Chairperson’s Message
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emel AKIN
Dear Future Architects,
Architecture is far more than the design of buildings and spaces. It is a multidisciplinary profession that shapes human life, preserves collective memory, and contributes to the future of our cities. Established in 2008 as the first architecture program among foundation universities in Ankara, the Department of Architecture at Atılım University combines a strong educational tradition with an innovative vision for the future.
Our Department was the first architecture school among foundation universities in Ankara to undergo external evaluation by applying to the Turkish Association for Accrediting Architectural Education (MİAK) in 2016. It received its first accreditation in 2020 and successfully renewed its accreditation with a three-year term in 2023. As a member of the European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE), our Department is committed to educating internationally competitive architects who place people and the environment at the center of design while cultivating a strong sense of aesthetics and social responsibility.
Educational Philosophy; Our educational approach is founded on a balance between theory and practice. Rather than relying solely on conventional teaching methods or purely conceptual approaches, we offer a hybrid learning model. In the first year, students combine traditional hand drawing with digital tools, while advanced years place increasing emphasis on contemporary digital design technologies. We believe that mastering today's tools is essential for shaping the architecture of tomorrow.
Balanced Student Intake and High-Quality Design Studios; Design studios form the core of architectural education. To ensure a high-quality learning environment, our Department deliberately maintains a balanced student intake. This enables our faculty members to closely mentor each student, helping them develop their own design language while strengthening both their creative thinking and technical skills through individualized feedback.
Academic Staff; Our students benefit from close interaction with our academic staff in a collaborative and supportive educational environment. At Atılım University, we believe that an outstanding architectural education is only possible through a multidisciplinary, experienced, and visionary faculty committed to both teaching and research.
Connecting Education with the City and Society; Learning extends well beyond the classroom. Contemporary global topics such as the New European Bauhaus, public space analysis, and digital museology are integrated into our curriculum. Specialized workshops including Children and Architecture and Architecture and Gender encourage students to explore architecture from social, cultural, and human-centered perspectives.
Through collaborations with international universities and research institutions, our faculty organize student workshops, study visits, and academic exchanges. Our graduates also maintain strong connections with the Department by sharing their professional experiences and career journeys with current students.
Research-Oriented Education; Research is an integral part of our educational philosophy. Our students actively participate in undergraduate research through Atılım University's Undergraduate Research Program (LAP), receive support for TÜBİTAK-funded projects, and are encouraged to participate in national and international architectural design competitions.
Because architectural education requires inquiry, critical thinking, and effective communication, we believe that learning in one's native language provides students with a stronger foundation for understanding, analysis, and creative expression. At the same time, we strongly encourage our students to develop their foreign language proficiency and interdisciplinary competencies so that they are well prepared to compete and collaborate in an international professional environment.
Architecture is a way of life—challenging, inspiring, diverse, and constantly evolving. It is a discipline that invites curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. If you are passionate about designing not only spaces but also a better future, we warmly invite you to join the Atılım University Department of Architecture and transform your ideas into reality.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emel Akın