ABOUT BEGA
BEGA | BEGUM AYDINOGLU ARCHITECTS is an international architecture practice, driven by a commitment to innovation and design excellence. Founded by Begum Aydinoglu, the firm focuses on creating forward-thinking architectural solutions that seamlessly integrate advanced technologies, cultural context, and bold aesthetics.
With a global portfolio, including notable projects in China, Iceland, the United States, Turkey, and beyond, BEGA Architects approaches each project with a deep understanding of its environment, crafting spaces that are as functional as they are inspiring.
Recognized for our approach to design, we have been honored with several prestigious awards, including the RIBA Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects. These accolades reflect our dedication to pushing the boundaries of architecture while maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation.
Our work is driven by algorithmic thinking, which allows us to explore new design languages and create highly customized solutions that are visually striking and technically advanced. This design philosophy is complemented by a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team that brings diverse perspectives to every project, ensuring that each solution is carefully tailored to its context.
At BEGA Architects, we believe that architecture has the power to shape experiences and elevate spaces, and we remain committed to delivering transformative projects across the globe.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
BEGUM AYDINOGLU
Founder & Chief Architect
Begum Aydinoglu is an award-winning architect, computational designer, urbanist, and academic, known for her innovative approach that integrates architecture, design, engineering, and advanced technology. Her work explores how digital tools shape the built environment, with a focus on future living and urbanism.
She holds a Master of Architecture and Urbanism (M.Arch) from the Architectural Association Design Research Laboratory (AADRL) in London, where she studied under Shajay Bhooshan, head of Zaha Hadid Architects Computational Design (ZHCODE). Her research specialized in robotics, advanced construction techniques, and new models for high-performance urban living.
As the Founder and Chief Architect of BEGA Architects, Begum leads a global practice recognized for its algorithmic design thinking and pioneering architectural solutions. BEGA has received numerous prestigious awards, including the RIBA Trophy for the WuWei Forest Eco-Living project in China and recognition as a finalist for the Hyperloop Desert Campus competition.
In addition to her architectural practice, Begum is a dedicated educator, teaching at Istanbul Bilgi University in both undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on computational design and the role of technology in architecture..
Begum is also an active public speaker, frequently sharing her insights on the future of architecture, design innovation, and the impact of technology at conferences and events worldwide.
She is also the Co-Founder of Canada and Dubai based ILLUSORR, creating immersive and innovative experiences across various disciplines.
Selected Projects & Awards:
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2024 Ashur Bank HQ, Baghdad | Headquarters, Office | Under Construction | BEGA
2024 Skadi Heima, Mývatn | Ski Cabin | Public Architecture | BEGA
2023 Asır Bank HQ, Istanbul | Headquarters, Office | Built | BEGA
2023 Özaktaç HQ, Istanbul | Headquarters, Office | Under Construction | BEGA
2023 T.E.D.Y. Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles | Under Construction | BEGA
2023 Özaktaç House, Istanbul | Residential | Under Construction | BEGA
2023 Moda House, Istanbul | Residential | Under Construction | BEGA
2023 RMKM-A Reflections, Rahmi Koç Museum | NFT Collection | Muse Gold Winner | BEGA
2022 TRT Metaverse Platform, Metaworld | ILLUSORR
2021 WuWei Forest Eco-Living, China | Residential | RIBA Trophy | BEGA
2020 Hyperloop Desert Campus, USA | Public Architecture | Finalist | BEGA
2020 Taxon, Istanbul | Turkey’s Tallest 3D Printed Art Installation | BEGA
2020 Jongno-Gu Government Complex, South Korea | Melike Altinisik Architects
2020 Gwangju City Main Library, Gwangju, South Korea | Melike Altinisik Architects
2019 Seoul Robot Science Museum, South Korea | Built | Melike Altinisik Architects
2019 Vilnius National Concert Hall, Lithuania | Melike Altinisik Architects
2018 Emaar Dubai Urban Carpet, UAE | Melike Altinisik Architects
