Dr Belma (Alik) Elsaej

Section
Dubai
Department
Textiles and Design
Belma (Alik) Elsaej

About

Belma Elsaej is an Assistant Professor of Interior Architecture at Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus. With a passion for innovative design and a commitment to sustainable practices, Belma brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the academic community. Holding advanced degrees in architecture and design, she has made significant contributions to both the theoretical and practical aspects of the field.

Belma specializes in biophilic design for hospital facilities, design principles for well-being, and human-centered design. She has published extensively on these topics. Her research interests include biophilic design parameters and well-being in interior design for hospitals, reflecting a deep engagement with the challenges and opportunities within the rapidly evolving design landscape.

In the classroom, Belma is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment, encouraging students to explore interdisciplinary approaches and think critically about the role of design in society.

Biography

Academic Leadership and Affiliations:

  • Assistant Professor of Interior Architecture 
    Heriot-Watt University Dubai 
     
  • Past: 2018-2024 Senior Lecturer in Interior Architecture 
    Kocaeli University – Faculty of Architecture and Design

Qualifications:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 
    Kocaeli University – Faculty of Architecture and Design 
     
  • Master of Architecture and Design (M.Arch.) 
    Kocaeli University - Faculty of Architecture and Design 
     
  • Bachelor of Architecture 
    State University of Tetovo - Faculty of Architecture 
Research

Belma (Alik) Elsaej specializes in biophilic design for hospital facilities, design principles for well-being, and human-centered design. With advanced degrees in architecture and design, she effectively bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications. Her research focuses on the impact of biophilic design on well-being in healthcare environments, showcasing a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Belma’s work involves optimizing functionality and patient experiences in hospital interior architecture, exploring the positive effects of natural elements such as light and greenery on healing environments, and analyzing biophilic design parameters, including patterns and materials that mimic nature. Additionally, she integrates aesthetic and functional planning in interior design, prioritizes environmentally friendly practices in sustainable architecture, and investigates foundational design principles such as balance, proportion, harmony, contrast, and spatial organization in both architectural and interior spaces.

Publications

Books:

  • Erdoğan, N., Akarsu, T. H., Alik, B. Kültür Köprüleri 2 - Üsküp ve Ohri Bölgesindeki Osmanlı Türk Mimari Mirası, 1st ed., KÜV Yayınları, Kocaeli, 2016

Book Chapters:

  • Alik, B. Alice in Wonderland - Tim Burton, Chapter 35, in Architecture in Cinema, pp. 299-305, Bentham Science Publishers, ISBN: 978-981-5223-31-6.
     
  • Alik, B. Gulliver’s Travels, in Architecture in Fictional Literature – Essays on Selected Works, pp. 166-174, Bentham Science Publishers, ISBN: 978-981-5036-00-8.
     
  • Alik, B., & Elsaey, A. A Study on Planning Methods for Sustainable Waterfront: The Case of Atakoy (Istanbul), in Housing Architecture and Design From the Past to the Future, pp. 433-446, Livre De Lyon, ISBN: 978-2-38236-141-2.

Journal Paper:

  • Alik, B. The Architectural Transformation of Skopje from 1963 Earthquake to Today, The Journal of International Social Research, 2020, 13(73), pp. 17-26.

Conference Papers:

  • Alik, B., & Ayyıldız, S. Fractals and Fractal Design in Architecture, 13th International Conference - Standardization, Prototypes and Quality: A Means of Balkan Countries Collaboration, Brasov, Romania, pp. 282-291, 2016.
     
  • Alik, B., & Erdoğan, N. The Input of Biophilia as a New Method of Planning and Designing Healthcare Architecture, 15th International Conference - Standardization, Prototypes and Quality: A Means of Balkan Countries Collaboration, Edirne, Türkiye, pp. 45-52, 2019.