Interviews with Quark Studio Architects

Our company is formed by individuals who think they must design to make a world a better place. So it's an educated preference.

We mainly focus on the challenge. We try to respond it as best as we can while making sure that the response provided is both sustainable and beautiful.

Excitement and fulfillment.

We believe that being analytical people helps a lot when designing. Especially when analyzing the challenge and making sure that the solution counts.

We try to shift our aspect more to institutional projects such as hospitals and healthcare facilities. Our dream project would be an airport.

Observe, iterate, and do.

The best practice would be to study previous design responses given to major challenges and try to derivate as much as possible from them.

The usual day goes with responding to emails. Taking care of previous days of design works. Making sure that they are neat and perfect. Every once in awhile getting busy with clients as well.

Design trends matter only if they present a new approach to already existing challenges. We follow a lot of publications digitally.

We as architects generally know where to look at. Most of the time, as they say, the devil is hidden in the details. An idea can be conceptualized very well but as long as the details are not perfect we cannot say that its perfectly designed.

The design is never ready. Only the deadline is above us. There is always room for a design to get better.

It is a mixed-use project consisting of a hotel, 72 villas, restaurants, and spa facilities.

3XN, Snohetta, UN Studio.

We are three architects coming from totally different cultures. So what matters in our union is the diversity rather than the feats of a specific cultural background. This diversity proves itself useful when trying to approach challenges fro multiple possible ways.

We value and maintain a fun, friendly and innovative place where everyone is valued and looked after. We know that every client is different and each project expresses unique goals and aspirations. Together, we create places that connect, engage and inspire.

we haven't done such a thing yet. We are still a very young company.

We are very happy that our work is recognized internationally and awarded. That is providing more motivation and as it is very well known, motivation usually brings innovation.

We wanted to create a pleasant place where people could have a great experience using the service, while also making the service more efficient. We tried to blend both practicality and aesthetics in our design, feeling that every part of the building should help members of the staff feel calmness, understand their surroundings and feel related to others who work there.

Because the design matches what HG Holding looks for, we believe its approach can be used for projects seeking to improve the atmosphere in different sectors. What we have learned in this course will always shape the focus on well-being and use of senses in our future architectural designs.

It took about six months to move from the first concepts to the final stage of planning every detail. We joined forces with the client during this period to guarantee that every design aspect matched their expectations and how they would use the spaces.

HG Holding asked Cardinal for a design and we worked closely with them to ensure the facility met their business and cultural needs. We considered it a way to fulfill our main philosophy—designing offices that focus on people and their feelings.

The design was made just for HG Holding and is currently being used by the company as their headquarters. The design is not being reproduced or leased, as it was a perfect fit for the client’s characteristics, what they did and where they were situated.

Our desire to change typical office architecture in settings related to institutions and healthcare pushed us forward. As part of the design, we thought about ways to make a work setting feel more uplifting and human for employees.

Cihat Elmas Mimarlık and our studio, Quark Studio Architects, joined efforts to design the project. Bringing our two design teams together made sure we kept the project’s focus on people while also having a design that worked and stayed consistent.

Private client Dr. Halil Gürsoy, who is also Chairman of the Board at HG Holding, is the target customer for this design. The design was created carefully to match the boss’s vision for a headquarters that demonstrates the company’s values and provides a comfortable and effective place for all who visit or work there.

Unlike most offices, this design centers on making people feel comfortable and respected in a corporate environment. Thanks to its well-chosen materials, structured space and small touches of nature, the interior looks appealing and makes everything more convenient for users.

The project name, HG Holding Headquarters, is based on the client firm’s name, HG Holding, since it is the central office of the company. The initials HG are also an abbreviation for Dr. Halil Gürsoy, the Chairman of the Board, making the building personal to the client and its leaders.

In this project, we worked with AutoCAD, Cinema4D, V-Ray, Photoshop and InDesign to meet all our needs.

The special thing about our design is that it emphasizes designing a pleasant environment that feels human-friendly in a corporate office. The use of tactile products, good colors and organizing the spaces well encourages good emotions without getting in the way of how the space works.

Many specialists joined us to help create this project. For example, we relied on a leading company in mechanical engineering for our ventilation and Ofisline, one of Turkey’s biggest furniture producers, for our office and conference hall items.

