Özer \ Ürger Architecture was established in 2002 in Ankara by Ali Özer and Ahmet Mucip Ürger. Since its inception, the firm has completed over a hundred projects in various sectors, including education, accommodation, transportation, sports, health, housing, mixed-use developments, landscape, and urban planning. Known for its award-winning designs in national competitions, Özer \ Ürger Architecture expanded to Istanbul in 2010. The firm strives to integrate individuals into urban life by designing meaningful interactions between people and their environments. We spoke with Ali Özer and Ahmet Mucip Ürger about their design philosophy, current projects, and their approach to using natural stone.
How was Özer \ Ürger Architecture founded, and what are your core principles of architectural design?
We began collaborating in the summer of 2001, right after our graduation. Things progressed well, so we officially founded our office in Ankara in 2005 and opened a branch in Istanbul in 2010. Our firm is design-oriented, focusing mainly on public buildings and spaces. While our approach varies with each project, depending on the opportunities we identify and enhance, our primary goal is to create unique public spaces that foster interaction between people and their surroundings. We aim to provide users with genuine experiences and engage them in meaningful ways. We also enjoy exploring material experiments and optimizing spatial efficiency.
How has the perception and significance of architecture evolved, and what is your view on its role and future?
Architecture is a discipline that reflects sociological, cultural, and economic changes over time, holding transformative power. It plays a crucial role in interpreting and shaping significant cultural shifts. Despite the increasing accessibility of information, which has devalued architectural knowledge like other fields, architecture remains central to societal change and cultural development. It must continuously evolve by integrating insights from various disciplines and maintaining its dynamism.
Konyaaltı Urban Design and Coastal Regeneration.
What criteria influence your choice of building materials, and do you have any preferred materials?
We prioritize materials and techniques that minimize construction errors in large-scale projects. Typically, we prefer materials like natural stone, brick, concrete, and wood.
Can you describe your design process and how you collaborate with clients to develop concepts?
The design process depends on the client’s approach and any time constraints. Ideally, we involve the client throughout the process. Initially, we hold meetings to discuss the client’s needs and the project’s general characteristics. Based on these discussions, we generate various design concepts in our office. We then present the best options to the client for feedback and refine the concept accordingly.
İstiklal Street Revitilization Project.
Which phase of a project do you enjoy the most?
We find enjoyment in all phases of a project. However, the concept stage can be particularly challenging, as it involves finding the best solution under time pressure. Successfully navigating this intense phase and achieving results that satisfy both us and our clients is especially rewarding.
Kocaeli Walkway.
What types of projects are featured in your portfolio?
Our portfolio includes the Türk Telekom R&D Building at METU Technopolis, which was our first major project. We also won first place in an invited masterplan competition for the same area. Another significant project is the Konyaaltı Urban Design and Coastal Regeneration, one of Turkey’s largest urban design projects. Our work spans various scales, including the Kocaeli Mannesman Convention Center, the İstiklal Street Revitalization Project, the Libya Embassy in Ankara, Atakent-Kocasinan-Bağcılar dormitories, and large-scale housing projects. We are also excited about the upcoming restoration project for the six rows of shops at the Süleymaniye Mosque.
Is there a specific building or design you aspire to create in your professional career?
Currently, we are designing a mosque, which is one of the most challenging types of projects for us. Despite its complexities, it is a structure we are eager to explore. With the freedom granted by our client, we are focusing on creating a design that enhances the experience and the act of worship itself. We hope the outcome will be successful.
Kocaeli Mannesman Convention Center.
How important is natural stone in your projects?
Natural stone holds significant value for us due to its unique textures and colors. Each type of stone ages differently, with its imperfections adding character. With its durability and sustainability, natural stone is essential in our architectural and urban design projects. We make the most of natural stone’s potential through various surface treatments and design patterns.
Istanbul Design Museum.
In what roles do you typically use natural stone in your projects?
We primarily use natural stone for flooring in urban design projects. Additionally, we incorporate it into furniture and wall coverings with different surface treatments.
Which types of natural stone do you prefer for your projects and why?
We generally seek out local stones to avoid supply issues. Our most frequently used stones include granite and basalt, as well as colorful stones like porphyry and diabase. For wall coverings, travertine is our preferred choice.
