Presented by Independent Curators International (ICI) and the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, this conversation between architect Koray Duman and Sarah Herda, director of the Graham Foundation, will explore the role of exhibition architecture in shaping how artists, curators, and institutions communicate and engage with audiences. Drawing from Duman’s work with artists and art institutions, the conversation will consider how exhibition design can support curatorial ideas, expand the possibilities of institutions, and deepen the narratives surrounding artists’ work.

Büro Koray Duman (B-KD) is an award-winning, research-driven architecture and design studio based in New York City and Istanbul. Founded in 2013, the international practice approaches design as a tool for connection between people, designing stimulating, adaptable environments that nurture generosity, knowledge exchange, and evolving forms of community. Working across all typologies and scales, B-KD’s past clients include MoMA PS1, MOCA Geffen, Guggenheim Bilbao, the Finnish Cultural Institute NY, the Noguchi Museum, Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, artist Richard Prince, the American Society for Muslim Advancement, and the Center for Art and Advocacy.

Koray Duman, founder of Büro Koray Duman, invests in the social, cultural and ecological challenges of our built environment with innovative architectural strategies. As an immigrant and LGBTQ man, Koray expresses in his work the need for architecture to encourage human bonds as a form of cultural advancement, creating spaces that promote inclusion, connectivity, and engagement with everyone. Prior to establishing Büro Koray Duman in 2013, Koray was the co-founder of Sayigh Duman Architects and had previously worked as the lead architect on several West Coast museum projects for Frederick Fisher & Partners. Koray has been the chair of New Practice Committee at AIA NY, a board member of the Clemente Center, and part of the Leadership Council at Van Alen Institute. He is currently a fellow of Urban Design Forum, and sits on the advisory boards of the American Society for Muslim Advancement and ProtoCinema. Koray has taught at Pratt Graduate School of Architecture, the New School, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is originally from Turkey where he earned a BArch from Middle Eastern Technical University, and furthered his studies at UCLA Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Design with a master’s degree in Architecture. Koray is a registered architect in New York and Turkey.

Independent Curators International (ICI) supports the work of curators to help create stronger art communities through experimentation, collaboration and international engagement. Curators are arts community leaders and organizers who champion artistic practice; build essential infrastructures and institutions; and generate public engagement with art. Our collaborative programs connect curators across generations, and across social, political and cultural borders. They form an international framework for sharing knowledge and resources — promoting cultural exchange, access to art and public awareness for the curator’s role.

Photo: Denniston Hill, Chimera, 2026, installation view, 'In Minor Keys', 61st International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia. Design by Büro Koray Duman. Photo by Gaia Cambiaggi/Studio Campo. Courtesy of Denniston Hill