PhD Oral Exam - Burcu Ölgen, Individualized Program

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

The ecological crisis advancing rapidly, and it is crucial to spread awareness, create dialogues, and educate about environment and sustainability to encourage behavioral change and eco-action. The public realm, characterized by its high human circulation, serves as an ideal space to initiate, and foster these environmental conversations. Public artworks stand out as one of the most prevalent and impactful approaches for engaging with the society. In the environmental context, eco-art facilitates sharing of eco-messages, fosters community dialogues around critical issues and solutions, and motivates individuals to take meaningful action. Although public eco-art installations significantly engage audiences, the potential to amplify this impact through Artificial Intelligence (AI) augmented interactive gamification within a didactic framework remains largely unexplored. AI technologies are rapidly infiltrating both professional and personal spheres, significantly influencing consumer behavior through the advertising industry shaping visions for future urban landscapes, as evidenced in conceptual designs for smart cities. However, the high energy consumption associated with AI raises environmental concerns, even as its adoption in daily life becomes inevitable. This research explores how AI technologies can enhance environmental learning by developing an AI-augmented, eco-didactic interactive game. The goal is to support the dissemination of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the built environment. By integrating AI, interactivity, and gamification with an artistic approach, the study seeks to transform urban spaces into creative and interactive hubs. These engaging experiences aim to spark curiosity, inspire enthusiasm, and encourage proactive eco-friendly actions within the public realm. This research advances studies in creative AI, autonomous AI, and social AI focusing on their integration within physical environments, eco-didactic spaces and public domains in design, fine arts, architecture, urban studies, and environmental fields. It contributes directly to development of engaging environmental and educational public space experiences both in Canada and globally. The findings promise to be broadly applicable, offering a pioneering framework for interactive eco-didactic design practices and providing unique insights for future advancements. By illustrating the benefits of AI in fostering ecological awareness and sustainable engagement, this research supports the dissemination of SDGs, particularly in educating for sustainability within urban environments.