Nilsu Erkul: Urban Design & Planning Portfolio

PORTFOLIO | NILSU ERKUL

about me

work experience

I am an urban designer specialized in urban regeneration,

2021-2025

contested heritage, and sustainable urban development. My experience bridges research and practice, focusing on addressing

Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University 2017

complex urban challenges through innovative design strategies and

collaborative

stakeholder

engagement.

I

bring

a

community-focused urban solutions.

2015

urban

heritage

in

education 2020-2025

Varosha,

Cyprus,

utilizing

PhD in Architecture Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University

2018-2019

methodologies such as digital ethnography, archival analysis, and master planning. This work demonstrated my ability to manage

ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT Bayramoglu Architect Office

As part of my academic career, I led large-scale research on contested

INTERN TOWN PLANNER Balcova Municipality

multidisciplinary approach, integrating spatial analysis, project management, and design processes to deliver impactful,

GRADUATE TUTOR

Master of Arts in Urban Design (RTPI accredited) Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University

2014-2018

intricate projects, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and

Bachelor of Science in Town and Regional Planning Dokuz Eylul University

translate conceptual frameworks into practical design outcomes.

These experiences have solidified my expertise in aligning urban design principles with real-world needs.

This portfolio showcases key projects that reflect my technical

presentations & workshops 2024

with Dove Workshop

proficiency and creative problem-solving skills, from master planning urban regeneration sites to developing strategies for inclusive, sustainable development. Beyond my professional work,

2023

Architectures of Alterity Symposium - Cardiff University

2023

International Seminar on Heritage Interpretation and Presentation - Poster Presentation (Published Online)

I am deeply passionate about engaging with diverse communities and exploring innovative approaches to design that honour heritage while fostering vibrant, resilient urban environments.

Mark Her Words! Workshop – Cardiff University partnered

2022

SWWDTP Memory Studies Research Cluster

2021

AHRA REGION 2021 International Conference

2021

ACHS ECRN Spring Symposium

table of contents 1 spatial dynamics 2 designing participation 3 heritage revival 4 doctoral research poster presentation

1 spatial dynamics Revitalizing Heritage Landscapes for Contemporary Urban Needs

This project investigates the management of spatial dynamics

Year: Spring 2019

within Conwy’s historic walled town. It addresses challenges such as

Course: Research-Based Design Project

balancing heritage preservation with contemporary urban demands,

Degree: MA in Urban Design

managing visitor flows, and enhancing the relationship between public

Location: Conwy, Wales/UK

and private spaces. The outcome is a design framework that promotes sustainable growth while preserving Conwy’s rich cultural identity.

CONCEPT: The framework integrates Conwy’s unique historical assets with modern infrastructure. Strategies include reconnecting fragmented spaces, improving pedestrian mobility, and reimagining the interaction between heritage and urban growth to foster an adaptive and resilient town.

spatial analysis Conwy’s evolution from a medieval fortress to a tourist hub has created tensions between residential, commercial, and heritage functions.

Key challenges include tra1ic congestion, privacy concerns near heritage pathways, and conflicts at residential-tourist boundaries. Targeted interventions focus on alleviating these pressures while promoting cohesion between heritage preservation and urban functionality.

design vision The proposal envisions an inclusive urban environment through sustainable pathways,

redesigned

zoning,

and

enhanced public-private connectivity. By prioritizing walkability and adaptive reuse, the design fosters a vibrant community while

safeguarding

character.

Conwy’s

historic Master Plan of the proposed Wall Elevator, Scale: 1/300

Master Plan of the Revitalized Historic Orchard, Scale: 1/500

Master Plan of the Re-purposed Fortifications, Scale: 1/1000

2 designing participation

Community-Driven Approach to Urban Regeneration

This project reimagines Rick Roberts Way, part of Queen

Year: Spring 2019

Elizabeth Olympic Park, as a mixed-use, community-focused urban

Course: Spring Studio

area. By addressing affordable housing shortages and infrastructure

Degree: MA in Urban Design

gaps, the proposal integrates residential, cultural, and employment

Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London/UK

spaces while prioritizing local needs and aspirations.

