Dr. İrem Küçük | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Gazi University, Architecture Department, Turkey.

Dr. İrem Küçük is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of architecture, currently serving in the Department of Architecture at Gazi University. She earned her B. Arch (2009), M.A. (2013), and Ph.D. (2018) from Gazi University and completed the Open Thesis Fabrication (OTF) program in 2011 at IAAC. As a coordinator at atelierz since 2014, she has been actively involved in experimental projects that critically explore the essence of architecture and the evolving role of architects. Her research integrates architectural design theories, experimental architecture, and contemporary design practices.

Profile

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Education 🎓

Dr. İrem Küçük has a strong academic foundation in architecture, having completed all her degrees at Gazi University. She earned her Ph.D. in Architecture in 2018, where she explored architectural design theories and experimental practices. Prior to that, she completed her M.A. in Architecture in 2013, focusing on design space and innovative architectural methodologies. Her B. Arch degree in 2009 laid the groundwork for her expertise in architectural design and theory. Additionally, she attended the Open Thesis Fabrication (OTF) program at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) in 2011, which provided her with hands-on experience in digital fabrication and computational design.

Professional Experience 👩‍🏫

Dr. İrem Küçük is a faculty member in the Department of Architecture at Gazi University, where she teaches architectural design studio and elective courses. Her academic role involves guiding students through theoretical and practical aspects of architecture, fostering innovative thinking and experimental design approaches. Since 2014, she has also been serving as the coordinator at atelierz, where she leads experimental projects that critically examine the essence of architecture and the evolving role of architects. Through these initiatives, she explores contemporary architectural theories, design methodologies, and artistic practices, pushing the boundaries of traditional architectural education and practice.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Küçük’s research focuses on innovative and experimental approaches in architecture, particularly in:

Architectural Design & Theories

Experimental Architecture & Design Pedagogies

Design Space & Artistic Practices in Architecture

Contemporary Architecture & Digital Fabrication

Innovative Architectural Practices & Tools

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Recognized for contributions in Experimental Architecture & Design Education

Selected Publications 📚

Küçük, İ. (2025). Material experimentation in the architectural design studio: An experimental pedagogical model for incorporating craft mediums into studio education. Buildings. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050701

Küçük, İ. (2024). Excessively undisciplined works. In Book chapter. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-2329-8.ch011

Küçük, İ., & Aksu, A. (2023). Rethinking the pedagogical fiction of the architectural design studio. Periodica Polytechnica Architecture. https://doi.org/10.3311/ppar.21248

Yilmaz, I., & Aksu, A. (2019). Contemporaneity - A common space-time-data for architectural creation. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/471/7/072033

Yilmaz, I. (2017). Move-tecture: A conceptual framework for designing movement in architecture. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/245/4/042061

Mr. Danjuma Abdu Yusuf | Architecture | Excellence in Research

Chongqing University, Nigeria.

Danjuma Abdu Yusuf is a Nigerian academic and researcher specializing in Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Environment, and Urban Conservation. He is a Ph.D. student at Chongqing University, China, focusing on landscape urbanism, cultural landscapes, and heritage conservation. He has an extensive background in architecture and urban planning, with industry experience as a Project Manager and Senior Architect on major housing and urban development projects in Nigeria. Additionally, he serves as an editorial team member for the Nigerian Journal of Landscape Architecture (NJLA) and is affiliated with professional bodies such as the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN) and the Asian Council of Science Editors.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Mr. Danjuma Abdu Yusuf is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Architecture and Urban Planning at Chongqing University, China (2021 – Present). He holds a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria (2016) and a B.Sc. in Architecture (Second Class Upper) from Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Nigeria (2007). Additionally, he obtained a Diploma in Microcomputer Maintenance and Repair from the Intersystem Computer Institute of Technology (2009). His early education includes a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) from Government Secondary School, Kawaji Boys (2001) and a Primary School Testimonial from Dakata Special Primary School, Kano State (1995).

💼 Professional Experience

Mr. Danjuma Abdu Yusuf is a dedicated academic and professional architect with extensive experience in both teaching and architectural practice. He currently serves as a Lecturer II at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (2020 – Present). Previously, he held positions as an Assistant Lecturer (2017 – 2020) and Graduate Assistant (2016 – 2017) at Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil. His academic career began as a CAAD Technologist (2010 – 2016) at the same institution. Alongside his academic roles, he has gained valuable industry experience, serving as a Project Manager & Senior Architect at Poly Dimensional Projects Limited, Kano Office. He has also contributed to major infrastructure projects as a Project Architect for the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), overseeing projects in Bida, Gaya, and Offa.

🔬 Research Interests

Landscape Urbanism 🌳🏙️

Cultural Landscapes & Heritage Conservation 🏛️

Sustainable Urban Planning & Green Infrastructure 🌱

Architectural Conservation & Retrofitting of Historic Buildings 🏠

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Editorial Member – Nigerian Journal of Landscape Architecture (NJLA)

Former Publicity Secretary – Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (Northern Chapter)

Member – Asian Council of Science Editors

Registered Member – Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN)

📚 Selected Publications

Yusuf, D.A., Zhu, J., Nashe, S.A., et al. (2023). A Typology for Urban Landscape Progression: Toward a Sustainable Planning Mechanism in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. Urban Sci. 7(2), 36. 🔗 DOI: 10.3390/urbansci7020036

Yusuf, D.A., Ahmed, A., Sagir, A., et al. (2023). A Review of Conceptual Design and Self Health Monitoring Program in a Vertical City: A Case of Burj Khalifa, U.A.E. Buildings 13, 1049. 🔗 DOI: 10.3390/buildings13041049

Yusuf, D.A., Ahmed, A., Zhu, J., et al. (2023). Quest for an Innovative Methodology for Retrofitting Urban Built Heritage: An Assessment of some Historic Buildings in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. Buildings 13, 1899. 🔗 DOI: 10.3390/buildings13081899

Yusuf, D.A., Zhu, J., Saleh-Bala, M., et al. (2023). Evolutionary Trends in the Landscape of Hausa Open Spaces: Key Enablers of Habe City Planning Mythology. Journal of Regional and City Planning, 34(2), 204-217. 🔗 DOI: 10.5614/jpwk.2023.34.2.4

Yusuf, D.A., Nenchi, D.W., & Abubakar, A. (2015). Isolated Urban Railway Corridors: Towards Sustainable Greenway Development in Kano. NIA Journal of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Vol. 1 & 2.