Dr Ercan Aksoy | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

General Manager , Eha Construction & Architecture , Turkey

Dr. Ercan Aksoy is a lecturer at the Department of Architecture at Gazi University and Ankara University in Turkey. He holds a Ph.D. in Architecture from Gazi University (2021), with extensive expertise in heritage preservation, restoration, and energy efficiency in historical buildings. Dr. Aksoy is the General Director of EHA Construction & Architecture, blending academic research with real-world experience in architectural conservation. His academic and professional journey is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of vernacular and Islamic architecture while focusing on sustainability in historic buildings. Dr. Aksoy is an active researcher, contributing to national and international publications on architectural conservation, structural analysis, and the revitalization of cultural heritage sites. His work has garnered recognition through numerous citations, and he is committed to advancing sustainable practices in architectural restoration.

Profile

• Google Scholar
• Orcid

Strengths for the Award

1. Research Depth and Specialization:
   • Dr. Aksoy’s research spans critical fields such as heritage, restoration, preservation, and energy efficiency in historical buildings, with a strong focus on the architectural preservation and study of historical structures, especially within Turkish vernacular and Islamic architecture.
   • His expertise in structural analysis and energy conservation within the context of historical buildings is a particularly relevant and significant contribution to sustainable architectural practices, which is an increasingly important area in contemporary research.
2. Extensive and Diverse Research Output:
   • Dr. Aksoy has authored numerous publications in prominent journals like ICONARP International Journal of Architecture and Planning, Case Studies in Construction Materials, and Amisos, showcasing a diverse set of contributions from theoretical studies to practical applications in historical building restoration and structural analysis.
   • He has worked on a variety of research topics, ranging from earthquake analysis of historic structures to archaeometric characterization of construction materials, demonstrating both depth and breadth in his research.
3. High Citation and Recognition:
   • His research articles on sustainability, energy efficiency, and restoration of cultural heritage have been published widely and cited in key architectural and engineering journals. The citation count and Google Scholar profile indicate that his work is well-regarded in his field.
   • His presence on platforms like ORCID, Academia, and Google Scholar further solidifies his recognition as an active researcher and academic in the architectural community.
4. Interdisciplinary Approach:
   • Dr. Aksoy’s research is interdisciplinary, combining architecture with engineering, materials science, and sustainability, which makes his work highly relevant to contemporary challenges in urban planning, conservation, and climate change.
   • His work on topics like energy-efficient improvements of historical buildings and structural integrity analysis offers valuable insights that can contribute to broader discussions in the fields of architecture, urbanism, and environmental sustainability.
5. Teaching and Mentorship:
   • As a part-time lecturer at Gazi University and Ankara University, Dr. Aksoy actively engages in the academic training of future generations of architects, which aligns with his long-term vision of advancing knowledge in heritage preservation and sustainable architecture.
   • His role in educating students and fostering an understanding of historic preservation and sustainable building practices shows his commitment to academic growth and mentorship.
6. Practical Impact and Applied Research:
   • Dr. Aksoy’s research is deeply rooted in real-world applications, with several of his studies focusing on practical restoration and preservation solutions for important Turkish historical sites. This includes restoration proposals for structures like Mehran Mosque and the Kastamonu Hamamları, which show his focus on maintaining cultural heritage while ensuring their modern utility.

Areas for Improvement

1. Expansion of International Collaboration:
   • While Dr. Aksoy has a broad and impressive set of publications, there is room for expanding collaboration with international researchers and institutions. This would enhance the global visibility and impact of his work, particularly in interdisciplinary areas related to heritage conservation and sustainability.
   • Increased international collaboration could also help in securing larger grants or funding for ambitious research projects, especially in the realm of energy conservation and historic building technologies.
2. Increased Focus on Innovation and Technological Integration:
   • While Dr. Aksoy’s work on structural and architectural restoration is impressive, there may be opportunities to incorporate more cutting-edge technologies, such as digital modeling (e.g., BIM, 3D scanning) and AI-driven restoration techniques. This would enhance the future-forward nature of his work.
   • Integrating emerging technologies into heritage preservation could also open avenues for new publications in tech-focused architectural journals or interdisciplinary platforms.
3. Broader Influence through Policy or Public Engagement:
   • Dr. Aksoy has focused extensively on technical research, but there could be more emphasis on disseminating his findings to wider audiences, particularly in the context of heritage preservation policy or public architecture.
   • Engaging with public policy or contributing to the national dialogue on cultural heritage conservation could provide a platform for his research to influence larger, systemic changes in the protection of historic sites in Turkey and beyond.

