I started my journey with a BSc in Structural Engineering from Türkiye, drawn to the blend of art and science in building design. I have always been captivated by the intersection of engineering and heritage as built human relics as reminders of passing time. My academic journey took me further into the realms of heritage science (MSc) and conservation engineering (PhD), equipping me with a unique skill set tailored to understanding, preserving and enhancing historic structures, whether it is a majestic temple of monumental proportions or a humble home built with indigenous knowledge and vernacular techniques. This multifaceted expertise has been instrumental in my role as a conservation and reuse engineer, where I blend scientific rigour with a profound respect for our architectural heritage, and more broadly, care for existing buildings.
Post-Disaster Reconnaissance – A longitudinal approach:
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been my involvement with EEFIT, where I have led/advised on several post-disaster reconnaissance missions. These experiences have not only honed my technical skills but have also deepened my understanding of the social and cultural impacts of disaster resilience. The role I play in these missions, assessing damage and contributing to rebuilding efforts, embodies the transformative power of engineering - a power that drives my professional ethos - and empowers us to do better.
A pivotal moment in my career was the EEFIT mission to the February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The devastation I witnessed was overwhelming, with entire neighbourhoods reduced to rubble within a massive area composed of 11 cities in Turkey alone. Seeing the human and structural toll firsthand deeply affected me, while also solidifying my commitment to using my skills to help communities rebuild safer and more resilient structures. The post-disaster reconnaissance communities’ work on these missions is not just about assessing damage - it's about finding hope in the aftermath and helping to restore it through technical and policy solutions. It is evident that increasing the resilience of single buildings, settlements, and communities not only improves structures but also enhances the lives of those who work and live there. This longitudinal approach is what we need more of in order to make a proven and tested - and therefore lasting - impact through our engineering practices in a hazardous area.
With this approach and after closely monitoring the situation on the ground for one year following the February 2023 earthquakes, we recently released our mission report along with a summary report published in the native language of the earthquake-struck country for maximised impact: https://www.istructe.org/resources/report/eefit-mission-report-turkey-february-2023/
Reuse in Engineering Curriculum:
It’s clear that we cannot continue to build forever. In direct reference to efforts to decarbonise the built environment, my work is underpinned by a dedication to lengthening the service life of existing structures, whether it is under the impact of the immediately destructive force of a disaster such as earthquakes, climatic exposure, or just age which slowly but surely degrades buildings. Having taught integrated reuse design for the past five years, this commitment led me to develop a specialised module on adaptive reuse at UCL Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, an area I believe is crucial for sustainable development in the face of a changing climate. With an eclectic programme including building life cycle, conservation theory and principles, building diagnostics and structural intervention design, and in collaboration with Arup, this module pushes engineering and integrated design students out of their conventional domain to think about the reuse potential of existing buildings and allows them to develop a proof-of-concept for a reuse project. I advocate strongly for the inclusion of reuse principles in the built environment education curriculum in the age of climate crisis that we live in, particularly within engineering disciplines. Teaching and mentoring the next generation of engineers to prioritise sustainability, reuse and heritage conservation is a responsibility I hold dear.
Community and Collaboration:
I am a firm believer in the power of collaboration. Working with multiple stakeholders and communities is essential for creating lasting impact. Through my projects, I strive to engage diverse groups, ensuring that our engineering solutions are not only technically sound but also culturally and socially inclusive – and that we can all learn from the process.
Currently, I am actively working with decision-makers to inform the reconstruction efforts in the wake of the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. It’s a monumental task, but one that I approach with passion and dedication within a team of incredible colleagues by my side.
Vision for the Future:
Looking ahead, I am committed to integrating reuse into mainstream engineering practice. This means making sustainability and historical preservation central to our work. By continuing to engage in post-disaster efforts and community projects, I aim to ensure that future generations inherit resilient environments and cherished historical structures.