Research Assistant & Computational Designer

Based in Detmold, Germany, I bridge architecture, robotics, and AI-driven workflows. My practice spans academic research, immersive design, and production-ready digital pipelines.

Detmold, Germany – yusufaykin@gmail.com – yusufaykin.com

Profile

I am Yusuf Aykin, a multidisciplinary designer and researcher focused on intelligent fabrication, computational design, and immersive media. I currently serve as a Research Assistant at TH OWL where I prototype AI-enhanced robotic construction systems, develop XR tooling for BIM workflows, and lead workshops on computer vision and neural networks.

Across academia, industry collaborations, and freelance commissions, I build resilient pipelines that translate speculative ideas into operational platforms—whether that is a generative art collection, a responsive façade system, or a full-stack AI service for design automation.

Education

  • TH OWL – M.Eng. Integrated Design (2022 – 2024, Detmold) – Grade: 1.3
  • Kadir Has University – B.Arch. Architecture (2014 – 2020, Istanbul)

Focus Areas

  • AI for Architectural Robotics
  • Parametric & Generative Design
  • Computational Heritage & Cultural Analytics
  • Interactive & Immersive Installations

Experience

2023 – Present – Detmold, Germany

Research Assistant, TH OWL

  • Engineered AI pipelines for 3D point cloud detection, robotic manipulation, and on-site construction workflows using Python, PyTorch, Open3D, and MATLAB.
  • Managed UR and KUKA robotic arms across three labs, deploying GPU-accelerated Docker stacks for scalable experimentation.
  • Delivered results at ISARC Montréal, NRW-TAG Köln, and CDU Münster; led workshops on computer vision, LLM tooling, and ComfyUI.
  • Built collaborative labeling platforms (React, Next.js, Firebase) and Unity-based HoloLens viewers for real-time BIM interaction.
2020 – 2021 – Istanbul, Türkiye

Teaching Assistant, Kadir Has University

  • Supported computational design studios, guiding parametric modeling and fabrication courses.
  • Delivered instruction in Rhino3D, Grasshopper, and V-Ray; contributed to curriculum development and critiques.
2020 – 2022 – Istanbul, Türkiye

Academic Researcher, TÜBİTAK

  • Led a €50k grant on computational muqarnas analysis, combining photogrammetry, generative algorithms, and heritage documentation.
  • Published peer-reviewed work in ACM JOCCH and Nexus Network Journal; organized MSTAS 2021 workshops.
2019 – Istanbul, Türkiye

Architectural Intern, Dilekci Architects

  • Created data-driven analytics for client presentations and delivered high-quality renderings and Grasshopper models.

Freelance & Creative Work

2025 – Karlsruhe, Germany

Software Developer, Digitales Bauen

Developed evolutionary algorithms and Rhino automation for generative floor-plan studies with stakeholder-driven constraints.

2025 – Istanbul, Türkiye

Facade Designer, Facade Design Factory

Delivered parametric canopy systems for the Cevahir Mall, coordinating fabrication logic, panelization, and on-site tolerances.

2021 – Present

Generative Artist, FxHash

Launched on-chain art collections with p5.js and three.js, engaging 1,362 collectors and exhibiting in four international shows.

Selected Publications

  • Enhancing Robotic Vision through Deep Learning Techniques: From Detection to Construction, ISARC 2025 – doi:10.22260/ISARC2025/0026
  • A Recursive Algorithm for the Generative Study of Seljuk Muqarnas in Kayseri and Sivas, Nexus Network Journal (2023) – doi:10.1007/s00004-023-00686-4
  • Computational Modeling and Analysis of Seljukid Muqarnas in Kayseri, ACM JOCCH (2022) – doi:10.1145/3477399

Skills

Programming & Frameworks

Python, JavaScript, Flask, Node.js, RhinoScript, p5.js, Three.js

AI & Vision

PyTorch, YOLO, OpenCV, ComfyUI, Open3D, labeling platforms

3D Modeling & BIM

Rhino3D, Grasshopper, Revit, Blender, Agisoft Metashape, AutoCAD

Rendering & Visualization

V-Ray, Lumion, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects

Web & DevOps

React, Next.js, Docker, Git, Firebase

XR & Robotics

Unity, HoloLens (MRTK), MATLAB, UR/KUKA control, Unreal Engine

Design Computation

Parametric modeling, generative algorithms, geometric analysis

Languages

Turkish (native), English (fluent), German (basic)

Let's Collaborate

I'm open to research partnerships, design commissions, and guest lectures. Reach out and let's talk.

yusufaykin@gmail.com yusufaykin.com
LinkedIn