Technology is important for improving how the building works and feels to those using it. A smart system for IDs is used to control entrance, advanced ventilation is set up to improve the air quality throughout and a main data center manages all media and communication inside.

We did consider research on how people respond to different healthcare and design environments. We examined how the client operates and works in the area to design the space and select materials that improve both function and mood.

How to give a busy corporate and healthcare-focused building an inviting and warm design was something they had to consider carefully. It was also necessary to arrange the different parts of the program at all levels in a way that preserved clear and easy access.

We entered the design in an international contest to display our care for people and the new ways well-being is applied in company buildings. It was important to the project because it helped us get more recognition and influence other similar projects abroad.

Through the project, we better understood how what we see and hear can directly affect user wellness in such environments. Doing so helped us simultaneously fulfill the practical uses and address the needs of both feelings and senses, making our architectural designs better for people.

A key feature is that this project demonstrates our desire to design architecture that considers both emotion and functionality for its users. We consider this way of thinking crucial for future, eco-friendly design.

Quark Studio Architects approached the design with a focus on promoting a restful and restorative environment for both patients and staff. The incorporation of natural elements and amenities throughout the hospital was a key factor in achieving this goal.

We may seek collaborations and partnerships with other healthcare institutions or organizations to further develop and implement their design concepts. This could involve working on similar projects or providing consulting services to enhance the healing environments of other healthcare facilities.

Based on the information provided, it took approximately one year to conclude the final design of Kahramanmaras Doga Hospital. Throughout the design process, there was a need to update and refine the details, considering that it was an ongoing construction project. This one-year timeframe accounts for the iterative nature of the design process, involving constant updates, revisions, and collaboration between the design team, stakeholders, and construction team to ensure the final design met the desired goals and requirements.

In many cases, hospital designs are commissioned by clients with specific project requirements and goals. In this case, our design team works closely with the client to understand their needs, aspirations, and budgetary constraints. The design process involves a collaborative approach, combining the client's vision with the expertise and creativity of the architects.

Client demand, market opportunity, and social impact.

Quark Studio Architects have done 100 percent of the design process.

While there may be similarities in certain design elements with other healthcare facilities, the combination of natural elements, luxurious materials, and amenities in the specific context of Kahramanmaras Doga Hospital creates a unique and original design concept.

In the case of Kahramanmaras Doga Hospital, the name was likely chosen by the client. The name "Doga" holds significance as it means "Nature" in Turkish and "Kahramanmaras" refers to the city in Turkey where the hospital is located.

Procreate, Autocad, 3DS Max, Photoshop.

The most unique aspect of the design is the seamless integration of natural elements throughout the facility. This integration goes beyond the mere inclusion of greenery and incorporates artificial greenery into partition walls, creating a calming and refreshing ambiance that promotes healing and well-being.

International design competitions offer an opportunity for architects and design firms to gain recognition on a global scale. Winning or being shortlisted in a prestigious competition can enhance the firm's reputation, attract attention from potential clients and collaborators, and increase exposure in the industry. Also, Competitions provide an opportunity to receive valuable feedback and critique from experts in the field. This feedback can help architects and designers refine their concepts, identify areas for improvement, and gain fresh perspectives on their work.

No additional comments.

To create an example of upscale villas in an urban setting with luxurious and contemporary decor reflecting a unique sense of style in interior and exterior design.

To incorporate similar approaches in more plots of densely populated areas of Istanbul, Turkey.

Together with the brainstorming phases, it took about 3 months for a team of 3 architects to come up with the design.

The design was commissioned however a lot of extra touches to create consistency with the concept idea such as the interiors being marked by abstract wallpapers, which bring a vibrant aesthetic to the atmosphere, were incorporated to the commissioned design by our team.

Our design is being sold by another company.

The work is commissioned.

Anyone who'd like to live in a quiet, seaside neighborhood in Istanbul.

The project is is enriched by the harmonious use of natural materials to create an authentic vibe.

The name of the design was already given.

CAD software, 3D modeling software.

The wooden decks in the backyard and Aosta green marble floors near the swimming pool which provide refreshing areas in harmony with nature.

We formed a team of three architects within our company to especially design all the aspects of the project.

We heavily rely on CAD and modeling software to be able to conceptualize, present, and finalize the design

The scope of the work and the requirements for the project were already provided by our commissioner.

