# Pelin Günay **Design Researcher & Educator** Public Space · Social Interaction · Research through Design ![[portrait_homeimage.png]] ## Selected Work ### [[Doctoral Research]] Özyeğin University. Design,Technology and Society | 2026 Researched designing for social interaction in public space through the investigation of seating elements, designed mediators and potential encounters. The research was structured in three distinct, sequential phases, where the findings from each phase directly informed the design and rationale of the next; culminating in a conceptual framework presented in a card format. ![[DoctoralResearch_outcome_image_Documentary research collage with lifted card.png]] ### [[Fuenturniture, Design of a Social Bench]] _Meetings of Design Students (MEDS). Zaragoza | 2022_ Co-facilitated a workshop where participants conceptualized and hands-on fabricated a social bench; focusing on material constraints, spatial dynamics, and the role of street furniture in fostering community gathering. ![[MEDS_outcome_image.jpg]] ### [[Design Ethnography Undergraduate Course]] _Özyeğin University. Department of Industrial Design_ | 2024 Took a leading role in developing the course content, weekly structure, and teaching materials. Contributed to the design and delivery of the course, which also functioned as a research-connected setting within my doctoral work. Coursework was exhibited at Interdependence Exhibition during Milan Design Week in 2024. ![[IDE311_outcome_image_exhibitionposter.png]] ### [[Material Explorations]] Ongoing experiments with photography, clay, traces and material processes ![[MaterialExploration_CeramicOutcome_image.png]] ## Research Interests My current interests centre on how designed objects and spatial conditions shape encounters in public space, particularly through: - social interaction and co-presence - public space and everyday encounters - designed mediators and material interventions - traces, temporality and asynchronous interaction ## About I am a design researcher and educator based in Istanbul. FolIowing my Industrial Design degree at Brunel University, London; I recently completed my PhD in Design, Technology and Society at Özyeğin University, Istanbul. ## Contact For research collaborations, visiting research opportunities, workshops or projects please contact: Email: [email protected] · LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/pelingunay](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pelingunay/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BHeFFe5mxQvaR%2F6SfPGoLfg%3D%3D) · [[PelinGunay_CV.pdf|Pelin Gunay CV]]