about.
Alp Arda.
An architect, PhD Candidate, and an urban dreamer, he completed his education at Politecnico di Torino, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Architecture, with a solid foundation in Civil Engineering. His master's thesis, titled "Hacking Istanbul, The Fragmented City: Through the Backdoor of Kartal," introduced the innovative concepts of "hacking cities" and "blackhole dimension." By integrating cybersecurity, data analysis, architecture, and his coding skills, these ideas aimed to explore visionary and transformative urban interventions. His work affirmed his commitment to interdisciplinary approaches in urban planning and architecture, and showcased his profound influence in speculative architecture, emphasizing the synergy between visionary and interdisciplinary methodologies.
He has since amassed extensive experience at Balance Architettura, significantly contributing to a diverse range of projects such as Brands Distribution, Superlab Bicocca, Luzatti, and the Cavallerizza Reale di Torino competition. His leadership in competitive projects like Jianhu Revival and GBA Uninterrupted, in collaboration with China Room and the Turin Design Hub, have further distinguished his career. His achievements in sports and academic competitions, along with his dedication to sustainability and innovation in architecture, are evident from his active involvement in collaborative workshops and presentations.
In 2023, he joined the graphical editing team for "The Great Game Detroit," authored by E. Bruno and V. Federighi, where he played a crucial role in crafting the cover illustrations and chapter imagery. Notably, his work with the "Industrial Remix - Workshop" in collaboration with MIT focused on redefining urban manufacturing models.
An engaged community member, he frequently participates in academic forums, discussing urban development strategies and the transformative role of technology in education and community engagement. He has served in various leadership roles and remains an active community participant through intellectual contributions and sportsmanship.
Currently, Alp is pursuing a PhD in Architecture, History, and Project at Politecnico di Torino under the guidance of Prof. Michele Bonino. His research, conducted in collaboration with Tsinghua University, explores transitional architectural models within the context of a globalized world. Alongside his doctoral studies, he actively contributes to reshaping architectural education. As a Teaching Fellow at Politecnico di Torino, he leads the course Architectural Design Theory A, employing game-based methodologies to simulate urban transformation processes. His educational philosophy blends critical theory with practical design, inspiring innovative thinking and problem-solving skills among students.