Building Catalog is the first and only material catalog in Turkey that has been in publication since 1973 and has filled a very important gap in the field of building materials. Finally, this online platform offers an interview with Yusuf Taner Gültekin, lecturer at Istanbul Gelişim University (IGU) Faculty of Fine Arts (GSF) Interior Architecture and Environmental Design & Interior Architecture Department and founder of RETA Architecture, on the concept of "Building Catalogue | 8x8 Architect & Material Series".
In the first part of the interview with the Building Catalogue, titled "The Architect", questions were asked to Lecturer Y. Taner Gültekin on various topics such as his architectural approach, the projects that satisfy him the most, and the branches of art that feed the designer spirit. Lectuer Y. Taner Gültekin, “If you were to describe its architectural identity in 3 words, what would they be?” answered the question as “Originality, Impressionism (Contemporary), Aesthetics and Functionality”. In another question, he expressed his approach that could describe all his works in the following words:
“Modern classicism, which is captured with the balanced combination of sculptures, tromponeils (wall paintings) and contemporary building materials, in aesthetic, function, light, color and balanced visuals, is one of my favorite indispensables during the design phase of the works to be done.”
In the second part of the interview titled "Material", he answered questions about materials such as material fashion, environmentally friendly materials with low carbon footprints, new generation materials and construction techniques, and the effect of technology on building materials. He made suggestions in order to increase the material awareness and accumulation of students in architecture schools.
Finally, “What do you think the next year's design and material trends will be?” He answered the question as follows:
"Feeling new excitements with each coming year keeps the spirit of the designer alive. Sustainable designs, from nano-technological clothing design to creativity in gastronomy; the use of bioplastics, the common point in all professions covering creativity, from interior architecture to jewelry design, is the necessity of man's search for freedom to get out of the environments we were closed during the pandemic, which we hope to get out of. It is also necessary to try to bring those environments inside; It is also preferred to choose fun, warm colors that will not create a feeling of boredom quickly, and to use soft lines and soft geometric forms. If we accept this new era as the end of the avant-garde style we are used to, we will have to say goodbye to the materials that make up the style used in this trend, my designs made of yellow brass and lacquer. With the use of sophisticated and natural lines instead, it will be a year in which more sincere and devastated people will be provided with smooth transitions between the volumes in interior architecture, in the integrity of natural and organic materials that will make us breathe and remind nature in hybrid housing spaces.“
Click here to access the full interview.
