The opening of Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD) 2024-2025 Academic Year began with a speech by ARUCAD Rector, Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi. The opening lecture was delivered by Dr. Pascal Bertrand, Director of ESAIL (Ecole Supérieure d’Architecture Intérieure et Design), with his presentation entitled “Preserving Heritage through Restoration”
The lecture, held in the University’s Conference Hall on Thursday, October 24, was attended by ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, vice-rectors, academics, and students.
In his opening speech, ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi said, “I hope the 2024-2025 Academic Year brings success and health to us all. This year, we will work with all our strength to advance our students further in our growing and developing University.” Emphasising ARUCAD’s development, he shared the following information: “In our international educational journey with students and academics from 55 countries, we continue to be pioneers in art, design, and communication with our innovative and applied education model. We now have four Faculties and seventeen departments. We offer an education that not only provides technical knowledge but also aims to instil creative and critical thinking skills in our students.”
Following Vehbi’s speech, ESAIL Director Dr. Pascal Bertrand began the opening lecture where he shared his experiences on restoration projects. In his lecture entitled “Preservation of Cultural Heritage Through Restoration,” he addressed the processes of preserving and restoring structures in different parts of the world. Bertrand emphasised that the preservation of heritage is not only important from a cultural and historical perspective but also for the sustainability of social memory and identity.
Striking Examples of Cultural Heritage Restoration
In his lecture on the Preserving Heritage through Restoration, Dr. Pascal Bertrand emphasised how vital it is to preserve cultural heritage and urban fabric especially in light of rapidly diminishing natural resources. He elaborated on the role of restoration projects in safeguarding this heritage for future generations with examples from France, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Greece. Bertrand shared with participants how traditional techniques and modern approaches are blended in each project, and the global importance of sustainable conservation efforts.
The opening lecture concluded after Dr. Bertrand’s presentation, followed by ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi presenting Dr. Pascal Bertrand with a certificate of appreciation.
Special Student Exchange Program between ESAIL and ARUCAD’s Interior Architecture and Environmental Design Department
Under the agreement signed between ARUCAD and ESAIL, a Student Exchange Programme (Study Abroad) has been launched for Interior Architecture and Environmental Design students, offering the opportunity to study at ESAIL campuses in Lyon and Bordeaux, France. This one-semester programme aims to support the professional development of students by providing them with the chance to participate in international projects and benefit from cultural diversity.