Aiming to bridge the disciplines of architectural conservation and contemporary design in the context of historic urban environments, the session will present the methodologies being used in current architectural/urban conservation studios, emphasising how these insights can enhance their upcoming design projects.

The lecture will outline a comprehensive framework that includes the following stages: understanding the place, evaluation and assessment, significance and vision, principles and proposals, and definitions of actions and actors. By filtering these stages to align with the current studio agenda, students will gain a structured approach to analysis and design that respects the historical context while encouraging innovative solutions.

A key focus will be on the different approaches to integrating new designs into historical settings, with a critical examination of what constitutes an appropriate architectural response. Through this exploration, students will be encouraged to consider the delicate balance between conservation and innovation, ultimately leading them to a design process that respect the past while responding to contemporary needs.

Biography:

Melis Sözen graduated from Bilkent University with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 2017, and completed her Master’s degree in Conservation of Cultural Heritage at Middle East Technical University. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in History of Architecture at METU and her research interests revolve around the conservation of modern architectural heritage, modern social housing, post-war architecture and 20th century building materials. She has worked as a specialist conservation architect on relevant projects, including adaptive reuse and retrofitting. She has been a part-time instructor at Bilkent University Faculty of Architecture since 2023.