Koray Velibeyoğlu

Prof. Dr. Velibeyoğlu iobtained his undergraduate degree in City and Regional Planning from Dokuz Eylül University, and completed his master’s degree in Urban Design and Ph.D. in Urban Planning at İzmir Institute of Technology. Following his doctoral studies, he pursued postdoctoral research at Griffith University’s Urban Studies Program in Australia. He currently serves as a faculty member in the Department of City and Regional Planning at İzmir Institute of Technology. His academic interests include urban design theory and practice, knowledge management, asset-based local development, smart cities, urban technologies, and sustainability strategies. He has contributed as a researcher to several EU-funded projects such as UrbanGreenUP, RURITAGE, EHHUR, Re-Value, and CARDIMED, making significant contributions to nature-based solutions, sustainable living strategies, and urban policy. In addition, he has coordinated large-scale regional projects such as the “İzmir Peninsula Sustainable Development Strategy.”

Beyond his academic role, Prof. Velibeyoğlu is the Head of the İzmir Planning Agency (İZPA), affiliated with İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. In this capacity, he plays a leading role in shaping İzmir’s Vision 2074 strategic framework, climate and sustainability policies, data-driven urban analysis, and urban innovation initiatives. He is actively engaged in international networks and EU-funded projects, spearheading the adaptation of nature-based solutions, smart city applications, and sustainable development strategies to İzmir’s context. Furthermore, he provides leadership in advancing innovative planning approaches within local governance, integrating artificial intelligence and digital transformation into public service design, and fostering urban models that enhance civic participation.