Learning from the Earthquake: Department of Architecture Takes Action 

On Monday, February 5, the Department of Architecture commemorated the anniversary of the February 6th earthquake with the participation of students, faculty and Rector Prof. Kürşat Aydoğan. The commemorative event began with a presentation by Assoc. Prof. Burcu Şenyapılı Özcan, department chair, highlighting how, over the past year, the department has actively engaged in addressing the various questions and challenges posed by the aftermath of the earthquake. The design of the Arsuz Life Center project in Hatay, Arsuz—one of the regions most affected by the earthquake—was introduced. Undertaken by a group of designers comprising of the Department of Architecture faculty members and graduate students, the project is designed to house the Life Center after their buildings were damaged in the earthquake. The project was implemented during the summer months of 2023 and is now in operation. Through a live connection with Arsuz, Aylin Sayek—director of the Life Center—explained how the the department team’s design has enabled them to swiftly resume their activities. The Life Center primarily serves children, youth, women and disadvantaged groups residing in Arsuz.