Gulname Turan

Professor Gulname Turan is a distinguished faculty member at Istanbul Technical University's Faculty of Architecture, Department of Industrial Design, where she has served as a Professor since 2018. Previously, she held positions as Associate Professor (2013-2018) and Doctor Lecturer (2010-2013) at the same institution. Her academic career spans over two decades, with additional teaching experience at Accademia di Belle Arti-Sassari Design (2015) and University of Art and Design Helsinki Applied Design (2006-2007).

Her educational background includes a PhD in Art History from Istanbul Technical University, where she completed her doctoral studies in 2009. She earned her Master's degree in Industrial Product Design (with thesis) from Istanbul Technical University (1999-2002) and her undergraduate degree from the same university's Industrial Design Department (1994-1999).

Prof. Turan's research interests span the theoretical and practical dimensions of industrial design, with particular focus on design philosophy, aesthetic and ethical dimensions, historical, cultural and social contexts of design, design history and theories, design methods, product and service design, and strategic design. Her work bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design practices, exploring how historical contexts inform modern design solutions.

Her publication record reveals a consistent scholarly output with increasing focus on biophilic design, user experience, healthcare service design, and the intersection of design with social and political issues. Recent work shows a clear trend toward interdisciplinary research combining design with psychology, healthcare, environmental studies, and social policy. Her 2025 article 'The Hidden Canvas' represents the cutting edge of her research in design cognition, while her healthcare service design work demonstrates practical applications of design thinking in critical medical contexts.

• 10th NATIONAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS (TMMOB Chamber of Landscape Architects, 2018)
• Design Turkey Good Design Award (MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY, 2016)

Prof. Turan has supervised over 20 theses at Istanbul Technical University, mentoring doctoral and master's students across diverse design research topics. Her current research portfolio includes significant projects such as 'Developing an Understanding of the Agency of Design in Politics Participation and Commons' (2023-2025) and 'Examination of Alternative Food Networks with Design Thinking Approach' (2022-2023), reflecting her commitment to applying design thinking to complex societal challenges. She has also led multiple iterations of the 'My Sister Project' focused on women's economic participation through design awareness.

As Program Head (2020-present, previously 2016-2019) and Deputy Director of Research and Application Center (2018-2021), Prof. Turan has played a significant role in shaping design education and research at ITU. Her international collaborations and focus on both theoretical frameworks and practical applications position her as a leading figure in contemporary design academia.