The exterior of the villas is composed of a combination of different materials. The facades feature elements such as Aosta green marble, decorative ceramics, and Wood veneer Alucobond, which provides energy-efficient cladding. The wooden decks in the backyard and Aosta green marble floors near the swimming pool provide refreshing areas in harmony with nature. Bringing together those materials without creating a chaotic look was a challenge to our team.

Recommendation by our client.

To be able to better implement natural materials to create an authentic vibe.

Bold and deliberate blends of ancient and modern materials, fixtures, and furniture at Dijlah were chosen to create comfortable, memorable spaces inspired by regional heritage and natural landscape features at this unique riverside project location. In addition to patronizing any one of several world-class restaurants, Dijlah Village’s residents and visitors alike can enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor swimming pool and top-notch spa services.

We can't wait to see it built.

Some months.

This design was commissioned.

The designed facility is being built by another company.

The design work was commissioned.

Baghdad citizens.

From the foundations of its architecture to the smallest details of interior design, Quark Studio conceived of the Dijlah Village Complex as an opportunity to showcase the unique character of local craftsmanship and materials within a refined ambiance.

The name was already decided by the project owner.

We used a lot of tools ranging from hand sketching to 3D modeling and CAD softwares.

Each section of Dijlah Village exhibits a unique design that complements the modern architecture of the overall development. Overall, the design process incorporated elements of European modernism contrasted and blended with Middle Eastern aesthetics. This stylistic synthesis provides a strong answer to the search for built forms that both reflect and push forward Baghdad’s ancient cosmopolitanisms.

We use BIM software to keep on track with this kind of projects of size.

We gathered the info given by the client according to the usage of similar facilities in the region.

The distance of the actual building to our head office was making things difficult.

We have received and email from you.

We learned a lot about how to submit a design to an international design award.

It wasn't a choice it was more of a natural turn of events leading all of us in this way. As you may as well know, most of the important turn of events are happening naturally.

All of us have chosen to become designers. We would like to be able to respond at least some of the challenges we all face.

We mostly design residential buildings. However, we would like to design more institutional buildings, such as hospitals where specialized data and knowledge are very important.

Observe and implement. Most of all, to create something you should be brave and let yourself free so that you can make the best use of your inspiration.

Some small things. Details and sustainability.

The depth of detail, the devil is in the detail when it comes to design.

Design optimises everything, life quality, budgets, long term costs, wellbeing. Optimization is the key to our world of today.

An airport for a big city. That's kind of an ultimate goal for many designers.

An airport. We are working our way to it, however.

Its observation and trying to be intuitive. Of course, we should always keep in mind the initial starting ground of the design. Why this design was needed and why am I here. Our response to the initial challenge should be bold.

SOM, UNstudio, 3XN, BIG.

We like all the innovative designs and designers. We like people who design not only for today, but also for tomorrow's.

Iasos Villas, the generous nature there helped us a lot to make everything functional and beautiful. Plus, it is really nice to see how it is blended into nature itself.

Observe, observe, and observe again. There are so many answers lying around us, we just need to locate and implement them.

IT business.

It's thinking practice where you think for others, their wellbeing, and the optimisation of their daily lives.

Some of our clients. Most of the times the clients and the works themselves are helping the designerto achieve better.

Failures. Failures are a great means for learning.

Customer relations. In design business making a name for yourself is a steep process. The only helpers are determination and perseverance.

With a good portfolio where the imagery and textual content is well balanced.

A hospital and multiple residential projects.

To design an airport.

Perfect designs. Funny to say there is probably not such a thing like "the perfect design". There is always room for betterment and improvement.

Humans are affected by their entourage, if you put them in a clean and organised setting they tend to be cleaner and organised. We think this example is showing the math and the idea behind this question quite clearly.

A Hospital extension project in Burgas, Bulgaria.

The interior design of the Lux Hotels and Resorts project in Bodrum )which has changed the name as Le Meridien nowadays, it was a big projects with many superposed aspects.

The information management system. Most of the employees are lost in the flow of daily data. This is a challenge all the design companies should face and solve in order to be efficient.

BIM, a better information management system.

Depending on the size, some months or some years. Also the client's behavior and how clear he or she is expressing his goals matter a lot.

