The Department of Architecture (Turkish and English Programs) within the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Istanbul Gelisim University delivers a contemporary architectural curriculum aligned with national and international educational standards. Our educational approach adopts a holistic perspective built upon five core domains that constitute the foundation of our curriculum: Design and Creative Thinking; History, Theory, and Culture/Art; Environment, City, and Society; Technology; and Professional Practice. Our primary objective is to educate innovative architectural designers and researchers who integrate design skills with contemporary building technologies and digital tools, demonstrate sensitivity to the environment, the climate crisis, and historical heritage, uphold professional ethical values, and adapt effectively to changing conditions.
The Department of Architecture at Istanbul Gelisim University is committed to providing a dynamic, student-centered educational model. Our primary objective extends beyond awarding an undergraduate degree; throughout their academic journey, we actively engage our students in research activities, national and international projects, and scholarly endeavors. The Department offers a flexible learning environment supported by workshops, competitions, and field studies, enabling students to discover and develop their individual talents and design potential. As a result, our graduates are expected to enter professional practice as confident, highly competent individuals who have enriched their résumés not only through their coursework but also through high-quality, interest-driven academic and professional activities, while upholding strong professional ethical values and making meaningful contributions to the field.
Graduates of the Department of Architecture at Istanbul Gelisim University receive an education aligned with international standards, enabling them to assume leadership and decision-making roles across the broad spectrum of the architecture, construction, and real estate industries. Our graduates may establish their own architectural and design practices as licensed professionals or pursue careers in national and international architectural firms as concept designers, project coordinators, or specialists in technical detailing and implementation.
They are also well qualified to serve as site architects, construction managers, and project managers within private-sector construction and development companies. In addition, graduates have the opportunity to be employed as architects or building inspectors within public institutions, including ministries and municipalities.
Furthermore, the scientific research skills and academic discipline acquired throughout their undergraduate education enable graduates to specialize in areas such as real estate development, building inspection, restoration, and architectural conservation. They may also pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s and PhD degrees) at universities in Türkiye and abroad, providing a strong foundation for an academic career.
The discipline of architecture is undergoing one of the most profound digital transformations in its history, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, computational design, and Building Information Modeling (BIM). In today’s architectural profession, it is evident that architects who are proficient in digital technologies and contemporary software applications will have a significant advantage over those who are not. Nevertheless, regardless of the pace of digitalization, technical expertise and engineering knowledge—including building technologies, material science, building physics, and climate-responsive design—will remain fundamental to architectural practice.
At a time when the climate crisis has become a defining global challenge, the future of architecture depends on designing environmentally responsible, energy-efficient green buildings based on passive climate strategies, while also developing innovative solutions that preserve historic fabric and sustain urban memory. The future vision of our Department is to educate globally competent architects who combine the opportunities offered by digital transformation with advanced technical expertise, possess a strong sense of environmental and professional responsibility, and are capable of producing high-quality architectural work anywhere in the world.
Although our environment and the built world will continue to evolve, architecture will remain an essential discipline wherever people live, shaping the future while responding to the changing needs of society.
Architecture is the discipline concerned with the built environment that shapes every aspect of our daily lives—from the homes we live in and the buildings where we work to the streets and public squares we experience. If the buildings, urban spaces, and historic environments you encounter every day inspire your curiosity, and if you are passionate about transforming your surroundings through aesthetic, functional, and sustainable design principles, then the Department of Architecture is the right choice for you.
Architectural education offers a unique journey of intellectual and professional development for students who embrace creative and analytical thinking, are interested in art, culture, and technology, and are committed to environmental stewardship, addressing the climate crisis, and preserving architectural heritage. Architects possess the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills required to lead the design, implementation, and management of the built environment.
Some of these qualities may already be reflected in your natural curiosity, aesthetic awareness, and individual talents. Others will be cultivated and transformed into a strong professional vision through the comprehensive theoretical, technical, and studio-based education you will receive at our University.
The curriculum and academic structure of our Department have been developed in accordance with national and international standards and are organized around five interrelated and complementary core subject areas that collectively form the backbone of our educational program:
Design / Creative Thinking: Conceptual and analytical design processes, spatial organization, form–function relationships, architectural studio practices across multiple scales, and digital and computational design methodologies.
History / Theory, Culture / Art: World and Turkish architectural history, architectural theory and criticism, art history, conservation of historic fabric, architectural surveying, restoration, and adaptive reuse of architectural heritage.
Environment / City / Society: Human–space–environment relationships, principles of urban design, public space design, landscape integration, universal and inclusive design principles, and ecological and climate-responsive design approaches.
Technology: Building component design, structural systems, innovative and sustainable materials, Building Information Modeling (BIM), building physics, daylighting, acoustics, and environmental control systems.
Professional Practice: Planning and building regulations, professional ethics, construction site and project management, project economics, quantity surveying and progress payments, real estate development, and professional practice processes.
Through the required and elective courses offered within these five core subject areas, our students receive a comprehensive architectural education that is aligned with national and international standards. At the same time, they have the opportunity to specialize in areas of individual interest, enabling them to enter professional practice with a strong academic foundation and specialized expertise.
Students enrolled in the Department of Architecture at Istanbul Gelisim University may benefit from transfer opportunities in accordance with the regulations of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the University's Transfer Regulations.
Under the Internal Transfer scheme based on cumulative grade point average (GPA), students may transfer from the Architecture (Turkish) Program to the Architecture (English) Program, provided that they satisfy the required quota, academic performance, curriculum equivalency, and English language proficiency requirements.
In addition, students may apply for Inter-Institutional Transfer opportunities to or from other universities. They may also benefit from Additional Article 1 (Horizontal Transfer Based on the Central Placement Score), provided that their central university entrance examination score meets or exceeds the minimum admission score required for the relevant program in the corresponding admission year.
Graduates of the associate degree programs in Construction Technology, Architectural Restoration, Architectural Drafting, and Construction are eligible to transfer to the Department of Architecture.