Özgün Balaban is a researcher, software engineer, and urban technologist passionate about building data-driven tools for resilient and equitable cities. With a background in architecture, machine learning, and digital heritage, he bridges design and computation to better understand complex urban systems. He is currently advancing the usability of climate-focused urban digital twins as a postdoctoral researcher at TU Eindhoven.

Professional Experiences

• Adjunct Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, MS Historic Preservation, Columbia University

  2022

  Masterclass Machine Learning

• Research Software Engineer & Data Steward, Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TISEM), Tilburg University

  2023-2024

   

• Adjunct Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, MS Historic Preservation, Columbia University

  2022

  Masterclass Machine Learning

• Postdoctoral Researcher, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Chair of Design Informatics, TU Delft

  2020 - 2021

  IEBB 4.3 Project - Digitizing the Renovation Process - 3D Printing and Logistics

• Adjunct Lecturer, Architectural Design Computing Program, Istanbul Technical University

  2019 - current

  MBL549E - Special Topics in Architectural Design Computing - Machine Learning in Architecture (MSc Course) - Spring 2021

  MBL617E - Special Topics in Architectural Design Computing - Theory and Methods in Digital Heritage(with Assoc. Prof. Guzden Varinlioglu) (Phd Course) - Spring 2020

  MBL549E - Special Topics in Architectural Design Computing - Machine Learning in Architecture (MSc Course) - Spring 2020

• Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, MEF University

  2019 - 2020

  ARC 451 - Game Design

• PhD. Researcher, Future Cities Laboratory, Big Data-Informed Urban Design and Governance

  2016 to 2019

  I was involved in my PhD research and Ideas for Tanjong Pagar project.

• Architect & BIM Specialist, Turkmall Real Estate

  2013

  I was involved in several mall designs, and I was responsible for the firm in switching to the BIM process in design.

• Student Assistant, Architectural Design Computing Program, Istanbul Technical University

  2009-2013

  Helped Prof. Gülen Çağdaş for various tasks such as web design of the department, preparation of some scripts to be used in the lectures etc.

• Design Computing, Tuncer Çakmaklı Architects

  2011

  Design computing for dolapdere piyalepasa urban regeneration project & Camlica Antenna Tower Project Competition.

• Mountain Guide(part-time), Sobek Travel

  2004 to 2009

  Guided several mountain climbs to mountain ranges such as Taurus, Mt. Ararat (5136 m.) for foreigners (Germans, Spanish, Belgians etc.)

Education

• PhD. in Architecture and Sustainable Design, Singapore University of Technology and Design

  2019

  Thesis: Understanding Urban Leisure Walking Behaviour: Correlations between Neighbourhood Features and Fitness Tracking Data
  Thesis Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bige Tunçer

• PhD. in Architectural Design Computing, Istanbul Technical University

  2014

  I have started my PhD, finished the class requirement and passed QE. But I have not completed the PhD because of the lack of funding and acceptance from SUTD.
  Advisor: Prof. Dr. Gülen Çağdaş

• MSc. Architectural Design Computing, Istanbul Technical University

  2012

  Thesis: Automated Code Compliance Checking: A System for Checking Fire Codes
  Advisor: Prof. Dr. Gülen Çağdaş

• Associate of Arts in Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Bilkent University

  2009

• BSc. in Electrical Engineering, Bilkent University

  2007