that aid daily living, it is essential for us to design a college that preserves Indigenous history and traditions, inspiring younger generations to reconnect with how their ancestors used the universe to navigate and guide their lives.
Model Photo Illustrated model render from the music room.
Sections Long Section
Sections Short Section
The model is presented upside down, showing its structural details and framework.
Mixed Media
Sketchbook illustration showing the instruction of model making process
Model Photo
Left:
Right: The music room
BIOTECHNOLOGY and ARCHITECTURAL FUTURE FICTION
Like a prosthesis that articulates with nature, the land is sharpening with new hybrids. The combination of human intelligence with technology and positivism creates a new space of experience. Hybrit Habitat represents the intertwined and co-founder relationship of human, technology, and nature. Today, nature has become artificial, and artificial has become natural.
Render & Illustrator
Program Imperatives & Exploided Axonometric
Entrance
ITU, Graduation Project, 2018
Individual Work
Location: Istanbul, TR
Duration: 4 months
City centers developing with the construction of the Bosphorus bridges
Existing housing development axes threaten Istanbul’s green band that needs to be protected. Northern forests are the source of water and life of Istanbul.
Places forMalls (2010)
Places for Plazas (2010)
Places for Plazas (1998)
Places for Malls (1998)
Diagram for the development decision of Istanbul urban macroform included in the 2009 plan note of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization
Bosphorus Bridges
Physical & Liminal Relations
Site
Indoor Farming & Urban Agriculture
Render Habitat, Embryo Center and Sun-drying
Memory
Render Space, Entrance and Open-air Workshops
Render Research Center and Yacht Club
An image capturing the interaction between human and robot.
Render
Ground floor usage is divided by invisible boundaries. The interaction of these boundaries with each other creates new activities. The rural area integrates with the building. The building invites pedestrians inside. You are looking through the farmland. The university axis leads directly to the research center..
As you enter the building through the gardens, you continue to make eye contact with the water and you may encounter various installations that continue along the water. The concept of artificial and natural erosion was imposed on every stage of the project and the design was implemented as a hybrid habitat.
Render
A moment in memory space
A-A Section
Render Virtual reality experience in the garden.
Render Interior view looking south
While the concept of “Biotechnology” as one of the traditional variants of the study of nature for design purposes is based on the assumption that nature already contains all kinds of technological solutions; The concept of “Mimesis”, on the other hand, tends towards the production of the new by imitating nature. These two perspectives produced entirely in the ‘artificial’, while the ‘model’ is nature. “Biotechnology”, as a more current term, is used to break away from the traditional understanding of the aforementioned concepts, because, biotechnology involves the use of living systems or new biological structures derived from them for the development of new products.
C-C Section
SATELLITE CITY BANDIRMA
BIOTECHNOLOGY and R&D CENTER
ITU, Studio Project, 2017
Individual Work
Location: Istanbul, TR
Duration: 4 months
Bandırma is a key commercial and industrial hub with three major assets: a port, an airport, and a well-structured industrial zone, all reinforcing each other. The port will shift from the city center to connect with the industrial zone, while the military airport’s expropriation will transform it into a major transportation hub.
Site Study
Mixed Media
As industrial and commercial activity grows, marine transportation will adapt, leading to increased freight traffic and coastline changes due to harbor expansion. Bandırma is experiencing a surge in both cargo shipments and passenger movement.
Larger cities will deploy more powerful vessels, increasing the frequency of marine transport operations. Bandırma is now directly connected to several major city ports, though frequent voyages face disruptions. Many arrivals work in interconnected industrial and commercial sectors, while local residents are shifting away from small businesses to join the expanding facilities.
By T40, in the fictionalized industrialized clock, with continuous production from Istanbul and nearby cities has it increasingly oppressive.
The the transportation velopment.
Master Plan Mixed Media
industrialized Bandırma, life operates around the and activity. The influx of daily workers intensified the city’s atmosphere, making
The proposed monorail in the master plan runs along the city’s shoreline, now serving as the backbone of its transportation system and a key driver of its future development.
The project seeks to integrate seamlessly with neighborhood facilities, incorporating vertical farming and vertical animal husbandry. Strategically positioned, it establishes itself as a central hub, framed by a dynamic screen that defines its presence. A vast public square, interactive platforms, and an expansive digital screen create an inviting entrance, drawing people into the space. Additionally, the inclusion of an algae pond not only cultivates an experimental and immersive atmosphere but also serves as a sustainable energy source, reinforcing the project’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
The Science and Art Center is designed as interconnected hubs where science and art converge. As visitors explore, they experience their seamless interplay, shaping new perspectives. The structure itself, a beacon of innovation, invites curiosity with cutting-edge technological displays, offering a journey that redefines the relationship between art, science, and the future.
The Urban Screen is the project’s centerpiece, serving as a platform for public announcements, information, advertising, and art. Composed of dynamic cells, it integrates a virtual display, an algae habitat for self-sustaining energy, and a protective layer. Its breathable, perforated structure fosters an ecological system, supporting algae growth while enhancing sustainability.
The rhythmic hum of the robotic arm fills the air as it precisely assembles the model, translating digital precision into tangible form. I watch, mesmerized, as layers take shape, my hands hovering just close enough to feel the warmth of creation but not interfere. The fusion of art and technology feels almost alive—an exhilarating dance of control and unpredictability. Each movement sparks a sense of wonder, a quiet thrill of bringing something from concept to reality.
The Science and Art Center is composed of interconnected hubs where science and art intertwine. As visitors explore, they engage with both disciplines in a seamless dialogue, reshaping their perception of innovation and creativity. The structure itself, questioning the role of technology in the modern world, offers a captivating journey through cutting-edge demonstrations, merging discovery with spectacle.
Workshop Drawings, 2019
Office Work
Location: Istanbul, TR
Duration: 12 months
Role in Team: Conceptual Design, Construction/ Workshop Drawings Modelling & Rendering, Stakeholder Coordination, Consultant
