DESIGN APPROACH
ABOUT GAD ARCHITECTURE
Gokhan Avcioglu, the Principal and founder of GAD - Global Architectural Development, has led an innovative design team for over four decades. Together, they've crafted dynamic and visionary architectural concepts, spanning from intimate residences to expansive urban master plans, both in Turkey and worldwide. Under Mr. Avcıoğlu's visionary leadership, the diverse international creative team at GAD consistently takes an unconventional approach to create projects that not only push design boundaries but also reshape architectural thought.
Their commitment and talent have led to numerous accolades, including the prestigious 1997 Turkish Architecture Prize, the coveted Bronze Medal at the 2003 Miami Bienal, the esteemed German Iconic Awards in 2014, and the Chicago Athenaeum Green Good Design Awards in 2022, 2015, 2014, and 2012, among others. They've also received the MIPIM AR Future Awards in 2013 and 2012, the 2017 WAFX Smart City Prize, the American Architecture Prize in 2017, and the AR Future Projects Awards. Notably, their Kadıkoy public park facilities project is shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1998 and 2004. Avcıoğlu and GAD's work has been exhibited at renowned venues, including the Minima Art Gallery in Philadelphia, the Miami Bienal, the AIA New York Chapter, and the Royal Art Academy in London. In 2012, One and Ortakoy project was displayed at The Chicago Athenaeum Museum. Complementing his architectural practice, Gökhan Avcıoğlu's academic pursuits encompass leading Architectural Design studios at prestigious institutions, including the Ecole Speciale d'Architecture in Paris, Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul, and Istanbul Technical University. His extensive expertise has also led him to serve as a juror at the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania.
Avcioglu is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York Chapter, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Chamber of Architects of Turkey (TMMOB) and GYODER.
In 2014, the GAD Foundation was established with a noble mission to deepen the understanding of environmental considerations in architecture and construction. To foster broader awareness regarding the current landscape of education and professional practices within these realms, the GAD Foundation actively produces informative videos, conducts comprehensive training seminars, and sponsors insightful workshops. Most notably, Mr. Avcıoğlu and the GAD Foundation take pride in their sponsorship of the "Emerging Architecture Awards" and "Women in Architecture" for distinguished platforms like Architectural Review Magazine, the World Architecture Festival, Venice Arechitectural Biennale and Design Junction during London Design Week.
The GAD Foundation recently organized the "LC150+ Le Corbusier Exhibition Istanbul 2023" in collaboration with Singapore RT & Q Architects and Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Architecture Simultaneously, the Gad Academy, established within the foundation, offers a postgraduate certificate program. This program allows young architects to gain practical experience while learning theory and history using computer-based tools in a professional architecture office.
Headquartered in Istanbul, Gökhan Avcıoğlu and GAD have expanded their creative reach with design studios strategically located in New York and Lisbon, making a global impact in the realm of innovative architecture and design.