Students' projects draw attention to water conservation

Özyeğin University's "Yaklaş 2030 Program" aims to raise awareness about the global water problem by using a drying stream on campus as the basis for the student projects exhibited at the "Greenhack" event organized on the occasion of World Environment Day.

The program, which began in 2018, emphasizes the effects of dense urbanization on ecosystems. This year's focus was on the dry stream running through the campus.

To raise awareness, students from various departments created and showcased their projects at the event. By incorporating communication, design and art, the projects aimed at highlighting the importance of freshwater resources.

Greenhack, part of the university's sustainability platform, promotes interdisciplinary research and learning. It encourages students to apply their knowledge and skills toward building a sustainable future. This year's focus on the dry campus stream inspired numerous projects addressing the current state, the future and the rewilding possibilities of freshwater resources.

Under the guidance of Faculty of Architecture and Design Lecturer Yasemin Yıldırım, students explored the stream's natural landscape. They developed creative communication solutions and art projects to convey the importance of freshwater. The student group, named "Codlective," utilized university laboratories to create these projects, which were then displayed along the stream route.

"Yaklaş 2030, a project we are proud of, promotes informal and horizontal learning, reducing distances between disciplines," said Özyeğin University Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Gençtürk. "Our students not only learn about sustainability but also take action, inviting us to join them. Sharing this project on World Environment Day, celebrated annually by...