Yüksel Demir

Professor Yüksel Demir is currently serving as Dean of Istanbul University and Professor at Istanbul Technical University's Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he has held numerous academic and administrative positions including Department Head, Advisor to the Rector, and Director of Research and Application Center at Istanbul Technical University. His international experience includes positions at Auburn University and Politecnico di Milano.

Demir earned his Doctorate in Building Information from Istanbul Technical University (1997-2001), following his Master's degree (1987-1990) and undergraduate degree in Architecture (1983-1987) from the same institution. Notably, he also completed a license program in Political Science and International Relations from Istanbul University (2020-2024).

His research focuses at the intersection of architecture, information technologies, and urban design, with particular emphasis on augmented reality applications, local data utilization in architectural design, participatory urban planning, and the psychological aspects of architectural experiences. His work bridges traditional architectural theory with cutting-edge digital technologies, exploring how virtual reality, augmented reality, and ICT platforms can transform architectural education, design processes, and urban interventions.

Analysis of Demir's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research connecting architecture with information technology, psychology, and urban studies. His work demonstrates growing interest in virtual and augmented reality applications for architectural design and evaluation, with particular focus on user experience, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns. He has pioneered research on local data integration in architectural contexts and explored innovative connections between musical preferences and architectural tastes, indicating a broad, transdisciplinary approach to architectural research.

• 2016-2020 Department-Based Academic Performance Award (Istanbul Technical University, 2023)
• 2021 Broadcast Performance Award (Istanbul Technical University, 2022)

Demir has secured significant research funding through multiple projects, including the ₺16.3 million Evaluation of Spatial Qualities Affecting Feeling Safe on Streets through Virtual Spaces project (2022-2024), Antarctic Scientific Research initiatives, and studies on R&D performance in higher education. His leadership extends to major urban planning projects for universities across Turkey, demonstrating his impact on both theoretical and applied architectural research.

His work with research teams has focused on developing innovative frameworks for architectural design, particularly in the areas of participatory urban planning, augmented reality applications, and the integration of local cultural and natural data into architectural processes. Current research directions include neuroscience-informed spatial design evaluation and cross-modal perception studies connecting architectural materials with sensory experiences.