Celen Pasalar, Ph.D.

Bio

Dr. Celen Pasalar’s expertise involves organizing and promoting numerous design and planning projects for the benefit of communities primarily throughout North Carolina. Pasalar received her undergraduate degree in architecture (1997) from Middle East Technical University in Turkey and her master’s degree in urban design (1999) from the same university. She has received her doctorate degree from the College of Design, NC State University with a focus on Community and Environmental Design in 2004.

Pasalar’s research interest involves architectural design, urban design, the relationships between human behavior and the built environment, such as urban streets; public spaces; and educational settings (K-12 school environment, university campus environment). Her research also focuses on community design, downtown revitalization, the role of design and its impact on the quality of life and the natural environment, smart growth, new urbanism, and children’s environment

Pasalar has been published in the proceedings of conferences such as Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) and International Association for People-Environment Studies (IAPS). She also collaborated on research publication “School Building Assessment Methods”(2004) sponsored by National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities, Washington. She is a recipient of the first prize Environmental Design Research Association Student Award for Research Project Design as well as the College Level Nomination for Nancy Pollock Dissertation Award.

Pasalar is a registered architect in her home country, Northern Cyprus and active member of the Union of the Cyprus Turkish Engineers and Architects, which is also a member section of UIA (The International Union of Architects). She has practical experience in Turkey, Northern Cyprus, and United States where she worked for various architectural firms and construction companies. Pasalar is an active member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (serving also in various committees) since 2002. She also serves as an active member in Appearance Commission at Town of Apex, North Carolina.

Area(s) of Expertise

Architectural and urban design, community design