Research Assistant, Faculty of Architecture and Design/Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Turkey
Burcu Buram Çolak Demirel is an architect and researcher based in Turkey. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at Erciyes University in 2013, followed by a Master’s in Architecture at Gazi University in 2018. Her doctoral studies at Gazi University, started in 2019, focus on air quality in architectural spaces. Burcu has worked as a research assistant at both Gazi University (2017-2023) and Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (2023-present), contributing to various research projects in the field of architecture. Her professional experience includes roles as a project architect, where she worked on a range of architectural projects between 2013 and 2017. She has published several research articles in international journals and continues to engage in academic and professional endeavors related to building design, sustainability, and the relationship between architecture and environmental factors.
Profile
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Strengths for the Award
Burcu Buram Çolak Demirel’s qualifications and research output make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her academic journey has spanned multiple prestigious institutions, beginning with her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Erciyes University (2013), followed by a Master’s thesis on structural materials at Gazi University (2018), and her ongoing Ph.D. research on indoor air quality in architectural spaces.
Her expertise extends beyond the theoretical, with a significant professional background as a Project Architect (2013-2017), where she applied her architectural knowledge to real-world projects. Her shift to academia as a Research Assistant at Gazi University and Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University since 2017 further demonstrates her commitment to advancing the field of architecture. Burcu has co-authored several publications in high-impact journals, focusing on diverse topics such as energy conservation, adaptive building design, and the intersection of geometry and music in architecture.
Notably, her research on air quality within architectural spaces aligns well with contemporary concerns about environmental sustainability and human well-being, making her work highly relevant to both academic and practical domains.
Areas for Improvement
While Burcu’s research has been commendable, there are some areas where further focus could enhance her potential for broader impact:
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Although Burcu’s research is diverse, further interdisciplinary collaboration could broaden the application of her findings. For instance, integrating her research on air quality with studies in environmental science, urban planning, and public health could provide a more holistic perspective.
- Expanded Outreach and Public Engagement: While her academic publications are impressive, Burcu’s visibility in international conferences or her engagement in collaborative global projects could improve. More visibility in high-traffic forums would amplify the importance of her work, particularly in fields like sustainable architecture and indoor environmental quality.
- Exploration of Emerging Technologies: As technology in architectural design continues to evolve rapidly, incorporating cutting-edge tools like AI, machine learning, or sensor-based design in her research could keep her at the forefront of the field.
Education
Burcu Buram Çolak Demirel obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Erciyes University, Turkey, in 2013. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Architecture at Gazi University, completing it in 2018 with a thesis titled Investigation of Glass as a Structural System Material and Comparison with Lightweight Structural System Materials, under the supervision of Prof. Tekin Gültop. Following her Master’s degree, Burcu continued her academic journey at Gazi University, where she enrolled in a Ph.D. program in 2019. Her doctoral research is focused on the air quality of architectural spaces, aiming to explore how design can influence indoor air quality and ultimately affect occupants’ health and comfort. Throughout her academic career, Burcu has developed a strong foundation in both architectural theory and practice, with a special emphasis on sustainability, environmental factors, and innovative material usage in architectural design.
Experience
Burcu Buram Çolak Demirel has extensive experience as both a practitioner and an academic. She worked as a Project Architect at an architecture company from 2013 to 2017, where she contributed to various architectural projects, applying her design skills in real-world settings. Since 2017, she has transitioned into academia, initially as a Research Assistant at Gazi University in the Faculty of Architecture, where she worked on multiple research projects related to architectural design and sustainable practices. In 2023, she moved to Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University to continue her role as a Research Assistant at the Faculty of Architecture and Design. Over the years, Burcu has collaborated with fellow researchers on numerous publications that explore architectural design, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Her academic background, combined with professional experience, allows her to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the field of architecture.
Awards and Honors
Burcu Buram Çolak Demirel has been recognized for her contributions to the field of architecture both in academia and practice. While specific awards and honors are not listed, her work is widely regarded in the academic community, reflected in her numerous published journal articles in internationally respected platforms such as Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research and Buildings. Her research on architectural design and air quality in architectural spaces has made her a respected figure in the field. Additionally, her master’s thesis on the investigation of glass as a structural material was highly regarded for its innovative approach to comparing materials in architectural systems. Burcu’s academic dedication has allowed her to actively contribute to architectural research, particularly in sustainability and energy efficiency. Her ongoing involvement in teaching and research demonstrates a commitment to advancing architectural education and contributing meaningful knowledge to the field.
Research Focus
Burcu Buram Çolak Demirel’s primary research interest lies in understanding the impact of environmental factors, particularly air quality, on architectural spaces. Her doctoral research at Gazi University aims to explore how indoor air quality affects human well-being, comfort, and health within different architectural environments. In addition to her focus on air quality, she is passionate about the role of sustainability in architectural design, with particular attention to the use of innovative materials and energy-efficient systems. Burcu’s academic work is dedicated to investigating how buildings can enhance occupants’ quality of life while minimizing their environmental impact. Throughout her research career, she has also delved into topics such as energy conservation, adaptive architecture, and the intersection of geometry and music in architecture. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates architecture with environmental science, advancing understanding of how design choices can create healthier, more sustainable living spaces.
Publication Top Notes
- Seismic Behavior Analysis of a 14th Century Anatolian Seljuk Kumbet Buildings 🏛️📚 (2024)
- Renovation Strategies for Energy Conservation in Multi-Story Residential Buildings in Turkey 🌱🏢 (2024)
- Examples of Adaptive Module Variations for Adaptable Building Shell Design 🏗️🔄 (2023)
- Importance of Architecture in the Branding Process: An Evaluation on a Famous Brand 🏛️📊 (2023)
- İmgesel Yapılarda Müzik ve Geometri Kesişimi; Iannis Xenakis Örnekleri Üzerinden İnceleme 🎶📐 (2021)
Conclusion
Burcu Buram Çolak Demirel demonstrates significant promise and accomplishment as an academic researcher. Her diverse and interdisciplinary approach to architectural research, particularly in areas related to sustainability, material innovation, and environmental quality, showcases her as an impactful academic and a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By further expanding her interdisciplinary collaborations, enhancing global visibility, and embracing emerging technologies, Burcu has the potential to make even greater strides in the field of architecture, positioning her as a future leader in sustainable building design and environmental research.