The popular image of architects as egotist, self-centered creatures with a know-it-all attitude have long been debated. The presentation focuses on case studies from ONZ Architects exemplifying the strategies used to defy this egotistical approach in architecture for more humane and respectful designs considering the social and natural impact. These strategies could be summarized around three design practices:

Research-Collaborate-Evaluate. The research practice will exemplify how extensive research conducted on specific user groups, history and sustainable principles nourishes the practice. Another strategy to overcome this ego-centered “Master Builder” approach in architecture would be collaborations with experts in specific disciplines. Generating the design through discussion and dialogue have become more and more indispensable for design practices contrasting the once omniscient role of the architect. While research and collaborations provide invaluable data for the design process, post-occupancy evaluations in turn, nurture the research field. Analyzing productivity and wellbeing in built environments, and sharing this data would lead to an evidence-based design practice which would contribute to the global architectural knowledge.

Biography:

Dr. Zeynep Öktem graduated from METU Architecture Department in 2005. She completed her master’s studies in the field of Building Science again at METU in 2009. In 2019 she finished her Ph.D. studies in Bilkent University, Interior Architecture and Environmental Design Department. Zeynep Öktem is the co-founder of ONZ Architects together with Onat Öktem. She continues her architectural practice in ONZ Architects, founded in 2007 and based in Ankara and Rotterdam. Besides working in different scaled projects as an architect, she won many prizes in both international and national architectural competitions.