Welcome to Ozge’s World!

Step into the modest and evolving realm of Ozge, where a continuous journey of learning and exploration unfolds.

Architect & Game Designer
Co-Founder @Khora
PhD Student @IZTECH
Turkey Regional Manager @DigitalFUTURES

Welcome to Ozge’s World!

Step into the modest and evolving realm of Ozge, where a continuous journey of learning and exploration unfolds.

Architect & Game Designer
Co-Founder @Khora
PhD Student @IZTECH
Turkey Regional Manager @DigitalFUTURES

Welcome to Ozge’s World!

Step into the modest and evolving realm of Ozge, where a continuous journey of learning and exploration unfolds.

Architect & Game Designer
Co-Founder @Khora
PhD Student @IZTECH
Turkey Regional Manager @DigitalFUTURES

SUMMARY

👩‍🎓 Embracing Academia

Ozge, holding a master's degree in Architectural Theory from Izmir Institute of Technology, continues her academic journey through a PhD on Intelligent Places, where she explores the intersection of architecture and technology. Passionate about advancing the field, she finds fulfillment in publishing research, attending conferences, competing internationally, and curating exhibitions.

🏛️ Khora Design Lab

As the founder of Khora Design Lab, a design-tech initiative at the intersection of architecture, artificial intelligence, and spatial computing, Ozge leads projects that pioneer intelligent design. Supported by TÜBİTAK and the Izmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH), and awarded by İZIKAD, Khora integrates AI, AR, and user-centered methods to create sustainable and adaptive environments.

KHORA is among the first BiGG Co-Investment startups in Türkiye — and the very first in İzmir. ⭐

🌐 Democratizing Education: DigitalFUTURES

As Turkey Regional Manager and Turkish Language Coordinator at DigitalFUTURES, Ozge contributes to a global initiative dedicated to accessible architectural education. With her language team, she promotes inclusion and the free sharing of computational design knowledge worldwide.

🚀 Innovation & Game Design

Ozge’s journey into game design began when she was selected as a scholarship holder at the Google Game and Application Academy. Her team’s game was chosen as the winner, marking a milestone in her career. After graduating from the BAU Pre-Incubation Program, she co-founded Artha Studios as Game Designer, and later joined Icarus Interactive Entertainment, focusing on narrative-driven, interactive FMV experiences.

🌱 Curiosity-Driven Exploration

Her explorations span Architectural Theory, AI, VR/AR/XR, and Game Design. Guided by curiosity, she delves into diverse horizons with a modest and inquisitive spirit.

✨ Join the Journey

Join Ozge on her journey through academia, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. Explore the intersections of architecture, technology, and creativity guided by a remarkable individual making a meaningful mark.

Welcome to the world of Ozge! ❤️‍🔥

SUMMARY

👩‍🎓 Embracing Academia

Ozge, holding a master's degree in Architectural Theory from Izmir Institute of Technology, continues her academic journey through a PhD on Intelligent Places, where she explores the intersection of architecture and technology. Passionate about advancing the field, she finds fulfillment in publishing research, attending conferences, competing internationally, and curating exhibitions.

🏛️ Khora Design Lab

As the founder of Khora Design Lab, a design-tech initiative at the intersection of architecture, artificial intelligence, and spatial computing, Ozge leads projects that pioneer intelligent design. Supported by TÜBİTAK and the Izmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH), and awarded by İZIKAD, Khora integrates AI, AR, and user-centered methods to create sustainable and adaptive environments.

KHORA is among the first BiGG Co-Investment startups in Türkiye — and the very first in İzmir. ⭐

🌐 Democratizing Education: DigitalFUTURES

As Turkey Regional Manager and Turkish Language Coordinator at DigitalFUTURES, Ozge contributes to a global initiative dedicated to accessible architectural education. With her language team, she promotes inclusion and the free sharing of computational design knowledge worldwide.

🚀 Innovation & Game Design

Ozge’s journey into game design began when she was selected as a scholarship holder at the Google Game and Application Academy. Her team’s game was chosen as the winner, marking a milestone in her career. After graduating from the BAU Pre-Incubation Program, she co-founded Artha Studios as Game Designer, and later joined Icarus Interactive Entertainment, focusing on narrative-driven, interactive FMV experiences.

