Research

Investigating the infrastructures that shape cities, relationships, and publics.

My current research examines how algorithms, platforms, and digital interfaces shape urban life, intimate relationships, and civic engagement — and who gets excluded in the process.

Currently at the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Previously at the Centre for Media, Communication and Information Research (ZeMKI), University of Bremen, and on Molo.

Current work

KIT · ITAS

Relational Values in Nature Conservation

Research assistant at ITAS, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, contributing to interdisciplinary work at the intersection of philosophy, ethics, and technology. Mapping research landscapes on relational values with Dr. Giovanni Frigo.

Research interests

  • Technology ethics
  • Digital governance
  • Platform power
  • Urban digital infrastructures
  • Participatory design
  • Communicative AI (ComAI)
  • Queer approaches to technology studies

Public writing

  • FEB 2026 · BETTER IMAGES OF AI (BBC R&D / UNIV. OF CAMBRIDGE)

    The Mystical Art of Making Math Sparkle

    A critical look at how statistics get packaged and sold.

    Read it →

  • AUG 2025 · BETTER IMAGES OF AI (BBC R&D / UNIV. OF CAMBRIDGE)

    Windows, Cursors, and the Invisible Layer of the AI City

    How we visualize AI in urban contexts and what remains invisible.

    Read it →

Conference activity

  • Online archive →

  • 2022 · PARIS, FRANCE

    Investigating the Potential of Clubhouse: An Audio-based Public Sphere

    The 72nd Annual ICA Conference, One World, One Network. With Asst. Prof. Dr. Özen Baş and Dr. İrem İnceoğlu.

  • 2021 · OHIO, USA · SOLO

    Remembering Arcades, Remembering Selves: Exploring the Transformations of Istanbul's City Infrastructure Through Digital Arcade Maps

    History across the Humanities: Memory, Identity, and Community, Youngstown State University.

  • 2021 · WARSAW, POLAND · SOLO

    Travels Through the Arcades: Spatiotemporal Design of Arcades and Digitalization of Historical Urban Areas in Contemporary Turkey

    2nd Travelling, Transmission and Transgression International Interdisciplinary Conference.

Working on something related?

I'm open to collaborations, writing and research requests, and questions about any of the above.

alkoc@posteo.net See design work