Ayca Duran

Q1. What brought you to the Institute of Technology in Architecture (ITA) at ETH Zürich?

The chance to work with esteemed faculty and engage in cutting-edge research, coupled with the interdisciplinary nature of the ITA program, was an enticing prospect. I was always interested in interdisciplinary studies. Already during my bachelor degree, I had the opportunity to collaborate with engineers, computer scientists, and I experimented with programming and data science. Although I chose to study architecture, I quickly moved my focus to technologies, through which I could look at new ways of designing and also evaluating the environmental performance of buildings.

Q2. You chose to study at ITA, although you had other options, why?

I was considering several PhD offers when I discovered the opportunity to apply for the Architecture & Technology Doctoral Fellowship at ITA, which I did and I was accepted. I changed plans - it was an easy decision. For me, ITA has the best fit to my area of research, the best intellectual environment and infrastructure. The Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab is an amazing resource. The ITA building alone is an inspiration in itself!

Q3. What is unique about the way in which researchers go about their work here at ITA?

The culture at ITA fosters a continuous exchange of ideas. Every day, we meet and discuss a lot, either during scheduled group or circle meetings, or informally during a coffee break in our open kitchen area. This constant dialogue, and feedback loops, is what drives our work forward. We are encouraged to freely share our ideas, constantly challenging ourselves and pushing the boundaries of our research.

Q4. What exactly is your research about, have you defined your research question/s yet?

My research is focused on BIPVs. I am investigating their integration into facades and studying their impact on the urban environment. It’s a comprehensive approach linking the process of integration to the evaluation of BIPVs' impact on urban microclimates. My goal is to fully understand the potential BIPVs have on our ability to leverage solar power to solve urban climate issues.

Q5. In your research, what challenges are there and how are you dealing with them?

A key challenge I face is the limitation of the tools I am utilizing, both in terms of software and hardware. My work involves extensive modeling, such as computational fluid dynamics, which requires substantial computing power. Recently, we procured a high-capacity computer which I hope will streamline our processes. I am also exploring machine learning models that can aid in the integration of solar panels, so I am seeking collaborations with computer scientist to develop new methods.

Q6. What were your expectations, in terms of how you would conduct your research, before you came here?

Prior to joining ITA, I anticipated my research would be predominantly solitary, but at ITA it is the opposite. I can collaborate across different institutes, departments, universities, as well as with industry partners. Right now, I am collaborating with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), which provides real BIPV test buildings for data monitoring. This enables me to test my simulations on an actual prototype.

Q7. What does your everyday look like, is being a doctoral student like having a job?

I see it as a job. I start my day around 8 am and work until the evening. My day involves conducting research, attending meetings, and preparing for teaching, which is great as I interact with many students. I find this blend of teaching and learning very enriching. The geographical location also offers a wonderful balance between work and recreation. In the summer months, we can easily take a break by the river, swim, have a picnic, and then continue working. I am quite fond of the city, Zürich, its lifestyle, and am taking German classes alongside my research work!

Q8. Are you thinking about what comes next, after completing your doctorate?

I am only 8 months into my doctorate, and just really enjoy doing my research here, so it’s a bit early for me to think too far into the future! However, one thing I’m certain of is my passion for learning and teaching. Wherever my journey takes me, I aspire to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, employing them in my research, and sharing my knowledge with those around me.

Interview by Ewa Maciejewski, 09 June 2023.