🌱 Curiosity-Driven Exploration

Her explorations span Architectural Theory, AI, VR/AR/XR, and Game Design. Guided by curiosity, she delves into diverse horizons with a modest and inquisitive spirit.

✨ Join the Journey

Join Ozge on her journey through academia, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. Explore the intersections of architecture, technology, and creativity guided by a remarkable individual making a meaningful mark.

Welcome to the world of Ozge! ❤️‍🔥

SUMMARY

👩‍🎓 Embracing Academia

Ozge, holding a master's degree in Architectural Theory from Izmir Institute of Technology, continues her academic journey through a PhD on Intelligent Places, where she explores the intersection of architecture and technology. Passionate about advancing the field, she finds fulfillment in publishing research, attending conferences, competing internationally, and curating exhibitions.

🏛️ Khora Design Lab

As the founder of Khora Design Lab, a design-tech initiative at the intersection of architecture, artificial intelligence, and spatial computing, Ozge leads projects that pioneer intelligent design. Supported by TÜBİTAK and the Izmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH), and awarded by İZIKAD, Khora integrates AI, AR, and user-centered methods to create sustainable and adaptive environments.

KHORA is among the first BiGG Co-Investment startups in Türkiye — and the very first in İzmir. ⭐

🌐 Democratizing Education: DigitalFUTURES

As Turkey Regional Manager and Turkish Language Coordinator at DigitalFUTURES, Ozge contributes to a global initiative dedicated to accessible architectural education. With her language team, she promotes inclusion and the free sharing of computational design knowledge worldwide.

🚀 Innovation & Game Design

Ozge’s journey into game design began when she was selected as a scholarship holder at the Google Game and Application Academy. Her team’s game was chosen as the winner, marking a milestone in her career. After graduating from the BAU Pre-Incubation Program, she co-founded Artha Studios as Game Designer, and later joined Icarus Interactive Entertainment, focusing on narrative-driven, interactive FMV experiences.

🌱 Curiosity-Driven Exploration

Her explorations span Architectural Theory, AI, VR/AR/XR, and Game Design. Guided by curiosity, she delves into diverse horizons with a modest and inquisitive spirit.

✨ Join the Journey

Join Ozge on her journey through academia, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. Explore the intersections of architecture, technology, and creativity guided by a remarkable individual making a meaningful mark.

Welcome to the world of Ozge! ❤️‍🔥


RESUME


RESUME


RESUME

Education

Izmir Institute of Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture, 4.00 (02/24 – Present)
Intelligent Places: Redefining the Concept of Place Across Physical and Virtual Realms
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Erdem Erten, Co-Advisor: Dr. Davide Schaumann

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
Fully funded, Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture (07/23 – 11/23)
Hybrid Place, Advisor: Dr. Davide Schaumann

Izmir Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Architecture, 3.86 (09/19 – 09/22)
From Space to Junkspace: Four Episodes of/in Architectural Theory Advisor: Prof. Dr. Erdem Erten

Yasar University
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (08/14 – 08/18)

Experience

Khora Design Lab
Co-Founder & Architect (04/25 – present)

Izmir Institute of Technology
Tubitak 1071 Scholarship Holder, PED-ACT (08/24 – 04/2025)

Icarus Interactive Entertainment
Game Designer (since 06/24, project-based)

Izmir Institute of Technology
Ph.D. Student (02/24 – Present)

Intelligent Place Lab (IPL), Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
Fully Funded, Ph.D. Candidate (07/23 – 11/23)

Artha Studios
Co-Founder & Game Designer (09/22 – 08/25)

BUG Lab TEKMER                     
Pre-Incubation Game Acceleration Program Attendee (01/23 – 07/23)

Sensory Orbit                       
Architect & Game Designer (05/22 – 01/23)

DigitalFUTURES                                                                                                                   
Turkey Regional Manager & Turkish Language Coordinator 03/22 – Present)

DigitalFUTURES                                                 Turkey Regional Manager & Turkish Language Coordinator (03/22 – Present)

Google Game & Application Academy                                                                                                                   
Scholarship Holder (12/21 – 06/22)

DigitalFUTURES                                                 Turkey Regional Manager & Turkish Language Coordinator (03/22 – Present)

Skills, Activities & Interests

Languages: Turkish (Native), English (Advanced), German (Beginner)

Technical Skills: Autocad, Archicad, Revit, Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Illustrator, SketchUp, Photoshop, Lumion, Twinmotion, Unity, C#.

