Gokhan Avcioglu recently sat down with renowned Turkish journalist Fatih Altaylı for an in-depth discussion on Altaylı’s YouTube channel. Their conversation focused on architecture, education, and urbanism, reflecting the core pillars of Avcioglu’s practice at GAD Architecture, including the GAD Foundation and GAD Academy—key platforms for architectural research and education.
The interview explored the current state of architectural education in Turkey and examined the broader landscape of architectural commissions. Avcioglu and Altaylı offered a comprehensive analysis of both the challenges and opportunities in the field, drawing on examples from Türkiye and around the world.
Gokhan Avcioglu participated in MosBuild 2025, held in Moscow from April 1–4, 2025. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, MosBuild remains one of the most important platforms in the construction and architecture sector across Russia and Eurasia. This year, the event welcomed over 60,000 visitors, with more than 1,400 exhibitors across 17 sectors—including 600 companies exhibiting for the first time.
Representing GAD Architecture, Avcioglu engaged with professionals, business partners, and distributors from Türkiye and around the world. He held key meetings with leading brands in bathroom products, building materials, façade systems, roofing, landscaping, lighting, and window solutions.
On April 3, Avcioglu gave a video interview at MosBuild Connect (Pavilion 3, Hall 13 at 13:00), followed by a panel presentation titled “Master Plan as a Dialogue Tool: New Opportunities for Developers in Site Development” at Crocus Expo from 14:00–15:30. In the panel, he discussed the evolving nature of investment in architecture and real estate, introducing an innovative and sustainable model developed by GAD for hybrid-use living spaces.
Avcioglu addressed the increasing challenge of long payback periods in hotel investments, explaining how GAD has been working on an alternative model that remains viable year-round. This model centers around specially designed private dormitories tailored to the lifestyles of the new generation. These dormitories operate as comfortable student housing during the academic year and transform into affordable hotels for domestic tourists in the summer. This dual-purpose design allows the facilities to maintain continuous use, providing stable income and significantly reducing operational costs.
He highlighted the success of this concept in Edirne, where it received strong approval from investors, and announced upcoming projects in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir aimed at refining and expanding the model.
Through the GAD Foundation, Avcioglu emphasized that GAD goes beyond architecture and urban design. Leveraging its internal expertise in tourism, the foundation also offers comprehensive consultancy services—from feasibility studies to operational management—making it a strategic partner for innovative, future-oriented real estate developments.
In March, Marie Claire’s lifestyle, interiors, and design editor Ilgın Gözelekli conducted an exclusive interview with Gokhan Avcioglu at GAD Park offices in Tesvikiye, Istanbul. The conversation, featured under the theme “Radical Change in Design,” focused on GAD’s 25-year journey, the role of advanced design, sustainable architecture, and the transformative impact of women in the industry.
Avcioglu emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “I believe that a female perspective will increase social benefit, and I underline that women should have more say in urban design and architecture for cities.”
Gokhan Avcioglu’s book “Less or More” is featured in the Sunset brand’s Sunsetter Spring 2025 edition. Originally published in March 2022, the book is a comprehensive 600-page volume exploring GAD’s projects and Avcioglu’s architectural philosophy.
A timeless guide to contemporary architecture and culture, “Less or More” is available at Istanbul Modern Minoa, Pandora, Robinson Crusoe, Simurg, and Gergedan bookstores.
For more information and inquiries, please contact: info@gadfoundation.com
