Created by the International Union of Architects (UIA) in 1985, World Architecture Day (WAD) has been celebrated annually on the first Monday of October, and this year’s theme is “Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design.” The theme underscores the important role young architects play in urban planning and development, emphasizing their involvement in participatory processes that are vital for sustainable development.

In 2024, WAD will focus on key areas such as energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable materials, and the promotion of sustainable mobility—all geared toward fostering resilient urban economies and ensuring sustainable, innovative growth. Alongside these efforts to create eco-friendly cities that reduce dependence on external resources, young architects are highlighted for their critical role in shaping resilient and sustainable urban environments, advocating for social justice and sustainable practices, engaging in urban planning, promoting the reuse of existing buildings, and incorporating circular economy principles and sustainable construction practices.

World Architecture Day 2024 will spotlight transformative projects led by young architects that have improved communities and enhanced urban living conditions, reinforcing the importance of participatory urban design. In this context, we’ve curated a list of architectural events taking place throughout October across Turkey for Hitit Mod readers.



The Rise of Robotic Spaces Conference and Workshop


Hosted by Yıldız Technical University, “The Rise of Robotic Spaces: A Speculative Laboratory of Architecture” is a conference and five-day workshop that will be held from September 30 to October 4, 2024, at Yıldız Technical University Auditorium in Beşiktaş. The hands-on workshop, open to the public with registration, will explore the spaces of the future for human-robot interaction, the rise of androids and cyborgs in everyday life, and speculative designs of non-human spaces through discussions, sketches, and architectural models.


3rd Kayseri Architecture Festival: Retell the Story


The third iteration of the Kayseri Architecture Festival, organized by the Kayseri Branch of the Chamber of Architects, will take place from October 3-5, 2024, with the theme “Retell the Story.” Speakers include Ahmet Sezgin, Cem Sorguç, Chen-Yu Chiu, Christele Harrouk, Elif Çelik, Hayriye Sözen, Kadir Uyanık, Kim Seunghoy, Melis Cankara, Melis Varkal, Merve Gedik, Mucip Ürger, Nevzat Sayın, Zeynep Eres, and Zeynep Hagur, who will present their projects and research around the theme. Curated by Sevince Bayrak, this year’s event will be held at the Maintenance and Repair Workshops on Abdullah Gül University’s Sümer Campus, set for adaptive reuse.


Architecture Week 2024: “Open Office”

As part of the Architecture Week, the Izmir Branch of the Chamber of Architects is hosting mini-meetings under the theme “Open Office” to foster interaction between students, recent graduates, and architecture firms. Taking place from October 7-12, 2024, a limited number of architecture students and recent graduates will have the opportunity to visit participating architecture firms for brief, 20-30 minute sessions, including introductions, office tours, and Q&A.


Trash Peaks and Debris, Tales of Architecture in its (Un)becoming

Until October 20, 2024, Salt will be hosting Trash Peaks and Debris, Tales of Architecture in its (Un)becoming, an exhibition project organized by the Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Architecture. Featuring outputs from third-year and diploma studios from the 2023/24 fall semester, the project examines contemporary architectural practices through the lens of Izmir’s Harmandalı Landfill and the infill in the Gulf of Izmit. The project delves into the accumulation and proliferation of waste, excess, and residuals, addressing the relationship between the field of architecture and excessive consumption patterns. The studio outputs investigate the position of architecture in a context where overconsumption has become the norm and constant crises a common condition.


1st Adana Architecture Festival


The inaugural Adana Architecture Festival, organized by the Adana Branch of the Chamber of Architects, will take place from October 24-26, 2024, at Çırçır Art Center. Curated by Dr. Murat Sönmez from TOBB University of Economics and Technology, the festival will explore the intellectual and practical strategies adopted by architects, artists, and designers in response to contemporary fractures, changes, and opportunities, and discuss methods and solutions that will shape the present and the future. The event will feature presentations, panels, workshops, exhibitions, and concerts, with contributions from a range of disciplines within architecture and beyond.