Brainstorming. First, we sit and think about what is the challenge and how we can respond to it in the most sustainable way.

Work like hell. Anyway, it is not going to be enough.

Probably both of them are happening. It's a interweaved situation this one.

We put great importance on technology, especially on visualization and information management. One is for the sake of the end product and the second is for the sake of being able to stay without being lost in all that information flow during the design process.

BIM, 3D models, CAD drawings, digital and hand-drawn sketches.

They are main factors affecting the psychology of people so they have a key role.

The inspiration and the challenges faced. We believe those are the key identifiers for any project.

Why we couldn't think of it? Any, of course, trying to be inspired the next time we face a similar challenge.

Someone who shares a common passion but a different background. Diversity is always adding value to projects which in fact are responses. Everybody has its own kind of response and the better is always achieved by mixing ideas.

Some clients. It is always the clients and the work you are doing which influence and mature you in this industry.

Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari.

Practice and making mistakes. Mistakes, when observed with an analyzing point of view, can be great sources of learning.

Ben van Berkel.

It is always very nice to have positive feedback about what you are doing. However, we believe in that stoic view that the motivation shouldn't be affected by any external stimulants wince you can never guarantee that they are there always.

Black, Moscow, salads, autumn, lighter, Aman Resorts.

It was when we founded our company for the first time. All of us were from different countries and we were really having a hard time effectively communicate in daily matters, however strangely enough since we shared a common passion and language towards design, we never encountered these issues in our works.

Trying to stay in the current flow without thinking about the outcome, neither future. We try to stay in the moment and enjoy the process which we believe is the only truth.

No. Actually this question is better asked to some other great people who were around me and were busy raising me.

Multiplanetary civilizations probably.

No comment.

A young architectural company founded by 3 architects of totally different cultures. United by the common desire to design and flavored by the different approaches originating from different cultures is our strong point.

It is a planning which is sustainable, carefully thought, and beautifully executed. The design is a response to a challenge and each designer is tasked with bringing a solution to many challenges we face anytime.

At Quark, we’ve worked on numerous projects within a broad range of industries. Our expertise allows us to quickly understand the requirements of your product and help you save resources. While our experience is extensive, we work particularly well with residential, hospitality, and commercial buildings.

A villa in Sardinia, because simple is beautiful. Our approach is to find elegance in simplicity. We think that simple is refined.

It was a residential, summer house. A villa.

Hand sketching on iPad. As an architect, we all know that the design is a process, where one has always a lot of comments, better ideas, and revisions to implement. Being able to quickly sketch and send them to relevant departments is making our lives easier.

At nights, that's mostly because the chaotic nature of the daily life ceases and a more calm environment starts to flourish after a certain hour. Focusing is a must to do good design, and fewer interruptions help it a lot.

We always think that if a design is needed, there is a challenge to be faced. So we first focus on the challenge. And to see how we can solve it in the best way.

Excitement, contentment, and self-realization are the ongoing feelings we often experience in the process.

Fulfillment and self-realization are the most obvious feelings. There is nothing more that can satisfy an architect from contemplating his design executed and to have positive feedback afterward.

Happy people. If the design is responding to all the challenges initially present that is a very good outcome. Plus if you have happy people using it that's the ultimate.

Sustainability, in-depth thought, aesthetics. For sure, a design should respond to its initial challenge. Otherwise, it's not a good design.

Designers are pioneers, they should dictate for the best of the society and environment the standards of sustainability.

Its sustainability and BIM. Sustainability seems to be a future saver by itself. On the other hand, BIM is a great way to handle projects above a certain size to be able to minimize errors, therefore, raising the efficiency.

None. We have never held any exhibition.

Observation and intense travels. We believe that most of the answers we seek are already implemented in nature. So we just have to observe carefully and notice them.

We do not follow a particular style. We try to focus more on the unique aspects, the needs of the client, and the environment, and therefore our designs are shaped around this criterias rather than following some strict styles.

Istanbul, yes we do feel it. Istanbul is an interesting joint where eastern meets western, culture-wise. So it's like "a bit from everything" place. Of course, that is reflecting as well on the design tradition.

Agreement based. They mostly find us from the recommendations of previous clients or simply from the internet.

Checking portfolios and focusing on details rather than the big image. Needless to say, when judging a design it's necessary to understand which challenges are faced and how effective is the designer's response.

