The environmental crises of the 21st century and the recent pandemics have testified that our understanding and experience of the built environment need to change urgently. This year’s graduation projects of the Department of Architecture re-define the concept of “blossom”, creating a visionary perspective. While presenting a common environmental awareness and sensibility, the three units in the graduation studio concentrate on different themes. Unit 1 speculates on alternate realities and possible futures by bringing forward open-ended questions using the conjunction of “what if…”. In the context of the 100th anniversary of Joseph Beuys’ birth, the unit searches for alternative models of engagement with artistic production through proposals for a mixed-use residential, commercial, and cultural facility. Under the label of “future-friendly”, Unit 2 develops proposals for a Futurology Center, a building complex for periodical exhibitions of various subjects related to the future of our society and our biotope, in conjunction with a research centre exploring trends and changes that may blossom in the future. Envisaging the possible transformations that will blossom in the cities after the pandemics, Unit 3 provides innovative design solutions for the future, proposing a hybrid typology that combines a mobility hub, social center, and post-pandemic workspace.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burkay PASİN Department Head of Architecture