URBAN DESIGN PRAXIS: A Transformative Dialogue from Theory to Action

Dear Taşkışla Community,

You are invited to our event titled "URBAN DESIGN PRAXIS: A Transformative Dialogue from Theory to Action", organized by the ITU Urban Design Master’s Program, to be held on April 30, 2026, at Hall 109, ITU Faculty of Architecture, Taşkışla Campus.

In this gathering, where we aim to interpret urban design - an interdisciplinary field shared by architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning- through the concept of “praxis,” we approach praxis not merely as a technical application, but as a process in which theory is tested and reproduced through practice. Through this reflective mode of action, where theoretical knowledge is confronted with spatial reality, we aim to establish a discussion platform that brings together academia and professional practice, centering “thinking in action” in addressing multi-layered challenges such as the climate crisis, urban resilience, and the transformation of public space.

In our event, the theoretical and practical dimensions of urban design will be addressed through three main axes:

• Invited Speaker Seminars: “Praxis” experiences from distinguished professionals who integrate strong theoretical foundations with practice in the field of urban design. (Banu GARİP - Ervin GARİP | Pınar KESİM AKTAŞ - Cemil AKTAŞ)
• Academic Research Presentations: Presentations by the authors of theses produced within the ITU Urban Design Master’s Program that have made original contributions to the literature. (Türkan AKÜN | Sercan ÖZELMAS | Özge KURU)
• Studio Works Exhibition: Studio productions of future urban designers.

We look forward to welcoming all interested participants to this shared platform where theory transforms into action. The program will be held in Turkish.

Event Information

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Time: 10:00 - 16:00

Venue: Hall 109, ITU Faculty of Architecture, Taşkışla Campus

Program Schedule

10:00 – Opening Remarks
10:30 – "Context and Content" | Banu GARİP - Ervin GARİP
11:15 – Coffee Break
11:30 – "Pausing in Mecidiyeköy" | Pınar KESİM AKTAŞ - Cemil AKTAŞ
12:15 – Discussion
12:30 – Lunch Break
13:30 – Academic Research Presentations: Presentations by authors of theses produced within the ITU Urban Design Program that have made original contributions to the literature. | Türkan AKÜN | Sercan ÖZELMAS | Özge KURU
15:00 – Exhibition

Organizing Committee:

Ebru ERBAŞ GÜRLER, Elif KISAR KORAMAZ, Eren KÜRKÇÜOĞLU, Gülden Demet ORUÇ ERTEKİN, Ozan Önder ÖZENER, Ali YILMAZ, Elif AĞAOĞLU YILDIRIM, Ezgi KARATAŞ, Mehmet RONAEL, Pınar GÖKÇE KILIÇ, Şebnem ÇEBİ