It's a chaotic process that starts with brainstorming to see the whole image at first and then zoomin in and in while always keeping in mind core values such as efficiency, sustainability, and challenge-response.

iPad, Apple Pencil. Being able to digitally sketch with such ease has its noticeable effects on the well-being of the final product.

Wake up, answer emails, go to the office, regulate, regulate, regulate, and then regulate more.

Prepare for teamwork, design is a teamwork, organisation is the key. And the key of an organization lies within its efficiency. So being open-minded about new technologies is a very important matter.

Starting from 0 for every project is a negative point, But its also a positive point becuase every time is a different journey, so its fun. In other words, designing can hardly be described as a commercial activity since you can not mass produce it and its hard to scale. It's more like a craft.

The organization in the data flow. It is so easy to be lost among all that data that flows back and forth. So a good organizational structure is the key to efficiency. Which, at the end of the day clears up more time for the design itself.

The organization, communication, attention. And never forget that the design has lot of aspects and it can be hardly described as a one-person work. So cooperation and teamwork are musts as well.

iPad, Apple Pencil, BIM, 3D for Max modeling. Those are for creating the designs. Inspiration mostly comes from nature and the environment the design is situated in.

By co-designing and by using task management software as much as we can. We try to implement the core structures of teamwork in every aspect of our workflow.

It depends on the project. Sometimes weeks, sometimes months or even years. Here, the client's needs and how clearly they are expressed play a major role as well.

"Are you a designer or an interior designer"

LUX Resorts and Residences interior design work. It's a multi-functional project which hosts a hotel, 72 villas, restaurants, SPA Centers on a plot which is almost 85.000 sqm.

LUX resorts, MYC Partners, Dijlah Village, Deva Maria Hospital.

Hospitals. Because healthcare architecture is a very specific nice in the design industry and it has lots of specialized knowledge implemented in. The design process of a healthcare facility involves a lot of learning as well and we like it.

Using more technology to manage all the gathered data. And after being able to manage those, we will be trying to make use of this data ina more meaningful way.

We work as a team we believe in co-design. Teamwork is a must in every project.

We have a number of ongoing projects which are confidential for marketing purposes, those include a hospital, some residential buildings, and a boutique hotel.

Through company email or phone numbers. We are always available for those who would like to drop by and discuss about their projects while having a cup of coffee.

The hierarchy in space of the HG Holding Headquarters was influenced by profound knowledge about the operational requirements of the building and our intentions to develop user experience by achieving intuitive circulation. Vertical plan of the building honour of the building was treated like a layered narrative in the sense that each level plays a specific role towards something that was a whole. A reasonable rationality based on functional logic and the human behavior patterns in such an institutional and office environment was the foundation of such a decision-making process.We started with the most public and dynamic areas as the pharmacy and the main entrance, which are available at the ground floor with easy access to the community and visitors. On top of that, administrative offices would be located on the first floor to establish a more concentrated, peaceful work environment. The offices were intended to promote collaboration along with a professional detachment, with the help of soft finishes and an open-plan design. We put the logistical and support functions below ground level. The level B1 was devoted to storage and work operations in order to maintain back-of-house operations discreet and efficient. The level where the conference halls are located, i.e., the B2 one, was specifically located in the less noise-active area, so that the halls would pose the least possible disturbance to the stability and provide a feeling of separation, contributing to the intensive concentration on the meetings and the presentation.

The palette was chosen very carefully to create the slightly warm, slightly professional picture. We have shunned away the cold clamminess of clinical finishes and adopted the warm wood finishes, such as natural oak, soft brown varnish, beige wall claddings and subdued earthy tones. The choice of these materials was not solely based on their aestheticism but also aimed at the experience they could allow visitors to feel, such as a sense of stillness, familiarity, and emotional ease, which we believe are not prominent enough in institutional architecture.We have simultaneously made sure that the space preserved some air of formality and consistency by balancing such cosy elements with such high-contrast materials as Statuario white marble and dark grey flooring. This counterplay gave the spaces a grounding and a sense of beauty so that the spaces appeared to be composed but not too relaxed. This leads to the creation of an atmosphere that is conducive to concentration and professionalism, but at the same time, appealing emotionally and taking into consideration the work of the human element.

