Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD) hosted the 7th International Congress of Landscape Architecture Research (ICLAR 2025) on 20–21 November 2025. Held at the ARUCAD Conference Hall in Kyrenia, the congress brought together the international academic community with both in-person and online participation options. This year’s congress, themed “Climate-Sensitive Design and Sustainable Landscape Architecture,” featured a total of 32 presentations across 5 sessions over two days.
The congress opened with discussions emphasizing that climate change is a multidimensional transformation with not only environmental but also economic, social, and spatial impacts. Participants shared their latest research within a wide scope — from climate-sensitive design approaches and innovative technologies in landscape planning, to the conservation of cultural landscapes and sustainable urban models.
In her opening speech, ARUCAD Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Burcu Toker stated that this year’s theme strengthened the culture of collective thinking in the fight against the climate crisis by bringing together different disciplines. Toker expressed that they were pleased to welcome researchers from the fields of architecture, design, landscape architecture, planning, ecology, and art under the ARUCAD roof, noting that the congress provided a qualified platform that promotes knowledge exchange, academic interaction, and international collaboration. She also emphasized that the contributions of Anatolia Academy, invited speakers, session chairs, and all participants enhanced the international scientific quality of the event.
ARUCAD Head of the Department of Architecture and ICLAR 2025 Congress Chair, Prof. Dr. Gülay Çetinkaya Çiftçioğlu, also highlighted in her opening remarks that interdisciplinary approaches have become essential in addressing climate change. Çiftçioğlu stated, “Climate-sensitive design is a comprehensive field that affects not only the natural environment but also cultural values, social life, and spatial structure. This congress offers valuable knowledge for designing resilient and sustainable living environments that can adapt to a changing world.”
ICLAR 2025 concluded as an important event that strengthened ARUCAD’s interdisciplinary academic approach, supported international scientific communication, and contributed to a sustainable, climate-sensitive design understanding. Details related to the congress can be found atwww.iclar.org/congre.
