Murat Gedik

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Murat Gedik ("MG") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

MG : I started my design career as an architectural draftsman in 1991, and since then I have improved myself by contributing to projects and designs in various architecture and construction offices. I have awards in many fields such as architecture, automobile, furniture and futuristic design category. I graduated from Istanbul Aydin University, Architectural Drafting Program.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

MG : Design is in my soul, the feeling of creating something. There are some abilities and characteristics that the universe has given to people. I believe I also have design talent. Even if I don't do anything, I find myself drawing something with a pen and paper in my hand. Sometimes the shape I see in my dreams, sometimes a texture I see in nature affects me.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

MG : I was chosen to be a designer and I am very happy about it. Creating something is not something that can be forced.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

MG : I design architectural structures, futuristic structures and furniture. But I would like to design more architectural structures.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

MG : They should be interested in art and culture, see and examine the works of great artists related to their field, improve themselves professionally, for example, if they are an architect, they should not leave hand drawing, perspective, photography, as well as technology behind. Must learn 2D or 3D software.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

MG : In my opinion, a great designer is the one who creates timeless designs and will inspire future generations.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

MG : First of all, being human-centered, sustainable and nature-friendly.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

MG : A good design is unique and valuable for the value it adds to people, brands, places, countries, cities, neighborhoods, etc. For example, you design a building for a city that reflects the history, nature and culture of that city, and that building becomes the symbol of that city or even country. Or you design a logo carrying symbols from the brand's philosophy and the brand's country, and when you see that logo, you understand. I has become the signature of that brand.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

MG : I would like to design a futuristic city and spaceships for a new Star Wars movie.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

MG : I would like to do a colonization project on the moon.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

MG : My imagination. “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Albert Einstein

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

MG : Mimar Sinan (Great Architect Sinan), Jacque Fresco.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

MG : Santiago Calatrava / Turning Torso Tower building, Sculptural and extraordinary engineering technique. Salk Institute / Louis Kahn, Zaha hadid / Haydar Aliyev Center.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

MG : Field Of Flower villa project. An architectural structure inspired by nature. The structure resting on the bearing bases of arch or semi arch character has a reduced impact on the soil,so allows the soil to enjoy rain and breathe in.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

MG : I recommend them to be good observers, to improve themselves professionally and culturally, to constantly participate in art and cultural events (historical places, museums, concerts, etc.), to read books, to listen to music, and to not stay away from nature. On the other hand, I also find it important that they use necessary professional equipments (3D tools, printers, etc.) and follow technological developments. And lastly, and most importantly, I recommend that they have their own style.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

MG : I never thought about it.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

MG : Everything the eye sees is a design. In fact, that the eye does not see, such as diatom. It is a marvellous design of God.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

MG : My biggest supporter is my wife.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MG : Being objective, supporting and contributing with ideas.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

MG : By working hard and believing.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

MG : Designers should present their presentations in the form of billboards and models containing sketches, drawings, 3D perspectives, material and color selections, and support them with 3D animation and VR, which are technological blessings.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

MG : It could be a rock hotel or a floating hotel project.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

MG : To undertake major projects as a brand.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

MG : Designs that will satisfy their aesthetic perception and make their lives more beautiful and easier.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MG : A good design makes the individual happy by supporting people's aesthetic perceptions and psychology. Society also consists of individuals.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

MG : Neom Project. A project that can be taken as an example for the future. human-centered and nature-friendly

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

MG : It seems to me that with the introduction of AI, we are moving away from human-centered designs, I hope I am wrong.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

MG : It depends on the project.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

MG : I start by imaginary living within the project.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MG : Never extinguish your inner child.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

MG : I think design sets trends.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

MG : While designing, I do not use technology much in the first stage, except for internet research. I use technology during the design development phase. 2D, 3D software, AI, 3D printer, VR glasses are my secondary supporting design tools.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

MG : Charcoal and sketch paper, crayons, 2D and 3D programs.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

MG : The effect of colors and materials on human psychology is already known and and scientifically proven. For this reason, its role in designs is important.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

MG : Why couldn’t have I thought of this?!

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

MG : By working and constantly updating yourself.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

MG : Mimar Sinan, Leonardo da Vinci ve Albert Einstein.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

MG : I enjoy competing with other valuable designers and I am honored to be rewarded for my designs in the end.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

MG : My favorite colors are yellow and blue. In my opinion, the most beautiful city in the world, with its history and nature, is Istanbul, the city where I was born. My favorite food is kebab and Noah’a pudding as dessert. My favorite season is autumn, especially September.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

MG : Going to the seaside and drawing sketches while watching the sea.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

MG : I think yes. I used to make model houses from medicine boxes.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

MG : In the future, all architectural structures and designs will be simple and consist of very few basic organic materials, and I believe that many of the products we use now will be exhibited only in digital museums.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

MG : The sky's the limit when it comes to my designs and I now continue to follow my dreams, creating ground-breaking designs, both domestically and internationally.