Education 

Dr. Ercan Aksoy’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Selçuk University (2002-2007), where he developed a solid foundation in architectural theory and practice. He furthered his studies with a Master’s degree from the same institution (2009-2011), where he delved into the preservation of historical buildings, marking the beginning of his specialization in heritage conservation. Dr. Aksoy completed his Ph.D. at Gazi University in 2021, focusing on the intersection of architectural restoration and energy efficiency, a key area of contemporary architectural discourse. His doctoral research contributed valuable insights into the integration of sustainable practices in the restoration of vernacular and Islamic architecture. Through his academic training and continuous professional practice, Dr. Aksoy has positioned himself as a leading expert in heritage conservation, with a particular emphasis on applying modern sustainability standards to historical buildings.

Experience 

Dr. Ercan Aksoy brings over 15 years of experience to both academia and professional practice. He has served as the General Director of EHA Construction & Architecture since 2008, where he leads projects focused on architectural conservation and restoration. This experience bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical application, allowing Dr. Aksoy to bring real-world challenges to his academic work. In addition to his role at EHA, Dr. Aksoy has been a part-time lecturer at Gazi University since 2022, where he imparts knowledge on architectural restoration and heritage conservation. He also teaches at Ankara University, furthering his commitment to shaping the next generation of architects. His extensive field experience includes working on notable restoration projects throughout Turkey, such as the revitalization of historic mosques, houses, and public buildings. His research and professional work are deeply intertwined, reflecting a holistic approach to preserving architectural heritage.

Research Focus 

Dr. Ercan Aksoy’s research focuses on the restoration and preservation of historical buildings, with a particular emphasis on vernacular and Islamic architecture. His work explores the integration of modern energy efficiency techniques into the conservation of these structures, addressing the environmental impact of older buildings. Dr. Aksoy’s research aims to balance the need for preservation with sustainability, ensuring that cultural heritage can be maintained while meeting contemporary environmental standards. His studies also extend to the structural analysis of historical buildings, using modern technologies and methods to assess their integrity and resilience, especially in seismic zones. A significant portion of his work is dedicated to the documentation and restitution of forgotten structures, including the study of architectural materials through archaeometry. His interdisciplinary research combines architecture, engineering, and sustainability, aiming to preserve Turkey’s rich architectural heritage for future generations while contributing to global conversations on cultural preservation.

Publications

1. Kastamonu Hamamları 📚
2. Tarihi Yapıların Deprem Analizi ve Kargı Han Örneği 📐
3. Qualitative/Quantitative Comparison of Changes in Alanya Rural Architecture 🌍
4. Alanya Kırsal Mimarisi 🏡
5. A Forgotten Structure in Kastamonu: Mehran Mosque Restoration Proposal 🕌
6. Kaybolan Tarihin Canlandırılması: Kastamonu Akmanlar Konağı 🏰
7. Malatya Ulu Cami Mimarisi ve Arkeometrik Karakterizasyonu 🏛️
8. Ankara Beypazarı Derbentçik Köyü Cami Rekonstrüksiyon Önerisi 🔨
9. Çankırı Baro Evi Restorasyon Önerisi 🏠
10. Tarihi Yapıların Yeniden İşlevlendirilmesi: Fitnat Hanım Evi 🏚️
11. Kayıp Değerleri Kaybolmaya Yüz Tutan Bir Konutun Restorasyonu 🏘️
12. Architectural Analysis of Kırklareli Museum 🏟️
13. Restorasyon, Rekonstrüksiyon ve Yeniden İşlevlendirme: Kastamonu Park İçinde Bir Konak 🌳
14. Büyükçekmece Ahşap Konağın Yeniden İşlevlendirilmesi 🪑
15. Kahramanmaraş Kapalı Çarşı Restorasyon Önerisi 🛍️
16. A Cost-Efficient Method for Energy Efficient Historic Buildings 💡
17. Samsun Hamidiye Hastanesi’nin Yeniden İşlevlendirilmesi 🏥
18. Kütahya Ahırardı Cami Mimarisi ve Arkeometrik Analizleri 🕌
19. Kemerkasim Village Aqueduct Architecture: Problems and Solutions 🚰

Conclusion

Dr. Ercan Aksoy demonstrates exceptional strength as a researcher, particularly in the areas of heritage preservation, energy efficiency in historical buildings, and structural analysis. His work is highly relevant to the contemporary challenges faced by architects and conservationists and offers significant contributions to both the theoretical and practical domains of architecture and engineering.He has a well-rounded portfolio of publications and a proven track record in applied research. However, expanding his international research collaborations, integrating emerging technologies, and increasing public engagement with his work could further elevate his standing in the field.Overall, Dr. Aksoy appears to be a very strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His contributions to architectural conservation, sustainability, and the study of historical buildings place him at the forefront of research in these critical fields.