May 22
12.00-13.30

Selçuk Avcı; Avcı Architects
Curator
Avcı Architects is an international multidisciplinary practice that integrates cutting-edge sustainable design principles into projects across architecture, urbanism, and strategic planning. Operating globally, the firm undertakes projects across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with a focus on innovative, context-driven, and environmentally responsible architecture.
Selçuk Avcı has built a career balancing architectural theory and practice, working as both an architect and a strategic consultant. A graduate of Bath University, he has lectured at renowned institutions, including the Architectural Association (AA), The Bartlett School of Architecture, and Delft Technical University. His early experience in sustainable design includes working with Feilden Clegg Bradley Design, Energy Conscious Design Architects, and ARUP Associates. He founded Avcı Architects in London in 1988, later expanding operations to Türkiye, Italy, Slovenia, and beyond.
In addition to leading Avcı Architects, he co-founded URBANISTA, a strategic consultancy for large-scale urban projects, and The Circle, a platform promoting multidisciplinary collaboration in architecture and design. His work has received numerous international and national awards, including the RIBA Regional Award, the Queen’s Civic Trust Award, and The Building Award in the UK, as well as a LEED Platinum-certified project in Türkiye. Avcı Architects was also listed in the UK’s Top 50 Young Firms Guide.
Envisioning a City: Future Perspectives from North and South
Four distinguished city architects—two from northern cities and two from southern cities of the SEE region—will share their visions for the future of their respective cities in engaging 10-minute presentations. These talks will highlight their perspectives on urban transformation, sustainability, and resilience, offering insight into how different cultural, climatic, and economic conditions shape urban planning strategies across the region.
Following the presentations, a dynamic debate will take place between the architects and the curator, fostering a deeper exploration of the key challenges that cities face today. Topics will range from climate adaptation, infrastructure renewal, and housing strategies to the integration of smart technologies, public space revitalization, and policies for inclusive urban growth. The discussion will aim to identify commonalities and divergences between northern and southern approaches to city-making, emphasizing the role of architecture and planning in responding to contemporary urban pressures.
This exchange of ideas will not only shed light on the diverse methodologies and priorities of city architects but also uncover potential synergies and shared strategies for fostering sustainable urban development across the SEE region. By bringing together experts with varied experiences and regional perspectives, the event will encourage a constructive dialogue on the future of our cities, emphasizing innovative solutions and collaborative pathways toward more livable, resilient, and forward-thinking urban environments.
May 22
12.00-13.30

Selçuk Avcı; Avcı Architects
Curator
Avcı Architects is an international multidisciplinary practice that integrates cutting-edge sustainable design principles into projects across architecture, urbanism, and strategic planning. Operating globally, the firm undertakes projects across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with a focus on innovative, context-driven, and environmentally responsible architecture.
Selçuk Avcı has built a career balancing architectural theory and practice, working as both an architect and a strategic consultant. A graduate of Bath University, he has lectured at renowned institutions, including the Architectural Association (AA), The Bartlett School of Architecture, and Delft Technical University. His early experience in sustainable design includes working with Feilden Clegg Bradley Design, Energy Conscious Design Architects, and ARUP Associates. He founded Avcı Architects in London in 1988, later expanding operations to Türkiye, Italy, Slovenia, and beyond.
In addition to leading Avcı Architects, he co-founded URBANISTA, a strategic consultancy for large-scale urban projects, and The Circle, a platform promoting multidisciplinary collaboration in architecture and design. His work has received numerous international and national awards, including the RIBA Regional Award, the Queen’s Civic Trust Award, and The Building Award in the UK, as well as a LEED Platinum-certified project in Türkiye. Avcı Architects was also listed in the UK’s Top 50 Young Firms Guide.