Burcu Buram Colak Demirel | Building Energy | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Burcu Buram Colak Demirel | Building Energy | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, Turkey

Burcu Buram Çolak is an academic and architect with a passion for exploring the intersection of architecture and environmental design. She has worked in various roles in academia and practice, contributing significantly to research in architecture and sustainable building systems. With a background in architecture, she is currently serving as a research assistant at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University and Gazi University in Turkey. Her work primarily focuses on air quality in architectural spaces, energy conservation, and adaptive building design. She has contributed to numerous publications and continues to be actively engaged in research and the development of innovative solutions in architectural design.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

  1. Diverse and Relevant Research Focus: Burcu Buram Çolak’s research is highly interdisciplinary, focusing on crucial issues in architecture such as air quality, building materials, energy conservation, and adaptable design systems. Her work addresses contemporary challenges in sustainable architecture and indoor environmental quality, which are of increasing importance in today’s world.
  2. Publications in Prestigious Journals: Burcu has published several impactful papers in recognized journals, including articles on energy conservation, adaptable building shells, and the intersection of architecture with branding and music. These publications demonstrate both academic depth and the practical application of her research.
  3. Academic and Professional Experience: With experience as a project architect and research assistant at prominent universities, Burcu successfully bridges theory and practice. Her professional background, combined with her active involvement in research, gives her a unique edge as an academic and practitioner.
  4. Innovation and Multidisciplinary Approach: Her work on comparing glass as a structural material with lightweight alternatives, as well as adaptive building shell designs, reflects her forward-thinking approach to architecture. She is engaging with cutting-edge issues in sustainability, energy-efficient design, and adaptive reuse in architecture.
  5. Ongoing Commitment to Research: Burcu is actively pursuing a PhD and has a clear focus on air quality in architectural spaces, indicating a long-term commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. Her research is evolving, which speaks to her dedication to contributing valuable insights for the architecture and design communities.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Research Impact and Collaboration: While Burcu has produced high-quality publications, there is potential to increase the visibility of her work through more international collaborations and participation in high-impact conferences. This could further solidify her reputation in the global academic community.
  2. Increased Integration of Research and Teaching: As she is working both in academia and in research, Burcu could enhance the integration of her research into her teaching, sharing her findings with students more directly. This would not only benefit her students but also position her as a leader in architectural education.
  3. Expansion into More Applied Research: While Burcu has engaged with innovative research, exploring more applied case studies, particularly in collaboration with architectural firms or municipalities, could elevate the practical impact of her work. Engaging in real-world projects could strengthen the applicability and relevance of her research to broader architectural practice.

Education

Burcu Buram Çolak completed her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at Erciyes University in 2013. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree from Gazi University, where she investigated glass as a structural material in her thesis. Burcu is currently pursuing a PhD at Gazi University, focusing on air quality in architectural spaces. Her academic journey has been deeply influenced by her research interests in building materials, energy efficiency, and environmental factors in architecture. She continues to expand her expertise through active research and academic collaboration.

Experience

Burcu Buram Çolak began her career as an architect at an architecture company from 2013 to 2017, where she worked on various projects. In 2017, she transitioned to academia, joining Gazi University as a research assistant in the Faculty of Architecture, where she contributed to teaching and research. Since 2023, she has been serving as a research assistant at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University in the Faculty of Architecture and Design. Her professional experience spans both practice and academia, allowing her to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application in architectural design and research.

Awards and Honors

Burcu Buram Çolak has been recognized for her contributions to architectural research and innovation. She has received accolades for her research on building materials, sustainable design, and energy conservation in residential buildings. Her work on adaptive building shells has been highly regarded in the academic community, and she has been awarded funding for her doctoral research on air quality in architectural spaces. In addition to these honors, Burcu has been acknowledged for her published works in international journals, further cementing her status as an influential figure in architectural research.

Research Focus

Burcu Buram Çolak’s research focuses on the relationship between air quality and architectural spaces, particularly the role of building materials and energy-efficient designs in improving environmental conditions. She has explored glass as a structural system material, comparing it with lightweight structural materials for sustainability. Her current PhD research aims to investigate how air quality impacts the well-being of occupants and how architectural interventions can improve indoor environments. Her work seeks to create innovative architectural solutions that prioritize both sustainability and the health of building occupants, addressing contemporary challenges in urban design and construction.

