Berk Aral (he/him)

My architectural approach stems from a delicate balance of imposition and yielding. I base my way of working on the existing social realities rather than the imposition of unrealistic ideals. Yet, the acceptance of certain realities does not preclude idealism.
My ideal is for architecture to be born out of a rational reaction to the situation it is placed in. An approach that is centred around observation, research and analysis forms the basis of my design process. One of my biggest strengths is my capacity to yield to the existing social, cultural and climatic forces that govern a place. By yielding to these forces, I allow myself to propose an architecture that is deeply rooted in the qualities that are associated with a certain place.
The experience I gained through my previous undergraduate studies, BA (Hons) Spatial Design at UAL, help me see buildings not as singular static objects but rather as a collection of carefully curated spaces. My work starts by determining the kind of spaces a project requires in order to address the needs of its users. The order in which I join and orient these spaces then enhances the quality of the individual spaces as well as facilitates social connections between them. The resulting architecture is one that carefully considers the parameters that it is connected to and subsequently responds in a form that is moulded by the social, cultural and climatic forces exerted on it.

Reinvention of a Long Gone Past (Revisited)
This project investigates how the social and cultural past of a place can inspire and enhance its current development. This approach does not stem from a romanticised or nostalgic attachment to the past but from an almost archaeological mindset that aims to uncover the merits of the past. In this respect, the project looks back at Balloch’s history to reinvent the cultural and social spirit that was once present in the pier area.
The client, Sistema, is a charity that aims to transform the lives of underprivileged children through music. Although music is central to Sistema’s philosophy, they prioritise social action over traditional music education. By doing so, they not only develop their students but also enhance the social context they place themselves in by acting as a social catalyst.
Balloch has lost the vibrant public presence it once possessed in its pier area. This project uses the railway that was once going through the project site as the starting point of the reinvention of a long gone past. The proposal aims to regenerate the pier area through the insertion of a musical retreat and a performance hall.

Project Introduction



Reinvention of a Long Gone Past
“Deurbanization” of the Row House
This two weeks project seeks to place the row house typology in a location that does not represent the conditions it is designed for. By transporting this typology that is meant for dense urban environments to a rural setting, the proposal aims to cater to families who want to escape the chaos of urban life without compromising the qualities of living in a community.
(Further Project Information and Content Will Be Added in Due Course)