A world-class training base for Izmir

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) will determine the design of the new campus, the foundation of which is planned to be laid in Güzelbahçe this year, with a national architectural project competition that will be open to participation throughout Turkey. The 19-person jury formed for the competition will choose between projects that adopt a modern, environmentally friendly, sustainable and state-of-the-art architectural approach. The results of the Izmir University of Economics Güzelbahçe Campus Architectural Project Competition, whose applications will continue until June 7, 2022, will be announced in June.

The first Foundation University of the Aegean Region, Izmir University of Economics, which is among the leading higher education institutions in Turkey with its approximately 10 thousand students, 20 thousand graduates and more than 800 academics, has started preparations to bring a world-class campus to Izmir. The competition for the architectural project of the new campus in Güzelbahçe will be organized by the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Education and Health Foundation, the Founder of Izmir University of Economics, as a national, one-stage and freelance architectural project competition.

ECONOMICAL, UNIQUE AND QUALIFIED ARCHITECTURAL APPROACHES

With the competition,  Izmir University of Economics aims searching for economical, unique and qualified architectural approaches, functional and innovative solutions, determining project and architectural designers who demonstrate a sustainable, contemporary environmental and architectural understanding that is respectful to nature, ensuring a suitable environment for the promotion of fine arts, the development of the architectural profession and professional ethical values, and the national and international competitiveness of the participants, for its Güzelbahçe Campus.

WE WANT TO PROVIDE THE YOUTH WITH THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES

Stating that the main goal of Izmir University of Economics is to raise qualified individuals suitable for the new age, Mahmut Özgener, Chairman of the Executive Board of Izmir Chamber of Commerce Education and Health Foundation, and President of Board of the Trustees of Izmir University of Economics, said, “As a university, we have made a difference with our current campus where 8 languages ​​are spoken, academics with overseas experience and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Considering the enrollment rate in undergraduate programs, we rank 4th among foundation universities in Turkey with 97.61 percent.” Emphasizing that the success they have achieved throughout Turkey in the preference order is the biggest indicator of meeting the expectations of the young people, Özgener said, “There is no finish line for universities, success is an ongoing journey. With these thoughts in mind, we set out to offer the best opportunities to young people and to build a modern campus that meets all their needs. We are aware of the necessity of improving the physical conditions and resources as well as the quality and competence of the academic staff. Universities should live 24/7 and have their own synergies. We hope that the campus, which we plan to lay the foundation of this year, will also become one of the symbols of Izmir.”

PROJECTS WILL BE EVALUATED WITH A SHARED MINDSET

Stating that they have started the design competition with the aim to create a campus that makes a difference with its design as well as its technological infrastructure, President Özgener said, “We have a jury that includes very valuable people who have proven themselves and are experts in their fields. Prepared projects will be evaluated with a shared mindset. I think that a very valuable campus design will be realized as a result of the competition, and I sincerely believe that the competition will be a guide for us. Our goal is to move to our new campus in 2024-2025 academic year. I would like to thank the esteemed jury members, who work with great care and enthusiasm and shared their ideas, for the emergence of such an important project that will enable young people to receive education in more qualified conditions and support the work and science production of academics at international standards, and I wish success to all the participants.”

EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELDS

Consultant Jury Members: Gizem Kahraman Aksoy (Architect, TEOS Mimarlık ve Kültürel Danışmanlık), Cemalettin Dönmez (Civil Engineer, Assoc. Prof. IYTE Faculty Member), Deniz Güner (Architect, Prof. DEU Faculty Member), İlker Kahraman (Architect, Asst. Prof.), Erhan Vecdi Küçükerbaş (Landscape Architect, Prof. EU Faculty Member), Aslı Ceylan Öner (Architect, Assoc. Prof. IUE Faculty Member), Gamze Şahin (Architect, Director of IUE Construction and Technical Services), Koray Velibeyoğlu (Urban Planner, Prof. IYTE Faculty Member)

Jury Members: Deniz Aslan (Architect, Assoc. Prof. DS Mimarlık), Alişan Çırakoğlu (Architect, CAA Studio), Ergun Dinçer (Civil Engineer, Er-Efe Mühendislik), Emre Ergül – Head Juror (Architect, Assoc. Prof. IUE Faculty Member), Hikmet Sivri Gökmen (Architect, Prof. DEU Faculty Member), Hüseyin Kahvecioğlu (Architect, Prof. IU Faculty Member), Semra Uygur (Architect, Uygur Mimarlık)

Alternate Jury Members: Gökhan Kılıç (Civil Engineer, Assoc. Prof. IUE Faculty Member), Işık Ülkün Neusser (Architect, IUE Lecturer), Serdar Uslubaş (Architect, Not Mimarlık), Ahmet Mucip Ürger (Architect, Özer/Ürger Mimarlık)

PARTICIPATION FORM REQUIRED TO REGISTER

With the competition, which is carried out with a detailed and meticulous study, it is aimed to bring a design that will open new horizons in campus design to Izmir and Turkey. In addition to the 350 thousand TL prize for the winner of the competition, the second prize will be awarded 270 thousand TL and the third 200 thousand TL. 5 projects that are deemed worthy of honorable mention will receive 90 thousand TL each in the competition where architects, project and design offices from all over Turkey will participate.