The Department of Architecture recently hosted an engaging seminar on Digital Storytelling, led by a distinguished lecturer Assist. Prof. Dr. Hürcan Tarhan, providing students with valuable insights into the art of storytelling, narrative composition, and digitalization techniques. The seminar aimed to bridge creativity with technology. 
During the first phase of the seminar, the lecturer introduced students to the fundamentals of storytelling, emphasizing the importance of structure, coherence, and emotional engagement in crafting compelling narratives. Students learned about key elements such as plot development, character creation, setting, and the significance of a well-defined storyline. One of the most crucial aspects highlighted was the balance between expectation and realization—a technique that keeps an audience engaged by carefully setting up their anticipations and then delivering resolutions in compelling and sometimes unexpected ways. This approach, as the lecturer emphasized, makes stories more immersive and thought-provoking.
Following the theoretical session, students were tasked with an individual exercise: writing their own stories. This activity encouraged them to put their newfound knowledge into practice, applying narrative techniques to craft unique and imaginative stories. One week later, the seminar transitioned into a collaborative phase, where students were asked to form small groups. Each group reviewed the stories written by its members and selected the most compelling one to develop further.
Once the best story was chosen within each group, the lecturer provided guidance on how to structure the narrative into a timeline and develop a scenario that effectively conveys the intended message. This stage involved discussions on sequencing events, building tension, and ensuring a logical and engaging flow. A major focus of this phase was the strategic use of expectation and realization, guiding students to think about how to create intrigue and emotional depth in their stories by playing with audience perceptions and outcomes.
Additionally, students received professional advice on different methods of digitalization, including multimedia tools, animation, graphic storytelling, and digital illustrations. The discussion also covered how digital elements can enhance the contrast between expectation and realization, reinforcing the emotional impact of a story.
The seminar concluded with an interactive session where each group refined their stories based on the lecturer's feedback, preparing them for digital transformation. This hands-on approach allowed students to think critically about how storytelling and digital media intersect.   
With this newfound knowledge, students are now equipped to experiment with digital storytelling as a creative tool in their future projects.
This seminar marks an important step toward embracing multidisciplinary approaches in architecture education. By incorporating storytelling and digitalization into the curriculum, the department aims to empower students with innovative ways to communicate and visualize their ideas effectively.