Awards & Competitions:

  • Intelligent Place – Business Plan, Yapay Zekâ ile Geleceği Şekillendir, 12th Young İZİKAD Project Competition (Mansion) w/ Kardelen Türkoğlu & Ozan Can Durdu

  • The Light of the Forest – 3D Puzzle Adventure Game (PC), Google Game and Application Academy (Winner) w/ teamARTHA

  • onely – 2D Platform Game (PC), Global Game Jam, zozge.itch.io

  • OUSIA – Columbarium Design, Breeders w/ Kardelen Türkoğlu

  • Nouthe – Ceramic Design, Zeki Yurtbay Design Competition w/ Kardelen Türkoğlu

  • Dasein, Behind the Wall – Residential Design, Visualize the home of the future, UNI (People’s Choice Award) w/ Kardelen Türkoğlu

Exhibitions:

  • İzmir Public Sea Baths (1930-1970) – İzmir Chamber of Architects and Architects’ Association 1927 w/ Burkay Pasin and Burçin Akoğlu

Publications:

  • Keskin, E., Köse, Ş., Yalçın, Z. Ö., Gürman, A., & Buldan, E. (2025). A Just Co-City. In R. Rocco, C. Newton, & J. Gonçalves (Eds.), Manifesto for the Just City: Volume 4. Delft University of Technology. https://books.open.tudelft.nl/home/catalog/book/142

  • Yalçın, Z. Ö. (2022). Integrating Gamification with BIM for Enhancing Participatory Design. Journal of Computational Design, 5(2), 317-344. https://doi.org/10.53710/jcode.1505309

  • Yalçın, Z. Ö. (2022). From Space to Junkspace: Four Episodes of/in Architectural Theory (Master’s Thesis, İzmir Institute of Technology, İzmir, Turkey).

  • Yalçın, Z. Ö. (2021). Intuition in the Design Studio: A Perspective on Student’s Creativity and Design Process. Journal of Design Studio, 3(1), 37-48. DOI: 10.46474/jds.886400

  • Yalçın, Z. Ö. (2021, May 19-23) In the case of home: How did globalization impact the concept of place as an aspect of modern life? [Paper presentation]. EDRA52 Detroit: Just Environments.

Talks & Workshops:

  • Alien Intelligence: An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Architects – (2025, 15-30 June), Neil Leach Turkey Lecture Series (15–30 June 2025)

    • Izmir Chamber of Architects

    • Denizli Chamber of Architects

    • Eskişehir Chamber of Architects & Eskişehir Technical University

    • Trabzon Chamber of Architects & Karadeniz Technical University

    • Middle East Technical University

    • Abdullah Gül University o Mardin Artuklu University

    • IPA - Istanbul Planning Agency

    • Antalya Chamber of Architects

  • Sanat, Oyun ve Yapay Zeka: Dijital Dünyada Yaratıcılığın Yeni Boyutları – (2025, March 18) at Faculty of Fine Arts, Dokuz Eylul University

  • The Tools of Today: Architecture, AI, Game, and Web3 – (2025, February 20) Unified Methods of Artificial Intelligence

  • Mimarlığın Güncel Kodları: Oyun, Oyunlaştırma, Yapay Zeka ve Web3 ile Geleceği Tasarlamak – (2025, February 2) Metametrik

  • Tasarımcı Olma Yolunda/Çabasında Girişimcilik: Arche x Artha x Icarus ile Yaratıcı ve Teknolojik Yolculuk – (2025, January 11) AI Summit at İzmir Chamber of Architects

  • From Space to Junkspace: Four Episodes of/in Architectural Theory – (2024, December 14) 4th Graduate Thesis Symposium - MİM-AD (Architectural Culture and Heritage Research Association)

  • Oyun Mimarisi ve Oyun Dünyasına Giriş – (2024, October 6) Denizli Chamber of Architects & Pamukkale University