All these clean lines paired with soft curves were done consciously to emphasize the duality of the place: strictly built and effective on the one hand, but cosy and open on the other hand. Neat, geometrical shapes create the feeling of structure and readability, which is vital to the wayfinding and setting a professional tone in a complex program. These aspects endorse the functional requirements of the building and showcase a feeling of confidence and stability in the identity of the organization.To make this starkness less pronounced and bring a more welcoming quality to it, we incorporated the slight roundness and curvature into such items as circulation areas, the reception space and some architectural parts. The curved motions interrupt the monotony, promote a more natural movement and develop a more human and flowing rhythm of space. Combinations of this interaction contribute to making the users feel rooted, but at the same time welcome enough to enjoy the psychological comfort of the space without giving up its professional intent.

We relied strongly on color psychology and biophilic design concepts in order to antidote the sterility commonly related to institutional buildings. The colors used were warm and earthy, such as olive green, brownish-orange and natural beige, as the most likely to attract an association of calmness, security, and friendliness. These colors are associated with lessening stress and creation of the sense of familiarity, which we decided are important emotional reactions we would like the users to have when they enter the building.Despite the fact that big integration of natural elements was not applicable in the site, we implemented the principles of biophilia by using natural oak, white marble as a daylight reflecting material as well as by using natural stones and wooden panels to add brightness. These small nods towards nature are used to enable customers to associate themselves with organic materials and colors, contributing to their well-being in an unconscious yet strong manner. The outcome is a working environment that is lively and emotionally aware not only functional.

The design of the carpet was also one of the instruments with the help of which the imprints of space structure and even mood were formed. In administrative offices, we deployed modified soft grey carpets to create various working areas on an open floor plan. This assisted in establishing some quiet order and the feeling of visual connection without the physical barriers, and contributed to a collaborative yet concentrated atmosphere.Patterned more vivid carpeting can be found, instead, in the conference halls to spice the area up and associate it with conversation and small group communication. This visual change is not only an improvement in the space identity, but also in the behavior, creating more vibrant and interactive approach to meetings. Such manipulations serve as intuitive orientation providing users with the orientation within the building and at the same time adding a gentle emphasis to the rationale of each of the zones.

The concrete structural system is a form of strong and robust frame, on which the building is anchored to offer the required support both to the decorative and practical requirements. Substantiality is set against light and transparent walls made of glass, the composition produces the sense of dynamism that illustrates one of the identities of the building- stable and open.In order to provide a seamless integration, we collaborated with structural and façade engineers, whom we engaged to elaborate on the connections of the elements of concrete, glass, and aluminum panels. The aluminum composite is used as a modern and clean accessory to encapsulate and hold the glazing in places and allow natural light to flow into the interiors. This is a combination that meets technical needs, in addition to strengthening the architectural discourse of transparency, warmth, and professionalism.

In our design, the following are some of the important factors to achieve good health and reduce stress. Warm experimental materials such as soft textures and oak help the person to feel good in the environment and are familiar again like what can be found in institutions which are cold. A considerate choice of coloring, including earth colors and relaxing elements, contributes to emotional balance and makes people less anxious.Space-wise, our offices have an open plan with good lines of vision to promote teamwork but at the same time a few quiet areas where workers can concentrate and strike a good balance between socialization and solitude. This creates a better mood and energy absorption level through the infusion of natural light via large glass walls. All of that, in combination, fosters not only productivity but psychological comfort as it is understood that an employee-friendly workspace is a key component of employee health.

There was a particular reason why the blue background of the reception was adopted to provide a soothing and pleasant transitional effect on the visitors and the staff. In color psychology, blue is popularly known to produce a sense of trust, calmness, and stability, the three traits that are significant in a professional environment where first impressions count a lot.The calmness of this color also gives a contrast on the warm hues that have been applied in or around the building, it gives a moment of rest that can help orient the visitors upon entering. Together with a minimalistic, streamlined style reception desk, we have created a similar effect of ambience that is both friendly and elegant, which is the key to defining the entire experience of using this headquarters.

