Begüm and Kerem Yazgan, founders of Yazgan Design Architecture, hold the belief that true creativity lies in designing the relationships that unite various elements, rather than the elements themselves. Their approach is exemplified through the “flexible design system” they have developed, which integrates the extensive theoretical knowledge from their academic research with practical professional experience. During our discussion, they shared their insights on sustainability in architecture, their current projects, and their perspectives on the use of Turkish Stones.
How did you find your path towards the field of architecture, and what kind of educational background have you pursued in this discipline?
Begüm Yazgan: During my time at TED Ankara College, I was first introduced to the field of architecture through an orientation event. Architects from Middle East Technical University (METU) visited our school, and I had the opportunity to listen to them speak. One professor made a profound impression on me with his statement: “Architecture is a philosophy of life. Even if you do not practice architecture professionally, the education you receive provides a perspective and vision applicable to any field. With this perspective, you could manage a bar or engage in business, but with an architectural education, you could approach these endeavors in entirely unique and innovative ways.” These words deeply resonated with me and played a significant role in my decision to pursue a career in architecture.
Kerem Yazgan: My parents were journalists with a deep engagement in the arts. They organized various exhibitions in Ankara, and our home was often a gathering place for discussions about art and visits from artists. I believe their influence played a significant role in shaping my own appreciation for art. Additionally, I had a talent for painting, which further contributed to my artistic inclinations.
ANKARA AEROSPACE SPECIALIZED ORGANIZED INDUSTRIAL ZONE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
Could you share the story of how you established your own architectural firm? What were the key steps and experiences that led to the founding of Yazgan Design Architecture?
BY: Upon returning to Ankara, I initially worked in the private sector before applying to join the academic staff at Middle East Technical University (METU), where I was pursuing my master’s degree at the time. I spent a decade working as an academician. In 2003, my wife and I took a significant step by founding Yazgan Design Architecture.
KY: During my university years, I was actively involved in architectural competitions, achieving notable successes. After securing a fifth-place honorable mention, followed by a third-place honorable mention, and then a first-place honorable mention, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Mehmet Kütükçüoğlu. Together, we created a graphic titled “A Day’s Journey in Istanbul: Surdibi,” which documented a one-day pedestrian journey through Surdibi in Istanbul. Our innovative time-space graphic won first prize in the Graphic Branch of the National Architecture Exhibition and Awards. Subsequently, we participated in the Bandırma City Center competition and secured first place. This success led to the founding of Teğet Architecture in Ankara, where we aimed to bring our winning project to fruition. However, following the loss of my father and various personal challenges, including the impact of the 2000 economic crisis on our office, I made the difficult decision to leave. Mehmet Kütükçüoğlu and Ertuğ Uçar continued with the firm while I took a step back. Between 2000 and 2003, Begüm and I continued to engage in competitions from home, reestablishing our presence in the field. During this period, Begüm spent six months in Japan for her PhD studies. We received honorable mentions in two of these competitions, which ultimately motivated us to establish our own practice. This led to the founding of Yazgan Design Architecture.
RENAZA
Could you elaborate on your design style and what distinguishes your projects? Could you provide specific examples?
KY: To illustrate my design philosophy, I often refer to the work of Antoni Gaudí. Initially, Gaudí’s creations, such as Casa Milà, appeared to us as highly organic and closely tied to the architect’s personal touch. However, upon visiting Barcelona and examining Casa Milà in detail, we observed that its design is underpinned by a remarkably systematic approach. The building is structured around five key elements: two large courtyards, two smaller courtyards, the main staircase, vaults, and beams that connect the vaults, culminating in a façade that undulates both inwardly and outwardly. This design demonstrates that, once a flexible system is established, variations such as wavy or straight façades become a matter of creative freedom within the framework of the system.
Begüm’s extensive experience as an assistant to the late Alaaddin Egemen, Turkey’s distinguished Aga Khan Award-winning landscape architect, provided us with profound insights into landscaping and ecological systems. This background allowed us to merge systemic ecology with our flexible design principles, leading to a deeper exploration of these concepts in our recent projects.
We have come to recognize that flexible system designs are prevalent in nature, where the functionality of a plant’s interaction with its environment—such as its adaptation to attract pollinators—can be as significant as its physical form. Similarly, we are now striving to enhance how our buildings engage with their surroundings, aspiring to achieve a level of interaction that mirrors the adaptive relationships observed in nature. The concept of our design universe, which we refer to as “designography,” has evolved into a sophisticated realm of research and development for us. The theories and ideas that began as academic theses are actively integrated into our projects, where they continuously evolve and refine themselves. In recent years, we have applied this approach to design a diverse range of functional buildings—encompassing offices, residences, hospitals, sports facilities, and even industrial structures—each incorporating interior gardens as a central element. Our guiding principle, “Interior Gardens Instead of Walls,” reflects our commitment to redefining traditional architectural boundaries and fostering environments that seamlessly blend nature with functionality.
LONGOSPHERE GLAMPING
What role does natural stone play in the material selection for your projects?
BY: Natural stone holds a profound significance in our material choices, as it embodies a deep connection to nature. When incorporated into our architectural designs, natural stone facilitates a more harmonious integration with the natural environment, fostering a holistic relationship between the built and natural worlds. Advancements in technology have broadened the applications of natural stone, making it increasingly versatile across various fields. Innovations in production methods now allow for more dynamic and cost-effective uses of natural stone. For instance, in our recent office project in Romania, we employed a cutting-edge facade system recommended by our facade consultant. This system combines a thin veneer of natural stone with an insulating honeycomb material, integrated into a panel curtain wall system. This approach not only reduces the weight of the stone but also enhances its economic feasibility. As a result, the facade of the office campus has been clad in natural stone, showcasing its aesthetic and functional benefits on a grand scale.
LONGOSPHERE GLAMPING