  • Dünyalar Tasarlamak: Oyun Teknolojilerinin Mimarlık Üzerindeki Etkisi – (2024, April 17) Dokuz Eylül University

  • Oyun Mimarisi: Oyun Tasarımında Mimari Düşünce – (2024, March 02) Archify, İzmir Chamber of Architects

  • Oyun Mimarisi ve Teknoloji – (2023, November 27) İzmir Chamber of Architects

  • EHHUR (Eyes, Hearts, Hands Urban Revolution) – (2023, November 2 & 7) Tarkem, IZTECH

Other Interests:
Pixel Art, Digital Art, Digital Crafting, Oil Painting (High School Art Exhibitions, 2010-2014), Scuba Diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver/CMAS 2-Star Diver), Volleyball (Licensed Player, 3rd League/ Uni League, 2010-2016), Traveling, Reading (History/ Mythology/Philosophy/Sci-Fi/Theory), Gaming (RPG/Puzzle-Adventure), Cinema/Film.

WORKS

WORKS

WORKS

Khora Design Lab
Co-Founder & Architect
Architecture | AI | AR

Khora aims to redefine the future of spatial design by integrating architecture with artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and user-centric innovation. Grounded in academic research and supported by TÜBİTAK and the IZTECH, Khora envisions a world where built environments are intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable.

VIVERE

AI & AR Interior Design. One scan, endless possibilities.

DIMENS

Room scanning & modelling. Fast, simple, precise.

Artha Studios
Co-Founder & Game Designer
Gaming | Gamification | AI | Web3

The Light of the Forest

A stylized puzzle adventure game, a story of searching for orbs of light and bringing alive the sun of Caewood. Selected as the winner of the Bootcamp among 378 teams and also accepted and completed Bahçeşehir University BUG Lab TEKMER’s Pre-Incubation Game Acceleration Program.

PluTON

PluTON is a tap-to-earn (Play-to-Earn) mini-game developed by Artha Studios, designed to integrate blockchain mechanics with engaging, fast-paced gameplay. It allows players to earn in-game rewards that can be utilized within the game ecosystem or exchanged in compatible GameFi platforms.

Google Game & Application Academy
Scholarship Holder & Winner of the Bootcamp w/ teamArtha

Google Game and Application Academy aims to boost the digital economy by advancing the digital skills of university students and graduates. It focuses on increasing employment in the tech sector and promoting technology-centric initiatives. The program provided free online training in game development, game art, entrepreneurship, and project management.

onely

onely is a game that was made for Global Game Jam during the Academy, which corresponds to the concept of "duality" as a concept that contains elements that negate one another in a way that only exists with the other. Duality has been kept in the foreground both in the creation of the content and the design. While the design of the game is determined in black and white it is also constructed on two opposite maps. The biggest difference between the maps is that the rules of gravity and other influence states are contrasted on both maps. On the second map, keys are also used as mirrored based on the theme of duality. Despite those negotiations, the game shares one aim, to meet at the circular portal that appears in both worlds in this conflict of contrasts to reach the end.

DigitalFUTURES
Turkey Regional Manager & Turkish Language Coordinator

DF is a global, accessible, and educational initiative launched in 2011 by Neil Leach and Philip Yuan, committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion and connectedness through the free sharing of knowledge and democratizing education.

Turkish Language Channel

As the Turkish Language Team, DF organizes workshops, talks, and tutorials under themes of AI, AR/VR, Computational Design, Data Visualization, Media Art, Fabrication, Space Architecture, Performative Design, and more.

From Space to Junkspace: Four Episodes of/in Architectural Theory

Master Thesis
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Erdem Erten
Izmir Institute of Technology
This thesis focuses on four concepts in architectural theory; space, place, nonplace, and junkspace, and points to understanding possible connections and relationships between these concepts. It aims to investigate how these relationships are established and possible causes in architectural history which might have led to their emergence and use by tracing the evolution of these concepts through a literature review. The discussion will be framed around episodes of debate on the concepts regarding the history of architectural theory. Conceptualized as a force field generated by the dynamism of bodily movement, the understanding of space by empathy theory profoundly influenced modern architecture. Modern architecture’s preoccupation with space was criticized with recourse to the concept of place. Anticipating postmodernist sensitivity place challenged the dominance of space. However, the focus on place, in opposition to space, was also criticized for the tendency to create scenographic effects driven by commercial interest. The “production” of “places” was followed by the definition of two important concepts: “non-place” by Augé and “junkspace” by Koolhaas. By reading the debates around these four concepts as episodes of/in architectural theory, I not only aim to see the relations between these concepts but also understand how the impact of globalization is visible regarding “non-place” and “junkspace.”

