Spaces and sounds. One creative studio.

### Edibali AKTAR **Architect | Master's Degree in Architecture | CEO** Edibali Aktar graduated from the Department of Architecture at Karadeniz Technical University, where he also served as a research assistant and completed his master's degree under the supervision of Professor Şengül Öymen Gür. During this period, he also worked as her academic assistant. His master's thesis, completed in 2003 and titled *An Investigation into the Possibilities and Potential of Virtual Space in the Context of Time and Space*, explored the relationship between virtual environments, digital technologies, and architecture. Continuing his research in this field, he conducted technical studies of virtual reality systems in the United States in 2008, alongside architectural research into residential design approaches in California. In the early stages of his professional career, he collaborated with architect Atilla ŞENGONCA on residential projects incorporating tunnel formwork construction systems. He subsequently served as a management representative at a major construction company in Ankara, participating directly in the construction of residential, industrial, and commercial buildings. This experience in construction methods and building technologies has informed his subsequent architectural design and project management work. Throughout a career spanning nearly 30 years, Aktar has designed close to 300 architectural projects across a broad range of building types, including residential, commercial, office, hospitality, industrial, and cultural facilities. In addition to his work in Türkiye, he has undertaken architectural projects internationally, particularly in Kazakhstan, as well as in Romania, Nigeria, and Iraq. His international portfolio includes large-scale hotels and commercial developments. In Türkiye, he has also worked extensively with the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ) and the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization on large-scale and specialized architectural projects. Cultural centers, theaters, and multipurpose performance venues form a significant part of his architectural work. He has designed cultural facilities incorporating movable stage systems and advanced technical infrastructure, and contributed to the preparation of *Salonların Akustiği ve Tasarımı (Acoustics and Design of Halls)* by Professor Ramiz ABDULRAHIMOV. His architectural practice also undertook the printing of *Adliye Binaları Tasarımı (Courthouse Design)*, authored by Professors Şengül Öymen GÜR and Muteber ERBAY. Aktar has received recognition in national and international architectural competitions. He was awarded first prize in the invited architectural competitions for the Turkish Cultural Complex in Budapest, Hungary, in 2015, and for the Ziraat Bank Cultural Center in Ankara, now known as Ziraat Sahnesi. The *ZORE Showroom & Headquarters* project, designed by AKTAR DESIGN STUDIO, also received a WA Award from World Architecture Community. Alongside his architectural practice, Aktar has worked in film and music production. He designed the sets for *Kervan 1915*, directed by İsmail Güneş, and composed the music for the internationally screened documentary *Esaretten Doğan Şövalye*. His music and audiovisual production activities continue under AKTAR SOUNDWORKS, established within AKTAR DESIGN STUDIO. The studio holds film and music producer certificates issued by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism and undertakes professional recording and production work. Edibali Aktar leads the architectural design and management activities of AKTAR DESIGN STUDIO, bringing together his work in architecture, building technologies, and the arts through an interdisciplinary approach.

Ece Banu AKTAR completed her master’s degree in architecture at the Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences of Gazi University, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Pınar Dinç KALAYCI. In her 2019 thesis, titled *A Search for Spatial Self Based on Multisensory Perception: A Case Study of Sancaklar Mosque*, she explored the evaluation of architectural space through the lens of sensory perception and user experience. As part of her academic work, she co-authored a study with Prof. Dr. Pınar Dinç KALAYCI titled *A Poly-Semantic Layered Method Proposal for the Reception of Architectural Works: The Case of Sancaklar Mosque*, which was presented and published at an international scientific symposium in 2019. Through AKTAR DESIGN STUDIO—which she co-founded with Edibali Aktar—she carries out architectural design projects across various scales. Her portfolio includes cultural facilities, residential and commercial buildings, and interior design projects. Notably, the *ZORE Showroom & Headquarters* project received an award from the World Architecture Community’s WA Awards program. In her architectural practice, she focuses on the relationship between the physical characteristics of a space and the perceptual and sensory experiences of its users. She integrates her academic research with her professional practice, guided by a design philosophy that considers functional requirements and spatial experience in tandem.

Born in Ankara in 2011, Ayşe Ela AKTAR began her musical activities at an early age. Since 2019, she has performed as a vocalist in *Çocukça Şarkılar* (Children's Songs), a non-profit music project developed by AKTAR DESIGN STUDIO to introduce traditional and contemporary Turkish children's songs to new generations. While attending Özel Arı Schools, she pursued her musical education independently of her regular school curriculum, studying with İsmail SEZEN, Özlem ÖZDEMİR, and İlker Deniz BAŞUĞUR. Her studies included solfège, ear training, sight-reading, music theory, and piano. She also participated in her school's polyphonic choir and performed piano recitals at various school events. In 2025, she was admitted through a competitive entrance examination to the Composition Department of Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory's Music and Performing Arts High School, becoming the only student admitted to the department that year. Alongside her conservatory education, Aktar continues to develop her original compositions. Her piano works include *Yansıma* and *Neşve*, professionally recorded and produced by AKTAR SOUNDWORKS, the music production division of AKTAR DESIGN STUDIO. Her artistic activities also extend to literature and film. In 2022, she appeared in *Annemin Zamanı*, directed by Hakan GÜRTOP. Her book *Gizli Oda – Bir Konservatuvar Hikâyesi* (The Secret Room – A Conservatory Story) was published by Liman Çocuk Publishing in 2024. Ayşe Ela Aktar continues her studies in composition and her work in original music while maintaining an interest in other artistic disciplines.