Research

RESEARCH LABS

CoLight Lab was established within the Faculty of Architecture and Design at Ozyegin University with the aim of conducting national and international studies in the fields of color and lighting. The lab also aims to support research in various disciplines. CoLight Lab provides an environment for experiential studies in color and lighting, which are essential elements of design. In addition to contributing to design education, it aims to integrate theoretical thinking with practical experience in the design process. To achieve this goal, our laboratory organizes various workshop activities to provide students and researchers with practical experience in the field of color and lighting. Furthermore, by offering consultancy services in industrial and commercial projects, we contribute to the industry.

The mission of our laboratory is to encourage scientific research in the fields of color and lighting and to increase knowledge in this area. Within this framework, our aim is to develop and share innovative solutions in both academic and industrial applications. 

https://labs.ozyegin.edu.tr/colight/

INAR RESEARCH TOPICS

• Social production of the built environment, late Ottoman and early Republican architecture, modernism and modernization in architecture, architectural historiography, museum spaces, interior architecture education (Dr. Zeynep CEYLANLI)

• Interior architectural design research, biodesign, interior architecture education (Mine ÖZOĞUZ ARBAY)

• Research-oriented design, learning environments, active learning, furniture design, interior architecture, interior architecture education (Dr. Selin ÜST)

• Landscape analysis, ecological planning, floristic analysis and conservation plan (Dr. Beyza ŞAT)

• Project/Construction management, performance studies, facilities management, sustainability (Dr. Işılay TEKÇE)

• Design cognition, digital fabrication (Dr. Elif AKTAŞ YANAŞ)

• Design anthropology, museum architecture (Dr. Ezgi ÇİÇEK)

• Environmental psychology, healthcare spaces, child-based interior design principles (Seda DÖNMEZ, MSc)

• Building Information Modeling (BIM), computational design, artificial intelligence, innovative technologies, digitalization (Kartal TURHAN, MFA)

• Innovative material technologies and detailing in interior architecture education, furniture design (Dr. Pınar ARTIKOĞLU)

• Urban interiors, interior architecture theory and culture, design education (Hande KARABULUT, MSc)

• Interior architecture education, social sustainability in work and educational spaces, participatory design (Armağan YÜKSEKKAYA, MFA)
  
  
  
  

MEMBERSHIPS IN ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS

• International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers - IFI (Educational Member)
  
  
• International Association for Landscape Ecology - IALE (Dr. Beyza Şat, Member)
  
  
• Landscape Ecology & Ecosystem Science Lab - LEES (Dr. Beyza Şat, Associate Member)
  
  
• International Association for People-Environment Studies - IAPS (Dr. Beyza Şat, Member)
  
  

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROJECTS

INTERNATIONALLY SUPPORTED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROJECTS

• Immersive Design and New Digital Competences for the Rehabilitation and Valorization of the Built Heritage (2021-2023)
  Supporting Institution: Erasmus+
  Project Partners: Politechnika Warszawska, Centoform SRL, AEEBC Limited, Universidade da Madeira
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Alessandro Camiz
  Researchers: Dr. Zeynep Ceylanlı, Dr. Elif Aktaş Yanaş, Dr. Ezgi Çiçek, Kartal Turhan
  
  
• KHAS Steelcase Active Learning Center Project (2015-2017)
  Industrial Partners: Steelcase Education, Klassis
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Orçun Kepez
  Researchers: Dr. Selin Üst, Dr. Taner Arsan, Dr. Mehmet Aydın, İpek İli
  
  
• Research Partnership on Polyvision Duo Wall Application (2015-2017)
  Industrial Partners: Polyvision, Emko Emaye
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Orçun Kepez
  Researcher: Dr. Selin Üst, Dr. Taner Arsan, Dr. Mehmet Aydın, İpek İli
  
  
• Economic Evaluation of High-Dimensional Functionalities of Forest Resources for Global Ecosystem Conservation Policy Analysis (2010-2014)
  Supporting Institution: JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science)
  Field Researcher: Dr. Beyza Şat
  
  
  

NATIONALLY SUPPORTED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROJECTS

• A Visual and Conceptual Introduction to Interior Architecture and Environmental Design Education (2025-2026)
  Supported by: Özyeğin University Transformative Learning and Teaching Support Fund
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Zeynep Ceylanlı
  Researchers: Armağan Yüksekkaya
  
  
• Eco-Friendly Pigments from Coffee Grounds and Microbial Cultures for Sustainable Design (2025-2026)
  Supported by: Özyeğin University Transformative Learning and Teaching Support Fund
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Mine Arbay
  
  
• A Spatial Transformation Model for University Campuses as Post-Earthquake Emergency Temporary Shelters: The Case of Özyeğin University (2025-2026)
  Supported by: Özyeğin University Transformative Learning and Teaching Support Fund
  Lead Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Ceren Bilge
  Researchers: Dr. Doğa Dinemis Aman, Dr. Selin Üst
  
  
• Microclimatic Research on Different Broadleaved Tree Species for Urban Heat Island Mitigation: A Case Study of Özyeğin University Campus (2025-2026)
  Supported by: Özyeğin University Transformative Learning and Teaching Support Fund
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Beyza Şat
  
  
• Ecological Degradation of Endemic and Rare Plants in the Peaks Region of Kazdağı National Park (2012-2013)
  Supported by: Trakya University BAP Unit (Project No: 2012/49)
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Beyza Şat
  
  
• Landscape Analysis for Ecological Planning in the Case of Kazdağı National Park (2006-2009)
  Supported by: Istanbul University BAP Unit (Thesis Project)
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Beyza Şat
  
  
• Arboretums and Atatürk Arboretum in Terms of Nature Conservation and Environmental Education (2001-2002)
  Supported by: Istanbul University BAP Unit (Thesis Project)
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Beyza Şat
  
  
  

UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION PROJECTS

• A New Appraisal of Hospitality Design: Dedeman Palandöken Ski Lodge Project (2023-2024)
  Industrial Partner: Dedeman Turizm Yönetimi A.Ş.
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Zeynep Ceylanlı
  Consultants: Dr. Elif Aktaş Yanaş, Kartal Turhan
  
  
• Interior Space Designs for Pets for Daily Use (2023-2024)
  Industrial Partner: Aslı Architecture
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Selin Üst
  Researchers: Dr. Mine Arbay, Dr. Zeynep Ceylanlı
  
  
• Additional Design Project in a Workspace Compatible with the "Agile Office" Concept (2022-2023)
  Industrial Partner: I-AM Associates Istanbul
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Selin Üst
  
  
• Fakir Innovative Store Design Project (2022-2023)
  Industrial Partner: I-AM Associates Istanbul
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Zeynep Ceylanlı
  
  
• Trendyol Fashion Store Design Project (2022-2023)
  Industrial Partner: I-AM Associates Istanbul
  Lead Researcher: Dr. Zeynep Ceylanlı

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS AND DEGREES

• 5 Ocak Park and Immediate Surroundings Urban Design Competition (2022)
  Award: Purchase Award
  Award Winner: Dr. Beyza Şat