Organized by the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Department of Architecture, the “2nd Annual Research Day” event took place on 17 January 2025 at Alpay Özdural Hall at the EMU Faculty of Architecture. Held with the purpose of providing the academics and students an opportunity to showcase their high-quality research, the event served as an important platform for collaborations.
The event commenced with opening speeches delivered by Prof. Dr. Resmiye Alper Atun, Dean of EMU Faculty of Architecture, and Prof. Dr. Rafooneh M. Sani, Chair of Department of Architecture.
A Significant Opportunity for Collaboration and Exchange of Views
In her speech, Prof. Dr. Sani welcomed the attendees of the event, noting that they have preferred to gather with a smaller group this year. Prof. Dr. Sani stated that the event serves as a significant opportunity for research, collaboration and exchange of views. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Sani stressed that they have felt the need for such an event following its first-time organization in the previous year. Prof. Dr. Sani ended her words by wishing the participants a beneficial day.
An Important Contribution to Institutional Identity
Also addressing the participants of the event, Prof. Dr. Atun expressed the faculty’s contentment in hosting the event. Noting that the organising process of the event was a hard work yet joyous, Prof. Dr. Atun thanked those who have contributed to process, particularly Prof. Dr. Sani. Emphasizing the important role of events on institutionalization, Prof. Dr. Atun conveyed her hope for the continuation of such events in the future. Underscoring that the organized event significantly contributed to the institutional identity of EMU, Prof. Dr. Atun wished everyone a pleasant day.
EMU has a Solid Publication History
Following the welcoming speeches, Director of EMU Institute of Graduate Studies and Research (IGSR) Prof. Dr. Ali Hakan Ulusoy took the stage and touched on three main points regarding the research activities carried out at EMU. Firstly, he highlighted their pride in the global partnerships with international universities, noting that these collaborations enhance global knowledge networks. Next, Prof. Dr. Ulusoy pointed out that EMU has a solid publication history, with many articles published in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. Lastly, he emphasized the crucial role of graduate programs in research activities and mentioned that students in these programs benefit from a robust research infrastructure.
Various Topics Discussed
As part of the 2nd Annual Research Day, keynote speakers EMU IGSR Director Prof. Dr. Ulusoy, Prof. Dr. Islam Elghonaimy and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Hussein Mohamed Eldardiry delivered presentations. EMU IGSR Director Prof. Dr. Ulusoy made a presentation titled “Postgraduate Education and Research Activities at EMU”. Then, Prof. Dr. Elghonaimy from College of Engineering at the University of Bahrain delivered a presentation titled “Optimizing Sustainable Landscape Maintenance Techniques through Digital Tools and Data Analytics”. The final presentation of the session was delivered on “The Endless Journey of Building Research Skills in Design” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eldardiry from College of Design at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University.
In addition to the presentations, a panel titled “Panel Endorsing Faculty of Architecture Journal” was also held within the scope of the event. Dean of EMU Architecture Faculty and Editor-in-Chief of the EMU Journal of Faculty of Architecture Prof. Dr. Resmiye Alper Atun, EMU Department of Architecture academic staff member and Editor of the Journal Prof. Dr. Beşer Oktay Vehbi and, EMU Department of Interior Architecture academic staff member and Editor of the Journal Prof. Dr. Nil Paşaoğluları Şahin delivered presentations.
Following the panel, a session titled “Broadening Research Perspectives” was held. In the said session, EMU Department of Architecture academic staff members Prof. Dr. Müjdem Vural, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ceren Boğaç and Assist. Prof. Dr. Pınar Uluçay respectively delivered the presentations titled; “Exploring the Potential of Research Workshops: Learning from Research Internships at Yıldız Technical University”, “The Urban Grotesque: A New Theory for Non-Binary Urban Geographies” and “EU Research Funding Opportunities”.
In the final session of the program titled “Conference Reviews”, EMU Department of Architecture academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Harun Sevinç presented his research, “Sustainable Design Strategies to Enhance Daylight Performance of the EMU Rectorate Building in Gazimağusa, North Cyprus” which he shared at ICNTAD 2024. Next, Department of Architecture academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ege Uluca Tümer, discussed her study “Ecological Features of Adobe Houses in Rural Settlements: Vernacular Houses in the Villages of Mesaoria Plain, Cyprus”. Lastly, PhD candidate Özge Selen Koç presented her joint research with Prof. Dr. Şebnem Hoşkara, titled “Building Climate-Resilient Public Spaces: A Holistic Examination of Nicosia, Cyprus, Guided by Global Environmental Agendas”.
