You are kindly invited to follow LAUD TALKS: SPRING 2025-2026 organized by the Department of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, FADA, Bilkent University
Title: There is a Village, Not So Far: An Invitation to Reimagine Rural
Guest Lecturer: Zeynep Ebru Aksoy
Transformation through Ecological Settlements
Place: FB 309
Time: March 10, 2026, 13.00-14.00
Abstract:
Within each of us lies the vision of a life more in harmony with nature, more holistic, and more fulfilling. This talk is an invitation to collectively explore the possibility of transforming that “village within us” into a tangible settlement model and to nurture this hope together.
Ecological settlements are not merely a matter of design; they represent an interdisciplinary field of research and practice that integrates nature, production, social structures, and the culture of living. As rural areas in our country undergo rapid transformation, there is a greater need than ever to bridge knowledge and experience from diverse fields—guiding this process toward sustainable, high-quality living environments aligned with ecological cycles.
In this talk, we will address rural transformation through the lens of a sustainable life vision and discuss the possibilities at the intersection of design, research, and practice. You are invited to evaluate the potential of ecological settlements and discover new grounds for research and collaboration through the case of the Fethiye, Yeşilüzümlü basin.
Bio: Zeynep Ebru Aksoy
A 1994 graduate of the METU Department of Architecture, Zeynep Ebru Aksoy conducts research and practice-oriented work in ecological settlements alongside architectural design. During the first 20 years of her career, she took part in design, implementation, and business development processes for mainstream domestic and international projects. Following this extensive experience, she redirected her focus toward nature-friendly living and settlement models.
Aksoy’s work approaches ecological settlements not just as a design issue, but as a holistic field of inquiry encompassing water, soil, production, local economy, and community life. In this context, she studied ecovillage design at Findhorn Ecovillage (Scotland) and water retention systems at Tamera Healing Biotope (Portugal). She provides training within the framework of the permaculture approach and carries out designs and applications using natural and local materials.
Currently based in Fethiye, Yeşilüzümlü, Aksoy conducts on-site research and implementation on rural transformation, agroecological production, edible polyculture gardens, water management, rural architecture, and cultural heritage. She also actively contributes to nature advocacy as the TEMA Foundation Fethiye District Representative and as a volunteer for the Dağ Taş AŞ Bizim Platform. Furthermore, she guides local nature and culture-oriented excursions and events in her region.