Nil Aynali

Dr. Nil Aynali serves as Assistant Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Building Information at Marmara University's Faculty of Architecture and Design since 2025. With extensive professional experience including work at EAA-Emre Arolat Architects on projects like the Sancaklar Mosque, she has led architectural design studios since 2014 while bridging academic theory with practical design expertise.

Her educational background features:

• Doctorate in Architectural Design from Istanbul Technical University (2017-2024) with thesis "Space in Ibn Arabi" exploring Sufi ontological concepts of space
• Master's in Architectural Design from Istanbul Bilgi University (2005-2007)
• Bachelor's in Architecture from Istanbul Technical University (2005)

Dr. Aynali's research critically examines architectural design through philosophical, phenomenological, and Sufi lenses, investigating immaterial dimensions of space and interfaces between visible/invisible architectures. Her work synthesizes Islamic mysticism with contemporary design theory, revealing how spiritual frameworks inform spatial conception and architectural criticism in non-Western contexts.

Her scholarly output, including the 2023 Scopus-indexed article "Immaterial in architecture: A conceptual review", demonstrates a cohesive trajectory exploring conceptual foundations of architecture that integrate Eastern metaphysical traditions with modern design discourse. These publications establish consistent thematic focus on theoretical frameworks connecting spirituality, space ontology, and architectural phenomenology.

While specific graduate advisees and research grants aren't documented in available sources, Dr. Aynali actively contributes to academic discourse through international conference panels and architectural criticism.

As founding member of the Yogunluk art initiative since 2013, she produces spatial installations exhibited at major venues including the 15th Istanbul Biennial ("The House"), demonstrating her integration of academic research with artistic practice through curated exhibitions worldwide.