Publication Top Notes

  • Renovation Strategies for Energy Conservation in Multi-Story Residential Buildings in Turkey 🏢💡
  • Examples of Adaptive Module Variations for Adaptable Building Shell Design 🏛️🔄
  • Importance of Architecture in the Branding Process: An Evaluation on a Famous Brand 🏙️🔍
  • İmgesel Yapılarda Müzik ve Geometri Kesişimi; Iannis Xenakis Örnekleri Üzerinden İnceleme 🎶

Conclusion

Burcu Buram Çolak exhibits the qualities of an outstanding researcher: innovative ideas, a multidisciplinary approach, and a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in sustainable architecture and building design. Her research is highly relevant to contemporary issues in architecture, such as environmental quality and energy conservation. Although there are opportunities to expand her international collaborations and make her research more applied, her ongoing PhD and established academic career indicate that she is well on her way to becoming a leading figure in her field. Therefore, Burcu is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award, as her work continues to make significant contributions to both academic and practical aspects of architecture.

Zuzanna Woźniak – Construction Processes – Best Researcher Award

Zuzanna Woźniak - Construction Processes - Best Researcher Award

Wrocław University of Science and Technology -Poland

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Zuzanna Woźniak commenced her academic journey at Wrocław University of Science and Technology in September 2017, where she pursued her Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Building Engineering (IBB). During her undergraduate studies, she exhibited a keen interest in construction processes, materials engineering, and occupational safety in construction. Her commitment to academic excellence led to the completion of her bachelor's thesis titled "Design of a Small Residential Building with a Green Roof," which showcased her proficiency in structural design and sustainability principles.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

After obtaining her bachelor's degree, Zuzanna Woźniak continued her academic journey by enrolling in a second-cycle Master of Engineering program at Wrocław University of Science and Technology. She graduated with honors, earning recognition as the best graduate of the Civil Engineering program and the second-best graduate among all faculties of the university. During her master's studies, she focused on building structures and conducted research on utilizing waste materials for mortar production in construction, demonstrating her dedication to advancing sustainable construction practices.

Following her master's degree, Zuzanna Woźniak gained valuable practical experience in the construction industry. She worked as an assistant construction manager at TAKENAKA Europe GmbH, where she was involved in overseeing various industrial hall construction projects. Her roles included supervising construction activities, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and coordinating project timelines. Additionally, she served as an assistant to the project manager at Energopiast, where she supervised the installation of acoustic enclosures for pump stations, further enhancing her expertise in construction management and site supervision.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Zuzanna Woźniak's research primarily focuses on construction processes, materials engineering, and occupational safety in construction. Her doctoral thesis titled "Modelling the Impact of Near Misses on Occupational Accidents in the Construction Industry" addresses the significance of near misses in predicting and preventing workplace accidents. Through her research projects and publications, she aims to contribute to enhancing safety measures and promoting sustainable practices within the construction industry.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Zuzanna Woźniak's contributions to the field of construction engineering and occupational safety have been recognized through her publications in reputable journals and presentations at international conferences. Her research findings on waste reduction methods, accident prediction indices, and the influence of construction materials on safety outcomes have provided valuable insights for industry professionals and researchers alike.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Zuzanna Woźniak's publications have garnered attention within the academic community, as evidenced by citations in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Her research on the causes of occupational accidents, waste reduction methods, and the utilization of waste materials in construction has contributed to advancing knowledge in the field of civil engineering and construction management.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As a dedicated researcher and practitioner in the field of civil engineering, Zuzanna Woźniak continues to strive for excellence in her academic and professional endeavors. Her legacy lies in her commitment to promoting safety, sustainability, and innovation within the construction industry. Through her ongoing research and collaborative efforts, she aims to shape the future of construction processes and contribute to creating safer and more sustainable built environments.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES

Zuzanna Woźniak's academic and professional journey has been deeply rooted in understanding and optimizing construction processes. From her early academic pursuits to her practical experiences in the construction industry, she has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of project management, site supervision, and safety protocols. Through her research focus on modeling the impact of near misses on occupational accidents, she seeks to enhance construction processes and promote safer working environments for construction workers.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION