21st BETONART Architecture Summer School Begins in Gaziantep

The 21st edition of the BETONART Architecture Summer School, organized by TÜRKÇİMENTO since 2002, has officially begun in Gaziantep. Hosted by Gaziantep University’s Faculty of Architecture, the program started on July 1st and will run through July 9th.  

Designed for architecture students across Turkey, this year’s program brings together 16 selected participants who will engage in workshops and field activities focused on concrete as a building material—offering both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.  

The 2025 program is curated by Senior Architect Erhan Vural and academically advised by Dr. Esra Gürbüz Yıldırım. Under the theme “Network,” the program explores the complex systems and interconnections surrounding concrete—from its raw materials and production processes to logistics and digital infrastructure. The idea is to help participants understand concrete not just as a material, but as a part of a larger ecosystem of relationships and processes.

Architects Hande Ciğerli, Eser Ergün, and Gizem Temiz are also contributing as moderators. Coordination is led by Dr. Ferhan Yalçın, Senior Architect Ali Fatih Cebeci, and Architect Mehmet Ali Yiğit.

The 2025 Summer School is organized in collaboration with Gaziantep University, with Çimko Cement as the main sponsor and Polisan Yapıkim as the material sponsor.

In his opening remarks, TÜRKÇİMENTO CEO Volkan Bozay emphasized the importance of understanding concrete correctly, both in terms of its function and design potential.

“Concrete is the second most-used material in the world after water, and just like water, it’s vital to life. How we shape and use concrete matters—both aesthetically and structurally. We launched this initiative after the 1999 earthquake, and today, we are proud to support the new generation of architects in discovering the full potential of this material.”

Bozay also highlighted the long-term impact of the program:

“We’ve reached more than 500 students to date. Many of them now contribute to the profession as prominent architects in Turkey. What makes this initiative meaningful is seeing what’s learned here applied in real-world practice after graduation.”

The opening ceremony also featured speeches by representatives from the program sponsors, including Mustafa Demirci, General Coordinator of Çimko Ready-Mix Concrete, and Mahmut Ali Öncel, Technology Director at Polisan Yapıkim. From the host institution, Gaziantep University, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tarakçıoğlu and Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Prof. Dr. Mehmet İshak Yüce shared their appreciation for hosting the event.

About the Theme: “Network”  Speaking at the event, curator Erhan Vural emphasized the theme of interconnectedness in architecture and concrete production:  “Architecture is about collaboration. It’s a web of relationships—between materials, people, and processes. When I joined the program last year as a moderator, I realized that concrete isn’t just a material you pour—it’s part of an invisible yet essential network. From water to aggregates and chemical additives, everything works together behind the scenes. This year, we aim to translate this network into a physical outcome.”  The BETONART Architecture Summer School will conclude with an exhibition of student projects and a certificate ceremony on the final day.