MARBLE Signs ’Değişik’ in İzmir

MARBLE İzmir Leaves a “Değişik” Mark on the City

The application process for the Young Creative Ideas Platform – “Different” Design Competition, held as part of MARBLE İzmir, one of the world's leading events in its sector, has come to an end. Nearly a hundred designs competed in the “Different” Design Competition, where designs were first evaluated by the jury and then presented to the companies that would produce them. The selected designs will be showcased at MARBLE İzmir from April 1-4, 2020.

As one of the largest global gatherings in the natural stone industry, MARBLE İzmir Fair is preparing to open its doors from İzmir Fairground to the world between April 1-4. The 26th edition of MARBLE İzmir Fair will once again bring the world to İzmir with its diverse offerings, exhibitions that transform into a showcase of natural stone, industry-related machinery, and the latest technologies. Organized by İZFAŞ under the auspices of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the fair has emerged as the sector’s first major event this year. The world's first natural stone gathering will take place at MARBLE İzmir. One of the most significant examples of İZFAŞ’s recent efforts to create a brand identity through design, the Young Creative Ideas Platform once again brought together outstanding designers and innovative designs. The “Different” Design Competition, now in its third year, connected innovative companies with young designers under this unique theme.

Designs Received Great Appreciation

The competition, which recently closed its application process, received nearly a hundred design submissions. During previous editions of MARBLE İzmir Fair, the showcased designs received widespread acclaim from industry professionals, prompting the addition of new designs this year. The first evaluation round was conducted by the jury, who identified designs with strong potential for production. The second stage of the event facilitated direct interaction between the participating companies that would manufacture the designs and the designers themselves. Young designers, using natural stone to create innovative products, presented their work to the audience. The competition featured a wide range of designs, from aquariums to table lamps, and from street furniture to kitchenware. Around 20 products were selected, and these will be brought to life by April 1, the opening date of MARBLE İzmir, and showcased throughout the fair.

Everyone is a Winner

All manufactured projects will receive a special “MARBLE Different Design Award” plaque. Among them, the top three projects will be honored with the “MARBLE Most Different Design Award.” Additionally, the “MARBLE Collaboration Design Award,” another special plaque, will be given to a maximum of two projects that exemplify outstanding collaboration between the designer and the manufacturing company, particularly in the production process. Through this platform, young and creative minds will have the opportunity to showcase their projects and designs focusing on natural stone in collaboration with the industry at MARBLE İzmir Fair.

The Jury Takes the Stage

The jury, chaired by Dr. Can Özcan, Head of the Industrial Design Department at İzmir University of Economics Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, includes esteemed figures such as Prof. Michal Stefanowski, Head of the Department at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw; Prof. Ilia Palaguta, Head of the Art History Department at St. Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design; Dr. Tolga Benli, Acting Head of the Industrial Design Department at Yaşar University; Dr. Elif Kocabıyık, Chair of ETMK İzmir Branch; Prof. Dr. Demet Binan, Head of the Architecture Department at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University; Dr. Koray Gelmez, Vice Chair of the Industrial Product Design Department at Istanbul Technical University; Prof. Dr. Faruk Çalapkulu from Yeditepe University’s Industrial Design Department; Dr. Ayşem G. Başar, Head of the Industrial Product Design Department at Yeditepe University; Remzi Boncuk, Co-Founder of Çizgi Mermer; Architect Metin Kılıç; and Designer Gökhan Karakuş.