burcu olgen
doctoral candidate in environmental design
sustainability • artificial intelligence • interaction design
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burcu Olgen
pronounces: she/her
doctoral candidate in environmental design
2024-25 public scholar at Concordia University
university lecturer at Işık University (remote)
I am an architectural designer, university lecturer, and scholar specializing in interaction design. I focus on sustainability, interactive engagements, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the built environment. Within my current research, I ask how AI technologies and interactivity can create community dialogues around sustainability and the environment. I am developing an AI-augmented eco-didactic interactive gamification project tailored for public engagement, aiming to foster awareness and inspire actions toward sustainability.
My areas of expertise are:
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Spatial and environmental design
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Interaction design
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Eco-didactic engagements
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Sustainability in the built environment
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Gamification
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Interactive art
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Interactive digital and mixed-media installations
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Hand drawing and watercolor painting
In 2018, my academic career started at Ișık University, Interior Architecture Department, as RA and TA where I focused on:
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Design and music relationships
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Biomimicry in design
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High-rise architecture
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Urban texture
Between 2015 and 2020, I worked as an Interior Architect and Designer in a design brand I co-founded: "Odd Things & Co."
We developed:
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Furniture
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Lighting
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Branding & Identity
Recent Experience
2024
Teaching Assistant
Concordia University
During my tenure as a Teaching Assistant for the undergraduate course "Sustainability in Design (History and Theory) - DART263 A 2234," I undertook a range of responsibilities, including:
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Delivering meticulously prepared tutorial sessions
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Providing invaluable assistance and guidance to students
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Conducting thorough assessments and grading assignments
2023-
University Lecturer (remote)
Ișık University | Interior Architecture and Environmental Desig
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As a remote lecturer within the [English] Interior Architecture and Environmental Design program in the Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture, I am responsible for delivering a diverse range of courses encompassing both theory and practice. These courses include:
- Furniture Design I-II (INAR3311, INAR308): These mandatory courses, each worth 4 credits, provide students with comprehensive insights into the principles and practices of furniture design.
- Design for All (INAR382): An elective course worth 3 credits, focusing on the principles of inclusive design to ensure accessibility and usability for all individuals.
- Form, Texture, Color (INAR383): Another elective course worth 3 credits, delving into the theoretical and practical aspects of form, texture, and color in architectural design.
- Living Tomorrow: Smart Buildings (INAR452): This elective course, also worth 3 credits, explores the innovative concepts and technologies shaping the future of sustainable and intelligent building design.
Education
2021-
Concordia University
PhD in Design | Individualized Program
2017-2019 | 2010-2015
Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University
MSc in Interior Architecture | Science Institute
B.I.Arch in Interior Architecture | Faculty of Architecture
Voluntering
2023- 2024
Organizer
Concordia University CREW-CSN Union for RAs and TAs - Feminist Workplace Committee
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Organizing the Feminist Convention
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Organizing the after-gathering event for the Feminist Convention in collaboration with the Graduate Individualized Students Association (GISA) (Because during this time I am the president of GISA)
