Natural stone is far more than a building material—it is the foundation of architectural memory.
In this conversation, Architect Kaan Alkan reflects on his lifelong relationship with stone, from his apprenticeship in 1994 to his philosophy of designing with local materials. Drawing on decades of experience in quarries, construction sites, and architectural practice, he explains how natural stone shapes not only buildings, but also the identity and cultural memory of a place. Kaan Alkan shares why Anatolia’s rich stone craftsmanship continues to inspire his work, why every region tells its own story through its stone, and why he believes buildings made of natural stone become more valuable with time rather than less. This interview is for architects, designers, landscape architects, students, and anyone interested in timeless architecture, material culture, and the enduring legacy of natural stone.
