Efekta Architects has been designing urban transformation projects in Istanbul and Anatolia since 2001, as the company sees these projects as part of cultural heritage. The company is not only interested in urban transformation projects, but it also develops cultural buildings like museums, mosques, industrial projects, hotels, housing projects, offices and more.

The company prefers to develop urban transformation projects in city centers rather than more remote areas. This enables it to reshape local values and identities, according to founder Kayhan Çakanel.

"The clients of our projects vary depending on the type of project," Çakanel noted.

In most of the company's recent urban transformation projects, Efekta either worked with joint venture types of private entities or municipalities. Some cultural buildings are done with the purpose of being used by the public but are funded with private sponsorship. For other projects like hotels and offices the firm serves both local and international customers. The Gaziantep Panorama Museum, Gaziantep Opera and Cultural Center, Denizli Art Center, and Çamlıca Mosque are some of the company's projects, which are all unique in their own way.

"For cultural building design, our main focus is to create a landmark for the cities by designing architecturally different forms and structure. This is so that these cultural buildings will be an attraction point of the city where they are built," Çakanel said.

Çakanel underlined that they expect an upward trend in the construction sector in the second quarter of 2017.

"All the dynamics of the construction industry such as architects, developers, project disciplines, investors and contractors, have been working on their responsibilities in order to contribute," he explained. Efekta Architects will also participate in the Marche International Des Professionnels De L'Immobilier (MIPIM) on March 14-17.

"MIPIM has been differentiated itself from other exhibitions that have been held in other countries by not focusing on real estate property sale. That is the reason why it gives a chance to introduce company profiles, enhance new networks and to be involved in new geographical areas for companies like us who are focusing on project development and architectural design," he said.