STATIC
AND
ARCHITECTURE
What we do for ourselves dies with us; what we do for others lives on after us.
Every line we draw, every structure we shape reflects our belief in leaving a lasting impact.
At ARC DSGN Office, we don't just design for today — we envision spaces meant to be lived in for generations, embraced by communities, and admired for their enduring elegance.
We believe great design is not merely about concrete and steel, but about balance — between form and function, between art and engineering.
Whether through architectural vision or structural precision, we shape spaces that inspire and endure.
It holds a beauty all its own.
And this is my design.
Message from the Founder
Welcome, esteemed visitor. I am Yusuf Akcay, born in Istanbul in 1992. My journey into structural systems and earthquake engineering began with the silent impact of the 1999 earthquake. What initially started as a curiosity evolved into a deep commitment — not just to understanding how buildings stand, but to exploring what truly keeps them standing. I completed my undergraduate education in civil engineering, followed by a master’s degree in earthquake engineering. During my graduate studies, I conducted research and published a thesis focusing on the effects of ground improvement on the seismic performance of mid- to high-rise structures. This process taught me a fundamental truth: real safety often begins in the unseen depths — and true structural resilience and functional integrity can only be achieved through conscious engineering, precise design, and a visionary architectural approach from the very foundation to the highest point.
Today, as a design-focused project director specializing in structural systems and earthquake engineering, I unite engineering precision with architectural vision. In 2022, I founded ARC DSGN as a reflection of this philosophy. Since then, I have dedicated all my knowledge, experience, and efforts to bringing this vision to life. We build everything from the ground up — with meaning.
Whether we meet or not, whether we have the opportunity to work together or not, I sincerely thank you for finding it worthwhile to visit our website.
May life bring you beauty. And if our paths cross, may it be with purpose, clarity, and a shared vision.
Principles Guiding Our
Structural Design
Principles Shaping Our
Architectural Vision
Our core principle is to ensure the necessary strength and ductility; the maximum internal forces induced by seismic actions must be identified with precision in each structural element. An engineer should never rely solely on the results provided by analysis software but must critically evaluate these values and always verify them in a manner that remains on the safe side. Based on this understanding, both member sizing and reinforcement detailing must be carried out accordingly.
The frame system should be constructed with regular spacing, continuity, and orthogonal intersections. Within each story, discontinuous beams and excessively long one-way slabs should be avoided as much as possible to ensure structural integrity and uniform load distribution.
Lateral displacements must be limited; in any structure, the most reliable way to control lateral movements is to resist seismic forces primarily through shear walls rather than beams and columns. Increasing the stiffness of shear walls and placing them strategically provides the most effective solution against excessive interstory drift. Especially in structures located on weak soils or in seismic zones, shear wall design is indispensable and should never be overlooked.
Shear walls should be placed not only around the building core but also along the façades, ensuring symmetry and compatibility with the architectural layout. Columns should be distributed as evenly as possible in both the X and Y directions, with a balanced orientation of their short and long sides. Beam-column joints must be properly detailed to ensure strong and stable connections, and wherever possible, columns should be confined by beams on at least two adjacent sides.
At ARC DSGN, we prioritize meticulous spatial organization in our designs. Each space is carefully planned according to its intended function, ensuring efficient use of area, seamless flow between functions, and enhanced overall building performance.
At ARC DSGN, we focus on user needs, comfort, and interaction, creating ergonomic and accessible spaces that enhance functionality, satisfaction, and long-term value.
We create lasting, contemporary identities through a consistent aesthetic language and a minimalist design approach.
Natural light and ventilation are central to our design philosophy, enhancing both energy efficiency and user comfort while supporting sustainability.
At ARC DSGN, we prioritize sustainable, durable materials to minimize environmental impact, extend building lifespan, and preserve lasting value.
We design flexible structures that can integrate smart systems, communication infrastructures, and energy management technologies to enhance user experience and efficiency.
At ARC DSGN, we craft structures that resonate with their surroundings, enhancing energy performance and shaping enduring architectural values.
Steel grades lower than S420 or ASTM A615 Grade 60, and concrete grades lower than C25/30 or 4000 psi, should be avoided. These minimum thresholds represent the baseline for ensuring structural safety, durability, and compliance with modern design standards.
Each joint must include a vertical load-bearing element. Vertical structural members should not rest on discontinuous or misaligned frame axes in the plan layout, and irregularly aligned beams should be strictly avoided. Ensuring continuity in vertical load paths is essential for structural stability and earthquake performance.
In addition to accounting for foundation displacements and rotations caused by differential settlements or temperature variations, a seismic separation joint must be provided between building blocks—or between existing and newly constructed buildings—to prevent pounding effects during an earthquake.
Foundation design must be tailored specifically to the characteristics of each soil type. Negative soil pressures should be checked, and all potential settlements must be carefully considered.
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You are kindly invited to share any projects or sketches you envision, wish to have designed, or would like to provide as references to guide design process.