On 25 February 2025, Avcı Architects Founding Partner Selcuk Avci delivered a keynote lecture titled “Sustainability in Practice” at Civic’25, an event hosted by Yıldız Technical University’s Construction Club. The session gathered architecture and engineering students, as well as young professionals, around one of today’s most pressing themes: building a sustainable future.
Key Highlights of the Talk
1. Defining Sustainability Beyond Carbon
Avci opened his lecture by referring to the classic Brundtland definition:
“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
He highlighted that sustainability is not only about reducing CO₂ emissions, but also about adopting a holistic approach grounded in Ecology, Economy, and Equity (the “3E’s”).
2. Start with Analysis
Sustainability, he noted, begins with understanding climate, topography, culture, and local economies. Such analyses inform designs that are both resilient and context-sensitive.
3. Integrating Nature into Design
Using examples from Rimski Vrelec Eco Hotel and the Turkish Contractors Association Headquarters, Avci illustrated how passive and active design strategies, local materials, and renewable energy sources can significantly reduce environmental impact while creating inspiring places to live and work.
4. Community and Cultural Sensitivity
Sustainability is also social. Avci stressed the importance of creating public spaces that foster human interaction, celebrate local culture, and enable equitable access for all.
5. Energy and Resource Efficiency
He showcased innovative solutions such as earth-coupled cooling labyrinths, solar energy integration, and zero-waste approaches, demonstrating that sustainability is an achievable, practical outcome, not just an ideal.
A Call to Action for Future Professionals
Avci concluded with a powerful message to young designers:
“We stand in a unique position to influence how people think and behave. Our responsibility is to shape the future of the relationship between humanity and nature — and this is a role that must be taken very seriously.”
Why This Matters
Civic’25 provided students and emerging professionals not only with technical knowledge but also with a renewed motivation to design for people and planet. Avci’s practical insights and long-term perspective encouraged attendees to become proactive agents of change in the built environment.