We hope that the HG Holding Headquarters will become an effective guiding example of how corporate architecture could go beyond functionality to welcome the principles of human-centred design. This project was able to change traditional sterile office thinking and establish a new paradigm in which offices promote productivity and comfort in an emotional, healthy, and sensory manner.In the future, we hope to see this design as a source of inspiration to architects and clients in Turkey and the rest of the world to reconsider spaces in institutions as a venue that can promote positive mental health and sense of community. The high performance of the building might promote a wider usage of natural materials, considerate spatial levels, and biophilic design in general, which will eventually help build a more empathetic and greener future of corporate buildings.

In designing the Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital, our goal was to create a cohesive environment that is both effective and supportive of the healing process. The floor plans and medical settings have been designed with careful attention to detail. With clearly defined wayfinding, we have ensured that all departments are well-coordinated, while also fostering a sense of calm and relaxation. The selection of materials, natural lighting, and the inclusion of biophilic elements create a seamless connection between different areas, including high-tech rooms, while providing a sense of comfort and a personal touch. This holistic approach aims to improve not only the efficiency of the hospital but also the well-being of everyone who enters.

The choice of a warm color palette and materials that mimic nature at Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital is based on research on the impact of color and natural elements in healthcare environments. Studies indicate that the use of warm colors and materials resembling the natural environment can help calm and relax patients. By designing spaces that are less harsh and cold than traditional hospital settings, we aim to create a positive atmosphere conducive to patients’ recovery. The application of biophilic design principles further enhances this relaxing experience, fostering a recuperative environment throughout the hospital.The warm, nature-inspired colors and textures were carefully chosen based on research into how environment design influences well-being. Studies show that colors like soft browns and greens, along with natural textures, can reduce stress and anxiety, which is especially important in healthcare settings. These elements help create a more comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, making the hospital feel less clinical. The design also incorporates biophilic principles, which have been shown to improve mood, accelerate recovery, and enhance overall patient satisfaction by connecting individuals with nature.

To create a sense of well-being, the artificial lighting system at Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital was designed with a human-centric approach to mimic natural daylight. During the day, the light is bright and cool to help maintain energy and alertness, and it shifts to warmer tones in the evening to promote relaxation. This design ensures that the lighting for both patients and staff is consistent and comfortable, without causing eye strain, while enhancing overall well-being. It also supports the hospital's overall goal of creating a calming, restorative environment.

We focused on creating spaces that address both the practical needs of healthcare and the emotional well-being of patients. Comfort and reduced stress are achieved through high-end materials and thoughtful design elements, complemented by a layout optimized for medical staff efficiency. However, comfort does not come at the expense of the hospital's medical goals. We integrated private rooms and calming common areas without compromising the core medical functions of the hospital. This approach ensures that both patients and staff can feel at ease in a supportive, healing environment.

The use of concrete and steel in Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital was driven by the need for durability, safety, and the embrace of modern design. Concrete provides the structural integrity necessary for the large-scale facilities of a hospital, while steel allows for open, airy space designs. Additionally, these materials contribute to the modernist aesthetic of the hospital, aligning with its identity as a flagship, technologically advanced, durable, and healing healthcare facility. They support the hospital's functionality and contribute to the creation of a nurturing, sustainable environment.

To allow each medical department at Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital to function independently yet with a unified aesthetic, we focused on designing flexible spaces tailored to each department's specific needs. The efficient design supports the specialized functions in emergency and clinical areas, while standardized materials, colors, and biophilic elements create cohesion throughout the hospital. This approach ensures that each department serves its practical purpose while being an integral part of the overall healing environment, fulfilling both its functional role and contribution to the hospital's well-being.

The multicultural background of our team enriched the design of Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital by bringing diverse perspectives. Our goal was to create inclusive spaces that cater to cultural needs and emotional responses. This approach influenced our choices of materials, lighting, and spatial layout, making the hospital socially inclusive. By incorporating the best elements from various cultures, we created a space where patients and staff feel seen, supported, and comfortable—key components of a healing environment.

Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital is an example of ideal medical facility planning, with the seamless integration of functionality and emotional well-being. Key aspects of intuitive wayfinding include the integration of luxury and healthcare needs, as well as biophilic elements that contribute to the healing environment. The use of high-quality materials ensures hygiene and comfort, while thoughtful lighting and spatial arrangements create a soothing atmosphere. Both individually and through their interaction, these elements reflect a forward-thinking approach to healthcare architecture, benefiting both patients and staff alike.

