Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Architecture, Department of Interior Architecture and the Space Designers Community (METAT), in collaboration with ARKKI Türkiye, organized an innovative seminar and workshop titled “Creative Learning Models for Future Designers” to design the Samsun of the future.

The event was attended by Faculty of Architecture Dean Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çetin, Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serpil Kaptan, faculty members Prof. Dr. Fatih Us and Res. Asst. Dr. Kaan Gökçakan, Architect Müzeyyen Müjde Kurt, Teacher Burak Kurt, Psychological Counselor and Turunç Kindergarten Founder Canar Mağden, as well as many students.

“These projects are a powerful source of inspiration for the future”

Speaking at the event, OMU Faculty of Architecture Dean Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çetin stated:

“It is extremely valuable for us that children and young people think about the future, gain urban awareness, and take an active role in design processes. Such collaborative work not only enriches the production culture of our university students but also inspires tomorrow’s designers. We are proud of all the young participants who imagine the future of Samsun today.”

As part of the event held at the OMU Faculty of Architecture, creative learning methods and child-centered design approaches were integrated with architectural project processes. Participants developed future-oriented urban scenarios based on the question:

“What kind of city will Samsun be 50 years from now, and what kind of structure can be designed for this city?”

During the workshop led by ARKKI Türkiye Coordinator Özlem Osmanoğlu and Assistant Coordinator Hande Kars, Baruthane Middle School students took part in the morning session, while OMU Interior Architecture students joined in the afternoon. Building and urban function scenarios developed on a 1/500 scale map of Samsun were positioned on the map using prepared models. Participants presented the contributions their designs could make to Samsun’s future through story-based presentations.

Academic design meets informal education

The event also contributed to the studio education of the Interior Architecture Department. First- and second-year students’ child-oriented design projects were associated with ARKKI’s pedagogical learning models, creating an interdisciplinary learning experience. In this way, a creative sharing environment was established, enabling different age groups to produce work together.