Currently living in Philadelphia, PA
Merve is an architectural designer with a keen interest in urban design. She has participated in architectural and urban design competitions and has been recognized with awards. Concurrently, she is advancing her academic and professional career, including lecturing at undergraduate architecture studios, conducting urban research on topics such as the everyday life of public spaces, street revitalization, and social sustainability, and contributing to various projects in the built environment, ranging from public spaces and urban projects to cultural, housing, educational, and office designs.
Merve is motivated by her passion for making positive changes in the built environment and continually seeks opportunities to develop her skills and strive for excellence.
AWARDS
Buyukada Fayton Square Urban Design Competition
2nd Mention Award, 2021
2nd Mention Award, 2021
Meserret Street Renewal and Revitalisation Project Competition
Equivalent Award, 2020
Equivalent Award, 2020
SKILLS
Language | Turkish: Native, English: Proficient
Design Softwares |
2D Drafting & 3D Modeling Softwares
Advanced in drawing and modeling software: AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Sketchup, and hand modeling
Proficient in rendering through Enscape, Lumion, and post-production
Basic Knowledge of Revit, Blender, and Grasshopper
Advanced in drawing and modeling software: AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Sketchup, and hand modeling
Proficient in rendering through Enscape, Lumion, and post-production
Basic Knowledge of Revit, Blender, and Grasshopper
Adobe Creative Suite Software
Advanced in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
Basic Knowledge of Premiere Pro
Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint)
INVOLVED COMMUNITIES
Eklektik is the collective name of a team comprised of Berke Meder, Deniz Akyürek, Merve Özgür, and Onursal Engel, operating in tandem with HAN IDEA & SPACE. We bring unique perspectives and expertise from diverse academic backgrounds in architecture. While we draw inspiration from the intellectual environment of academia, we are equally driven by our passion for practical application in the field. Rather than viewing architecture purely as a technical endeavor, we approach it as a creative and social endeavor, engaging in collaborative discussions within artistic and societal contexts. Our collective enthusiasm for innovation and meaningful expression has united us, leading us to converge our talents in a shared space. Opting for a joint portfolio, we aim to showcase the collaborative nature of the design industry and the diverse voices it encompasses.
HAN IDEA AND SPACE
Illustration by Deniz Akyürek
Han is a collective of young professionals founded in Istanbul, deriving its name from the Turkish word for "inn," symbolizing a refuge for travellers. Its inception marked a rebellion against the entrenched norms of the design industry, which often stifled the talents, energy, and curiosity of emerging professionals. Serving as a haven for creativity, collaboration, and research, Han became a focal point for addressing Istanbul's urban challenges while fostering a culture of innovation. Central to its ethos were "meet and share" gatherings, providing a platform for mutual growth, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas on ongoing projects and research endeavours.
The members of Han include but are not limited to, Berke Meder, Onursal Engel, Deniz Akyürek, Ceylin Ceyda Hündal, Merve Özgür, Biçem Kaya, Göksu Sarman, Melike Ekin Saraçgil, Serkan Ateş, and Hacer Gündüz.
Address: Arap Cami Mahallesi, Perşembepazarı Caddesi,15/7 Karaköy/ISTANBUL
TACTICAL VOTE MOVEMENT
We spearheaded the Tactical Voting movement, a grassroots initiative born out of our collective network. Our team comprises nearly 30 members, including social media managers, linguists, and writers, all of whom are young professionals, independent researchers, or PhD candidates. Our objective was clear: to showcase how strategic voting could enhance representation for the opposition in Turkey's parliamentary elections on May 14, 2023. Motivated by a shared commitment to bolstering democratic participation and awareness, our initiative emerged organically, driven by a collective desire for positive change