The project's design exemplifies a shift toward human-centered healthcare environments that prioritize both patient healing and staff satisfaction. By integrating natural elements, intuitive layouts, and luxurious yet functional spaces, it sets a new standard for hospital design. Future hospitals will increasingly incorporate biophilic principles, enhanced natural light, and comfort-focused amenities to reduce stress, aid in recovery, and improve the work environment for staff, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both patients and staff.

When deciding on strategies for integrating natural and artificial lighting our primary goal was to achieve smooth transitions between the interiors and outdoors of the villas while improving the quality of life for residents. Large glass windows extend from the floor up to the ceiling to give the residents a chance to have a clear and warm perception of the Marmara Sea environment. On the other hand, LED cove lighting plays a second part of mood lighting where it is much warmer and tends to throw light on architectural features during the evening time while keeping the comforts and aesthetics in mind. This balance makes the living environment not only warm in the daytime but also interesting at night time.

To achieve such desired privacy levels meanwhile maintaining indoor/outdoor continuity, several design solutions were employed. Floor-to-ceiling glass and exterior terraces are placed predominantly to overlook the Marmara Sea concerning local privacy standards through smartly placed landscaping, screens, and ways of dividing the living space. In this approach, the residents are provided an opportunity to be close to the coast and embrace the features of the coastal environment while at the same time being safe. In this manner, the indoors and the outside are combined most efficiently as they shape a serene but defendable environment to cater to the exclusive needs required by its strategic seaside position.

The richness of warm tones and natural fabrics used in the design of Lovin Maris Villas is a clear indication of establishing a balance between contemporary architecture and nature. Decors such as walnut veneer and Aosta green marble were chosen as luxurious and sensual, which is why the interiors are both comfortable and stylish. The textures, as well as the color schemes, are intended to create a welcoming atmosphere while at the same time responding to the rigorous lines and the lack of ornament in architecture. This philosophy would enforce a living environment that is grand and at the same time organic to the surrounding coastal environment.

In the creation of the three different types of villas in Lovin Maris Villas, therefore, we focused on individual characteristics of space and functional elements that meet the requirements of various lifestyles. Nevertheless, we ensured a semblance of architectural continuity through the use of the same materials, colours, and design concepts that embody the ocean side and an overall contemporary feel. Thus, it provided depersonalized guarantee that all villas are unique and individually recognizable while at the same time they are organic and in harmony with the rest of the 5,346 sq m site area.

A steamed room was added to the master bedrooms by the developer's request to have a private spa-like retreat in the home. This feature aligns with our focus on enhancing wellness and relaxation, blending modern luxury with functionality. We integrate this element to elevate the overall living experience by adding comfort and indulgence to daily life and a reflection of the project's commitment to thoughtful and innovative design.

The family area on the rooftop reflects a flexible approach to family living and encourages shared experiences. The informal gathering is encouraged in this design, along with promoting interaction and flexibility between interior and exterior spaces. Placing these spaces at the rooftop level also allows us to create a private retreat while offering expansive views of the surrounding views, in line with the modern idea of multi-trained, experience-driven living spaces. Such a harmonizing approach solves between evolving needs of lifestyle and is situated within the villa’s luxurious coastal scenery.

Environmental considerations and weather resilience played a crucial role in material selection and structural design. We chose durable, weather-resistant materials, like high-quality claddings and concrete, to withstand the coastal environment's exposure to moisture and salt. These materials ensure the longevity and structural integrity of the villas. Additionally, the design prioritizes natural ventilation and sun exposure, reducing energy consumption and enhancing comfort, while the layout ensures stability against wind and coastal weather conditions.

Throughout the project timeline, key design evolution moments included refining the integration of the villas with different details including all the structural works and every single of furnitures. Early conceptual stages focused on layout flexibility, which evolved into the inclusion of luxury features. As construction progressed, material selection adapted to ensure weather resilience, with attention to coastal conditions. Constant collaboration with engineers allowed us to fine-tune structural elements to ensure both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability, ultimately shaping the final refined design.

With energy-efficient design and use of weather-resistant materials alongside harmonious interaction with the landscape, the project serves as a precedent for future development that is environmentally sensitive and provides better quality of life for residents. We believe that being on this path will affect other projects, espousing the need for eco-zestingly oriented design approaches to combine contemporary luxury with environmental responsibility, particularly in the coastal zones, where sustainability is the primary concern.