2018 Silent Meditation Cabins, Latvia | PadaLabs
2017 House at Sabal Palm Road, USA | Emre Arolat Architecture
2017 Miami Savoy Hotel, USA | Emre Arolat Architecture
2015 Discrete Network Assembly | AA DRL Thesis Project
Talks & Lectures:
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2024 Speaker, TRT2 Technology and Art, "Digital Architecture", Istanbul
2024 Lecturer, Bilgi University, "Graduate Program", Istanbul
2023 Speaker, Horasis Global Meeting, "Developing Mobile Globalized Disaster Management", Gaziantep
2023 Speaker, Bloomberg HT TV, "Rahmi M. Koc Museum NFT Collection", Istanbul
2023 Speaker, PechaKucha Night, "Design across Scales", Istanbul
2023 Speaker, GAD Foundation, "The Reality of Virtual-ness", Istanbul
2023 Speaker, Women Leading Web3, "Liquid Architecture in Metaverse", Virtual
2023 Speaker, Turkey Design Council, "Architecture & Metaverse: Design across Scales", Istanbul
2023 Speaker, Borusan Contemporary, "So What Architect Thinks?", Istanbul
2023 Speaker, LEAP Conference, "Immersive Technology & Next Gen Design", Riyadh
2022 Speaker, KOC Group’s Documentary, "RMKM-A Reflections"
2022 Speaker, iTalk XX, "Re-shaping the Future at the Intersection of Technology & Sustainability", Virtual
2022 Physical Interview ,The Circle Seminar, "Architecture & Designing Virtual Experience", Istanbul
2022 Speaker, Dubai Design Week, "Liquid Architecture in Metaverse", Dubai Design District
2022 Speaker, Contemporay Istanbul, "Digital Design: New Horizons for Architecture", Tersane Istanbul
2022 Speaker, ABB Robotics’, "World’s First Robot-painted Art Car", Germany
2022 Speaker, Next by TRT World Forum, "Metaverse Design", Zorlu PSM, Istanbul
2022 Speaker, TRT Metaverse Forum "Metaverse & Broadcasting", Zorlu PSM, Istanbul
2022 Speaker, Digital Futures "Metaverse & Architecture", Virtual
2022 Workshop Instructor, Digital Futures, " Liquid Architecture in Metaverse", Virtual
2022 Speaker, The Creativity Conference, "Sensuous Design-Algorithmic Thinking", Ireland
2022 Panellist, Horasis Global Meeting, "Inspired by Leonardo’s Sci-Fi: Transitioning to the Metaverse", Virtual
2022 Speaker, Next by TRT World Forum, "Metaverse Design Powerhouse", Zorlu PSM, Istanbul
2022 Panellist, Horasis USA Meeting, "The Reality of Virtual-ness of the Metaverse", Virtual
2021 Panellist, Dubai Design Week, "Clash of the Communities", Dubai Design District
2018 Lecturer, Istanbul Bilgi University, "Computational Based Basic Design", Istanbul
2021 Lecturer, Bilgi University, "Creative Coding", Istanbul
2021 Speaker, The Creativity Conference, "Sensuous Design-Algorithmic Thinking", Virtual
2021 Workshop Instructor, Digital Futures, "Fractum", Virtual
2019 Workshop Instructor, Istanbul Technical University, "ITU Summer Intensive: Algorithmic Design", Istanbul
2018 Speaker, Studio-X Istanbul, "Robotic Fabrication in Architecture: Now", Istanbul
2018 Speaker, Studio-X Istanbul, "Robotic Fabrication in Architecture: Future", Istanbul
2017 Speaker, AGU Faculty of Architecture, "Generative Design", Kayseri
2017 Tutor, AGU Faculty of Architecture Design Week, "Digital Vault Generation", Kayseri
2017 Speaker, Soho House Istanbul, "Robotics in Architecture", Istanbul
2017 Speaker, Maltepe University, "Architecture & Technology", Istanbul
2017 Speaker, "Computational Methods", McNeel Rhinoceros Europe Headquarters, Barcelona
2016 Researcher, University of Innsbruck, "3D Printing Concrete", Austria
2016 Presenter, “AA Open Jury”, London
2014 Presentation, "Deep Space", Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2014 Presentation, "Embedded Intelligence", Mode Lab, New York City​
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​​Exhibitions:
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2022 Digital Futures, "Liquid Architecture in Metaverse", Virtual
2021 Contemporary Istanbul, Sustainable Mind, Tersane Istanbul, Turkey
2021 Digital Futures, "Fractum", Virtual
2020 Sonar Festival, Sonar+D, "Taxon", Zorlu Center, Istanbul, Turkey
2019 IMECE34, "Tentakul", Istanbul, Turkey
2017 Beijing Design Week, Beijing, China
2017 Milan Design Week, Ventura Lambrate, Milan, Italy
2017 AGU Design Week, "Digital Vault Generation", Kayseri, Turkey
2014 Zaha Hadid Gallery, "MetaUtopia", London, UK
2014 Istanbul Design Biennial, "Body of Ordinary Differences", Istanbul, Turkey
2013 Chinese University of Hong Kong, "Smart Geometry", Hong Kong, China
2013 Mode Lab, "Embedded Intelligence" New York City, USA
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