CONCEPT: The design framework incorporates four integrated strategies aimed at fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and adaptable urban environment. Temporary activation revitalizes underused spaces by introducing interim uses that create vibrant and dynamic community hubs. Community empowerment is addressed through self-built housing opportunities, encouraging residents to actively participate in shaping their living environments. Finally, a digital platform for participatory decision-making is introduced, ensuring collaborative engagement between stakeholders and residents to reflect local needs and aspirations.

spatial analysis The site faces challenges such as limited affordable housing, inadequate non-motorized transport networks, and a lack of functional integration. The project addresses these by proposing improved accessibility, mixeduse developments, and pedestrian-friendly connections, ensuring better social equity and urban cohesion.

Access Network

Functional Mix Map

design vision The vision prioritizes participatory design and adaptability to create a vibrant, community-driven hub. By fostering inclusivity and sustainability, the proposal ensures the site evolves to meet the needs of its diverse population while strengthening its role as a dynamic urban centre.

Community Engagement Process: Timeline of Implementation

3 heritage revival

Preserving Identity, Driving Tourism

This project explores the preservation and revitalization of Kuplu

Year: SPRING 2018

Village, a historic settlement in Turkey’s Bilecik Province. Despite its

Course: Planning Studio Graduation Project

cultural assets, the village faces challenges such as abandoned

Degree: B.Sc. in Town and Regional Planning

heritage buildings and underutilized potential. Through community

Location: Kuplu Village, Bilecik/Turkey

engagement and fieldwork, the project identified key heritage sites and proposed sustainable interventions to boost tourism and local economic development.

CONCEPT: The design adopts a holistic approach to heritage preservation, addressing both physical and social dimensions. It focuses on adaptive reuse of heritage buildings for community and cultural activities, the development of eco-friendly transport routes such as cycling and pedestrian pathways, and the implementation of an inclusive land-use plan that integrates heritage, tourism, and local needs. These interventions aim to enhance the village’s identity while promoting sustainable tourism and improving quality of life.

spatial analysis

A detailed spatial analysis evaluated building conditions, road networks, and land-use patterns. Insights from this analysis informed opportunities for adaptive reuse, infrastructure upgrades, and community-oriented development, balancing heritage conservation with modern infrastructure needs.

Land Use Map of Kuplu Village, Scale: 1/2000

design vision The vision is to transform Kuplu Village into a vibrant tourism hub that harmonizes cultural preservation with contemporary demands. By revitalizing historic assets and reimagining land use, the project fosters economic growth and celebrates the village’s

unique

identity.

The

approach

emphasizes

community inclusion, sustainable connectivity, and adaptive reuse, ensuring a thriving and resilient future.

Proposed Master Plan, Scale: 1/1000

4 doctoral research poster presentation Pathway Towards Reconciliation

This poster presents insights from my doctoral research on Varosha, Cyprus, a contested urban heritage site undergoing transformation following its partial reopening in 2020. The research adopts methodologies such as digital ethnography, spatial mapping, and stakeholder interviews to uncover diverse narratives and aspirations for the site’s redevelopment. By integrating these narratives into urban design strategies, the research outlines actionable frameworks for balancing community needs, heritage conservation, and sustainable urban regeneration.

CONCEPT: The project employs an interdisciplinary approach to identify and leverage sites of contested heritage in Varosha. Digital ethnography and interviews provide insight into community aspirations, while spatial analyses inform actionable interventions that reconnect material and non-material heritage with present-day urban needs.

This research translates directly into practice by providing tools to engage with community narratives, inform site-specific regeneration strategies, and balance the demands of contemporary urban planning with

heritage

conservation.

These

methodologies

emphasize

stakeholder collaboration, adaptable planning, and holistic solutionscore competencies in professional design and planning environments.

PUBLICATION DETAILS: The poster was submitted to the Our World Heritage Global Platform and is available on their website. Full details can be accessed here.

contact: erkulnilsu@gmail.com