The “Architecture and Space” seminar held at the Near East University Faculty of Architecture addressed the intellectual dimensions of architecture. One of the experienced names in architectural education, Prof. Dr. Şengül Öymen Gül, explained the multi-layered structure of the concept of space in architecture with remarkable examples.
The concept of space is not just a physical structure today. It has become a multi-faceted phenomenon reflecting people’s lifestyles, cultural values and experiences. This change has also brought new approaches to architectural education. While the Near East University Faculty of Architecture contributes to this transformation process with the events it has been organizing, it also encourages students to think critically and pay attention to architecture in a multi-dimensional way.
The “Architecture and Space” seminar held in collaboration with the Near East University Faculty of Architecture and the Union of Chambers of Turkish Cypriot Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB) was held with the participation of Prof. Dr. Şengül Öymen Gül from the Department of Architecture at Istanbul Beykent University. The seminar, which aims to help architecture students and professionals understand the effects of modern architecture on space and develop a critical perspective, created a platform that opens up the relationship between theory, history and design for discussion.
The opening speeches of the seminar held at the Near East University Grand Library were made by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan, and the President of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Cypriot Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB), Onur Olguner. The seminar, which attracted great participation, was attended by academics and students, professionals from different professional groups, representatives of civil society organizations and many names from the architectural community.
Space is not only a physical structure, it is also a multifaceted phenomenon that carries a social, cultural and experiential meaning.
Prof. Dr. Gül, who started his presentation by sharing his thoughts on the history, theory and criticism of architecture, explained modernity and modern architecture with universal examples. Stating that space should be regarded not only as a physical phenomenon, but also as a social, cultural and experiential phenomenon, Prof. Dr. Gül comparatively analyzed the approaches of different architects. Opening the question of how modern architecture functionalizes and shapes space to discussion by relating it to the transformations seen in today’s urban structures, Prof. Dr. Gül also touched on how digitalization, sustainability, and user experience reshape space design in contemporary architecture in her presentation. Sharing her knowledge and experiences with the students, Prof. Dr. Şengül Öymen Gül shared examples of the ways space is used from her own projects.
After the presentation, Near East University Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture Head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çimen Özburak thanked Prof. Dr. Şengül Öymen Gül and presented flowers. Near East University Faculty of Architecture Dean Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan and Union of Chambers of Turkish Cypriot Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB) President Onur Olguner presented Prof. Dr. Gül with a plaque and a souvenir gift. Prof. Dr. Gül presented her work titled “Evolution of Space Organization Throughout the History of Architecture” to Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan and Onur Olguner.
Collaborations will continue!
Speaking at the opening of the “Architecture and Space” seminar, Near East University Faculty of Architecture Dean Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan thanked Prof. Dr. Şengül Öymen Gül for her participation in the event and expressed his pleasure in organizing this meaningful meeting together with the Union of Chambers of Turkish Cypriot Engineers and Architects.
Union of Chambers of Turkish Cypriot Engineers and Architects President Onur Olguner emphasized that as a professional chamber, they attach great importance to collaborations with universities. In this context, Olguner stated that the seminar organized jointly with Near East University Faculty of Architecture meant a lot and concluded his speech by thanking Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çimen Özburak for their efforts in the organization.
