THE 22ND BETONART ARCHITECTURAL SUMMER SCHOOL WAS HELD IN ELAZIĞ

The 22nd edition of the Betonart Architectural Summer School, organized by TÜRKÇİMENTO since 2002 for architecture students and now established as a long-standing tradition, was held this year in Elazığ, hosted by the Faculty of Architecture at Fırat University. The summer school took place between 30 June and 9 July, bringing together architecture students from across Türkiye.

As the umbrella organization of the Turkish cement industry, TÜRKÇİMENTO contributes not only to the country's development through sectoral initiatives but also through educational and social responsibility projects. For the past 22 years, the association has been organizing the Betonart Architectural Summer School together with students studying at faculties of architecture.

This year's Betonart Architectural Summer School 2026 was held in Elazığ with the main sponsorship of Seza Cement and Çimentaş, and the material sponsorship of Polisan Yapıkim.

As part of the program, 16 architecture students had the opportunity to explore concrete both theoretically and through hands-on applications. The summer school concluded with workshops, practical field applications, and an exhibition, enabling participants to develop both their knowledge and practical skills.

This year's program was curated by Architect Can Tamirci, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuba Nur Olğun and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Merve Açıkgenç Ulaş serving as academic advisors. Organized under the theme "Standard Deviation," the program also featured Architect Melike Kavalalı, Architect Kadir Uyanık, and Architect/Structural Engineer Dr. Doğan Türkkan as moderators.

Throughout the program, participants explored how the role of the architect is being redefined in an era where AI-supported design tools are diversifying production processes. Rather than viewing architects solely as designers, the discussions emphasized their evolving role as decision-makers, curators, and interpreters. Within the framework of the "Standard Deviation" theme, students examined the relationship between standards and exceptions in architecture.

During the closing ceremony, Ahmet Tursun, General Manager of Seza Cement; Gürol Özer, General Manager of Çimentaş; Volkan Bozay, CEO of TÜRKÇİMENTO; and Kuddusi Özbek, Sales Manager at Polisan Yapıkim, expressed their satisfaction in supporting a project that brings together young architects, material knowledge, design, and creativity. Prof. Dr. Betül Bektaş Ekici, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Fırat University, also stated that the faculty had followed the students' work with great enthusiasm throughout the program and was proud of their achievements.

Speaking at the event, Volkan Bozay, CEO of TÜRKÇİMENTO, said:

"First of all, I would like to thank all our stakeholders, academics, industry representatives, and students whose contributions have enabled the Betonart Architectural Summer School to reach its current level. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to our host, Fırat University, our main sponsors Çimentaş and Seza Cement, and our material sponsor Polisan Yapıkim for their valuable support.

Through Betonart, our message to young architects is very clear: it is impossible to design sound structures without understanding materials, learning from past experience, and considering the needs of the future. Today, together with our young architects, we are discussing the cities of tomorrow. Their informed relationship with concrete will play a vital role in building safer, more resilient, and more sustainable cities."

THE THEME OF THIS YEAR'S PROGRAM WAS "STANDARD DEVIATION"

In his closing remarks, curator Architect Can Tamirci stated:

"The Betonart Architectural Summer School aims each year to provide a platform for discussing contemporary issues in architecture from new perspectives. This year, under the theme 'Standard Deviation,' we sought to question conventional architectural approaches and explore unique relationships between place, climate, materials, and users.

Architectural progress is often driven by the ability to think differently, challenge established norms, and develop innovative solutions. At the same time, the essence of architecture has always been rooted in the relationship between people, place, and needs. Having previously served as a workshop coordinator for the Betonart Architectural Summer School, I am especially proud to return this year as curator and witness the remarkable work of our students. The architect of the future will not simply be someone who designs, but someone who evaluates alternatives, asks the right questions, and creates meaning."