Meaning is what I am looking for. I believe style can be collected from advertisements, but meaning needs to be cultivated patiently through connective thinking. I am inspired by combined explorations of spatial theory, philosophy, technology and craftsmanship. Design is not my profession; it is how I understand the world.
To understand design better, I have used every opportunity to diversify my experiences. I have worked in all phases of projects from design, construction, project management and teaching. These multiple approaches have sharpened my technical, artistic and theoretical skills, but to my surprise, my biggest lesson has not been about “skills”. Each design challenge, step by step, has increased my sensitivity to the complexity of human relationships. It took a long time, but in the end, conventional titles: client, co-worker, designer, constructor and official dissolved. I began seeing the individual behind them. I become a better listener. This helped me in seeing ideas, goals, ambitions and hopes of all those effected by my designs. My work became more fulfilling for clients. The struggles I had with contractors shifted into real collaborations. I generated stronger connections with my students. I have learned that listening is the key to design better. RISD’s international environment was also a huge step in my life. Today I feel connected to different cultures and perspectives more than ever.
I do not have title oriented career goals. I want to collaborate with enthusiastic people who care about learning from and contributing to others through design. My hope is that this evolving process of interaction, learning and listening continue and strengthen throughout my life.
Alper Besen
Urban Frame - MIT, Cambridge, MA, US, Program Coordinator
Coordinated classes with other teaching fellows. Coached teenagers during design and construction.
Formulated assignments and activities. Organized daily logistics. Participated in construction of final design. Developed strategic future goals for program improvement.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence, RI, US, Instructor
Designed and taught the course “Drawing the Concept of the Concept”, focusing on the
connection between presentation, drawing techniques and design concept. Fostered a friendly environment that augmented student interaction. Improved students’ concept development and presentations. Projects included, designing a space for a poem, an artwork and meditation space in Providence
RISD INTAR Department of Interior Architecture, Providence, RI, US, Teaching Assistant - History of Adaptive Reuse
Supported instructor with coordinating the class. Helped students with understanding the dynamics that effect architectural history and observe their role in today's design culture.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence, RI, US, Research Assistant - Markus Berger
Supported Markus Berger with the project "Preservation with Imagination". The project is an exploration of digital image editing techniques and their effects on our daily perception of architecture, adaptive reuse and history.
RISD INTAR Department of Interior Architecture, Providence, RI, US, Teaching Assistant - Interior Architecture Intro Studio
Supported instructor with coordinating the class. Supported students with their studio projects through the processes of concept development, spatial manipulations, model making and drawing.
RISD INTAR Department of Interior Architecture, Providence, Teaching Assistant - From This To That (Interior Architecture Studio)
Supported instructor with coordinating the class. Helped students with developing coherent design concepts and transforming them to spatial projects. Supported instructor with grading and documentation. Designed the final course booklet.
La Studio, Istanbul, TR, Partner
Efficiently managed all project phases, including: client relations, design, presentation, construction and budgeting for commercial, retail and residential projects. Successfully provided design and construction management services for the Canadian brand “Second Cup”. Coordinated project and construction projects for more than 100 store locations for Kredix.
Yalin Tan Jeyan Ulku Interior Architects, Istanbul, TR, Interior Architect
Responsible for design, presentation and construction documentation phases of retail
projects.
RISD INTAR Department of Interior Architecture, Providence, RI, US, Masters, Interior Architecture | Adaptive Reuse
Honors
Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, Istanbul, TR, Bachelors, Interior Architecture
Risd Interior Architecture Department Fellowship Recipient, Scholarship
RISD Portfolio Cafe Design Charette - 1st Prize (Team Member), 1st Place
RIHPHC Conference | Guest Speaker | 2012, Other
Risd Additional Spring Fellowship Recipient 2012, Award
