The opening speech delivered by Prof. Dr. Ufuk Fatih KÜÇÜKALİ, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design, at the 9th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA2026):

Dear academics, researchers, students and industry representatives,
Dear participants,

Welcome to the 9th International Conference on Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism,  2026. As the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design at Istanbul Aydın University, I am honored and delighted to be with you at such a large-scale and internationally distinguished academic gathering.

This year, our conference brings together 441 scientific contributions from 201 universities across 48 countries, along with more than 100 participants. This remarkable diversity once again demonstrates that architecture and urban studies are truly global, multilayered, and interdisciplinary fields. Beyond numbers, it reflects a rich intellectual environment shaped by diverse perspectives, cultures, and ways of thinking.

9th International Conference on Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism 2026 is not only a platform for academic exchange but also a strong ground for rethinking the future of architecture and cities. The main themes of the conference span a wide spectrum—from architecture and technology to sustainable urban design; from cultural heritage to habitation studies; from urban economy to salutogenic architecture; and to civil engineering. This diversity clearly highlights the need for holistic and integrated approaches to today’s complex urban challenges.

Today, technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, augmented and virtual reality are transforming design processes, reshaping decision-making mechanisms, and adding new dimensions to architectural practice. We are no longer only discussing buildings, but also data-driven, adaptive, and learning living environments. In this context, architecture plays an increasingly critical role as a discipline that balances technology with human values, upholds ethical responsibilities, and designs a sustainable future.

At the same time, global challenges such as climate crisis, rapid urbanization, disasters, migration, and socioeconomic inequalities remind us of our responsibility to create more resilient, inclusive, and healthier living environments. Therefore, it is of great importance that this conference serves not only as a platform to discuss today’s issues, but also as a space to develop visions for the cities of the future.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our conference co-chairs, Prof. Dr. Nia and Prof. Dr. Gökçen Firdevs Yücel Caymaz, for their academic leadership and dedicated efforts in making this important event possible. I would also like to thank Alanya University, our academic committees, reviewers, and the entire organizing team for their valuable contributions and collaboration.

Dear participants,

I firmly believe that the presentations, discussions, and academic connections established during this conference will not only contribute to knowledge production but also foster new collaborations, innovative ideas, and forward-looking approaches that will shape the future.

I wish you all a productive, inspiring, and successful conference.

Thank you for your participation.