Intuition in the Design Studio: A Perspective on Student’s Creativity and Design Process

Article
Journal of Design Studio
In the twentieth century, as a result of the transition to a scientific approach in design, intuition lost its validity and design became a rational act. In well-defined problems, the design process could be structured with this scientific approach, however, in an ill-defined structure, rationality needs to be combined with intuition to analyzing the design problems, decisions making and generate solutions by supporting the creativity of design students. In this respect, intuition can assist to strengthen and develop the required abilities during the process. Accordingly, the aim is to understand the role of intuition, how students use it to work creatively through sketches, and conceptual ideas, and the problematic process of transformation into architectural knowledge in the design process. The study carried out a literature review to draw an understanding of the dimensions of intuition and its role in the architectural design studio. The results of the study demonstrate that intuition has a crucial role in the design process. Relatedly, the lack of intuition becomes problematic, due to the non-conveyable character that it cannot find a place for itself in the design education in terms of crits from tutors, and alteration of intuition into concrete representations leads to a gap between intuition and the final project. Furthermore, these problems could be eliminated through the coherent use of two features which are rational approach and intuition. In this respect, intuition, creativity, and rationality is needed to perform together in order to achieve success by deciphering the potentials of the project through the process.

In the Case of Home: How did Globalization Impact the Concept of Place as an Aspect of Modern Life?

Conference Abstract
EDRA52 Detroit Just Environments
Globalization greatly affects society, lifestyles, and practices by the cultural, economic, and technological currents that it creates as an aspect of modern life. The global world is created and fed by individuals and lifestyles, and the concept of the place is affected, changed, and transformed accordingly. The term home, as one of the most affected contexts, is exposed to changes by providing feelings as identity, belonging and attachment. Therefore, this study aims to examine the concept of ‘place’ within the effect of globalization in environment-behavior studies and environmental design in the case of ‘home’. In the scope of this paper, the descriptive analysis will be used through the theory of place attachment in environment-behavior studies and the context of home, and literature review is used for data collection. Throughout the study, reading the effects of globalization and its social attributes through the place and home will be analyzed. Generation of the society with the effect of globalization causes standardization in living styles and practices and cultural, economic, and technological trends. In terms of architecture, shaping the concept of place; home, housing projects, and housing justice, and global trends; brands, and fashions are observed in architectural projects makes the built environment one of the most affected parts. As a result, housing projects get filled with people who start to lose their sense of attachment. In this respect, the environmental design could provide to create a place attachment to both users of the home and designers. By eliminating the lack of knowledge in the research area of environment-behavior studies in architecture, designers will be able to have a more active role to create a connection with the individuals, the built environment, and the society that they live in.

OUSIA

Columbarium Design, Breeders

Nouthe

Ceramic Design, Zeki Yurtbay Design Competition

Dasein, Behind the Wall

Residential Design, Visualize the Home of the Future, UNI

Email: zeynepozge.yalcin@gmail.com

Location: Izmir, Turkey

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Location: Izmir, Turkey

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Artha Studios
Co-Founder & Game Designer
Gaming | Gamification | AI | Web3

The Light of the Forest

A stylized puzzle adventure game, a story of searching for orbs of light and bringing alive the sun of Caewood. Selected as the winner of the Bootcamp among 378 teams and also accepted and completed Bahçeşehir University BUG Lab TEKMER’s Pre-Incubation Game Acceleration Program.

PluTON

PluTON is a tap-to-earn (Play-to-Earn) mini-game developed by Artha Studios, designed to integrate blockchain mechanics with engaging, fast-paced gameplay. It allows players to earn in-game rewards that can be utilized within the game ecosystem or exchanged in compatible GameFi platforms.