The 21st edition of the BETONART Architecture Summer School, organized by TÜRKÇİMENTO since 2002, was hosted this year by the Faculty of Architecture at Gaziantep University. The program, held between June 30 and July 9, brought together architecture students from various universities across Türkiye.
This year’s summer school was realized with the main sponsorship of Çimko Cement and material support from Polisan Construction Chemicals. A total of 16 students participated in the program, gaining the opportunity to explore concrete as a material through both theoretical and hands-on experiences. The program, which included workshops, field applications, and an exhibition, enabled students to enhance their knowledge and develop practical skills.
Organized under the theme of “Network,” the event encouraged participants to explore the often invisible yet powerful systems of connections that span from the components and production processes of concrete to logistics and digital infrastructure. The event was curated by Architect Erhan Vural, with academic consultancy by Dr. Esra Gürbüz Yıldırım. The program was coordinated by Architect Hande Ciğerli, Architect Eser Ergün, and Architect/Interior Architect Gizem Temiz, with support from Dr. Architect Ferhan Yalçın, Architect Ali Fatih Cebeci, and Architect Mehmet Ali Yiğit.
During the closing ceremony, where students’ works were exhibited and certificates were presented, Adil Sani Konukoğlu, Chairman of the Board of SANKO Holding and Vice President of TÜRKÇİMENTO, shared his reflections on the event being held in Gaziantep:
“It is a great pleasure and honor to be here with you. Seeing young people who are eager to grow, contribute, and create value for our country gives me hope and strengthens my confidence in the future. At SANKO, we not only produce in every sector we operate in but also strive to create meaningful projects that make a lasting impact on people’s lives.
Supporting the BETONART Architecture Summer School through Çimko is of great significance to us because we consider every initiative that paves the way for young people as a seed planted for the future. I wish all participants success and extend my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this valuable initiative.”
TÜRKÇİMENTO CEO Volkan Bozay also addressed the audience with the following remarks: “This year, our program focused on the theme of ‘Network,’ offering insights into the relationship between various elements of concrete—from design to diversity and interconnectivity. On behalf of TÜRKÇİMENTO, I would like to sincerely thank Gaziantep University for hosting and collaborating with us, our university rector for their support, our main sponsor Çimko Cement, and our material sponsor Polisan Construction Chemicals for their contributions and valuable support.”
Dr. Önder Kırca, CEO of Çimko Cement, the event’s main sponsor, shared the following insights: “Being the main sponsor of the BETONART Architecture Summer School is, for us, an investment in the future. At Çimko, we view concrete not just as a construction material, but as a medium that can be redefined through architecture. While its strength is often emphasized, concrete’s design potential and proper usage are equally important. A material truly comes to life when it is interpreted with vision. We want young people to get to know the material, touch it, and push its boundaries. Because we believe that when concrete meets the creative perspective of youth, its possibilities become limitless.”
Gaziantep University Rector Prof. Dr. Sait Mesut Doğan also expressed his appreciation: “Gaziantep University has been the biggest beneficiary of this initiative. Our campus is already a work of art in itself. Through this project, our students have been able to demonstrate their creativity. I would like to thank everyone who contributed.”
In addition, Prof. Dr. Mehmet İshak Yüce, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Gaziantep University, also expressed his pleasure in hosting the event.
