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Design Now
MasterClass: Sevince Bayrak and Oral Göktaş _SO? Architecture and Ideas
October 23, 2026, 18.00–20.00
Focusing on the role of design in response to current social, cultural, and environmental transformations, the seminar explores how design can address contemporary challenges through the research, production, and public engagement practices of Sevince Bayrak and Oral Göktaş, founders of SO? Architecture and Ideas. Inviting participants to reconsider the relationships between space, the city, society, and ecology, the program approaches design not only as a tool for shaping the physical environment, but also as a way of thinking that strengthens social interaction, encourages participation, and develops new scenarios for living.
Through architectural, urban, and cultural projects developed by SO? Architecture and Ideas at different scales, the seminar considers design’s potential to drive social transformation, support collaborative production, and foster environmental responsibility. Focusing on the role of design in a changing world, the program invites participants to reflect on the capacity of contemporary design practices to respond to current challenges.
The event will be held in Turkish.
Sevince Bayrak
Sevince Bayrak is an architect, academic, and writer. She studied architecture at Istanbul Technical University, where she also completed her master’s and doctoral studies. In 2007, she co-founded SO? Architecture and Ideas with Oral Göktaş. Her work focuses on public space, the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, and the transformation of architectural culture.
Oral Göktaş
Oral Göktaş is an architect and educator. He studied architecture and architectural design at Istanbul Technical University. In 2007, he co-founded SO? Architecture and Ideas with Sevince Bayrak. His work focuses on adaptive reuse, modular and timber structures, and public buildings.
About
SO? Architecture and Ideas is an interdisciplinary design practice founded by Sevince Bayrak and Oral Göktaş, working across architecture, research, and cultural production. It approaches architecture not only as the production of the built environment, but also as a field of thought and practice that engages with public life and cultural practices.
Known for architectural, urban, and public projects developed at different scales, SO? gained international recognition with “Sky Spotting Stop,” the winning project of the Young Architects Program organized by Istanbul Modern and MoMA PS1 in 2013. Its work has been exhibited at institutions including the Royal Academy of Arts in London, MAXXI in Rome, and Designmuseum Danmark; “Lost Barrier” and “Floating House” have entered MAXXI’s permanent collection.
Focusing on public buildings, the adaptive reuse of existing structures, modular and timber construction, and post-disaster housing, SO? produces exhibitions, research, and publications in Türkiye and internationally. In 2023, Sevince Bayrak and Oral Göktaş were selected as the curators of the Türkiye Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale. In 2026, they also curated the State of Styria Architecture Award presented by the Austrian government.
As part of the event, Bayrak and Göktaş share examples from their recent projects and discuss their ideas and experiences regarding design’s potential to drive social transformation and shape the future.
WorkShop: Ali Muhsin Harmancı & Cemil Cihan Özalevli
September 30 – October 1, 2026, 13.00–15.00
Led by designers and entrepreneurs Ali Muhsin Harmancı and Cemil Cihan Özalevli, the workshop explores how design can be used not only to develop products, but also as a tool for shaping human behavior, learning experiences, and social relations. Participants approach this question through a concrete example: the design process behind the Twin Science Kits, developed as part of YGA’s Science Mobilization initiative and reaching millions of children around the world.
Over the course of two days, participants explore how design can become a means of interaction, learning, and transformation beyond problem-solving.
On the first day, participants are invited to observe their own learning processes and behaviors through hands-on activities with the Twin Science Kits. While discussing user-centered thinking and impact-driven design, they examine the role of design in creating social impact through the examples of Twin Science and YGA’s Science Mobilization initiative.
On the second day, participants develop creative design proposals aimed at generating positive change for individuals and communities, drawing on current social, cultural, and environmental issues. They give concrete form to their ideas through prototyping and storytelling methods while exploring the role of design in creating inclusive, accessible, and sustainable solutions.
Throughout the workshop, participants have the opportunity to reflect on and discuss the ethical dimensions of design and its social responsibility.
The workshop will be held in Turkish.
About Ali Muhsin Harmancı
Ali Muhsin Harmancı is a designer and entrepreneur working at the intersection of technology and artificial intelligence. In addition to Ket Kolektif, which he co-founded, and the Zeroone brand, he has been involved in product development and design processes as one of the founding stakeholders of Twin Science & Robotics. Through his volunteer work with Young Guru Academy for the past 18 years, he contributes to projects in social impact, mentorship, and hands-on science education.
About Cemil Cihan Özalevli
Cemil Cihan Özalevli is a designer and entrepreneur whose work focuses on lifelong learning. As one of the founding stakeholders of Twin Science and the YGA Science Mobilization ecosystem, he develops projects that transform science and design into accessible, creative, and productive experiences. A graduate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Middle East Technical University (METU), Özalevli has been included in MIT Technology Review’s “Innovators Under 35” and Forbes’ “30 Under 30” lists.
About YGA
YGA is a global social innovation movement led by young people who develop solutions to social challenges through science and technology. Through its educational and social impact programs, including the Twin Science Kits, YGA brings children and young people together with science, technology, and design. With initiatives carried out in different countries, it aims to inspire future generations and contribute to building a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Sponsor of “Design Dialogues”
