The Faculty of Architecture at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) is hosting the LivenARCH IX-2025: PRIORITIES IN / OF ARCHITECTURE International Congress, held between September 25–27, 2025. The congress brings together numerous academics and researchers from the fields of architecture, urban and regional planning, environmental sciences, and related disciplines, offering three days of academic knowledge exchange and experience sharing.

The congress began with its opening program at the KTU Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Cultural and Congress Center. The event was attended by our University’s Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Prof. Dr. Cenap SANCAR, members of the organizing committee, academic staff, and researchers.

In his speech, Rector Prof. Dr. ÇUVALCI emphasized that the congress unites researchers from different countries and cultures, noting that the event has gone beyond being “just a congress,” transforming into a dynamic platform for the production of knowledge. The Rector highlighted architecture as a powerful tool that designs livable environments, touches human life, and carries cultural heritage into the future, expressing gratitude to all individuals and institutions who contributed to making the congress possible.

The Theme of “Priorities in Architecture” in Focus

Congress Chair Prof. Dr. Nilgün KULOĞLU underlined that the congress, with its theme “Priorities in Architecture,” serves not only as a platform for knowledge sharing but also as a space for discussing the future of the profession. Prof. Dr. KULOĞLU stated that architecture reflects humanity’s story—from the first shelters to modern skyscrapers—and that today a human-centered approach has come to the forefront: “Buildings are no longer just physical objects; they are seen as ecosystems that interact with their environment and support the people living within them.”

Following Prof. Dr. KULOĞLU, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Prof. Dr. Cenap SANCAR reminded participants that the congress is structured around the theme “Priorities in Architecture.” He reflected on how architectural priorities have evolved from past to present, their relation to social, cultural, and environmental contexts, and the importance of diverse approaches: “Different perspectives and experiences make diversity and innovation in architecture possible. I believe that this year’s LivenARCH Congress will be enriched by contributions from all areas of the discipline, becoming a vibrant platform for discussion.”

Time and Change in Architecture

After the opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Branko KOLAREVIC from the Hillier College of Architecture and Design at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark delivered his keynote lecture titled “Time and Change in Architecture.” Prof. Dr. KOLAREVIC highlighted the role of digital technologies in architecture and design, sharing insights from his global research and his book “Mass Customization and the Democratization of Design.” Drawing attention to adaptive and interactive architectural practices, he noted: “In today’s projects, structures can respond to environmental changes in real time through the use of sensors and dynamic systems.” He also discussed the importance of integrating concepts of time and change in design, the use of generative AI in architecture, and the relevance of combining contemporary practices with past innovations.

An International Platform for Exchange

LivenARCH IX-2025, running for three days, will provide an international platform for exchange on architecture and livable environments. The first two days feature panels, presentations, and scientific discussions, while the final day will conclude with a field trip for participants. In addition to main hall sessions, the program includes parallel sessions where researchers present their work. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the evolution of priorities in architecture from past to present and explore roadmaps for the future from an interdisciplinary perspective.

 

Önceki Sonraki