Ms Yelda Gin

I am an architect, educator and researcher. I joined LSBU in January 2024 as a lecturer in Architectural Technology and Digital Construction at the School of the Built Environment and Architecture.

I am a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), and a licenced architect/member of the Chamber of Architects of Turkey (CAT)since 2006.

Since 2013, I have engaged in various academic capacities at several HEIs, including Cambridge University, Cardiff University, Westminister University, Chelsea College of Art, Istanbul Bilgi University, Kadir Has and MEF University.

I started my career in 2008 in London, practising as an architect for renowned international offices such as Zaha Hadid Architects and Cecil Balmond Studio. Over a decade of practice in London and Istanbul, I have worked on designing and realising projects of diverse scales and programs, including the award-winning Heydar Aliyev Centre.

My enthusiasm for being part of the global effort to confront the climate crisis and mitigate the effects of the construction industry on the environment has shifted my career journey from practice to research. My main research themes are regenerative and sustainable design, structural, material, and environmental research, design research, additive manufacturing, digital and robotic fabrication, embodied carbon, zero-carbon construction, and building with low-carbon materials.

My PhD research at the University of Cambridge, was awarded a full scholarship by The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Cambridge Trust. My PhD research focused on how digital fabrication methods, mainly 3D printing with earth, could support the uptake of earthen architecture in high-income countries.
Within the Centre for Natural Material Innovation at the University of Cambridge, I worked on collaborative design and research projects about the innovative use of prefabricated engineered timber for schools and housing. Our research and research-based design projects have been exhibited internationally, including the London Design Biennale in 2021 and 2023.

I have published research on designing and building with natural materials using advanced technology. I have been invited to present my individual and collaborative research on digital design and fabrication with natural materials at several reputed international conferences, events, and exhibitions, such as IASS, eCAADe, Woodlife Symposium by the Swedish Institute, Istanbul Festival of Architecture, and the London Design Biennale.

I have taught and developed courses and design studios in various roles, including Architectural Design Technology and Construction Practice modules (London South Bank University), Year 2 Design Studio, Fundamental Principles of Construction and Architectural Engineering (University of Cambridge), First Year Design Studio (Istanbul MEF University), Undergraduate Modules (Kadirhas University) and Course Lead (Istanbul Bilgi University). Between 2020-2023 I acted as an admissions interviewer for Architecture Part 1-2 at the University of Cambridge, where I continue to engage as an assessor, critic and guest lecturer.

I am interested in the intersection of research, teaching, and practice, focusing on using advanced technology with natural materials in the built environment to address environmental challenges.