A transcontinental call from Marble İzmir: “Use natural stone

A Transcontinental Call from Marble İzmir: "Use Natural Stone"

On Thursday, March 31, 2022, the second day of the fair, international natural stone experts participated in discussions on the global status of natural stone as part of Marble İzmir. The Marble Talks, held in two different sessions—"Man-Made Materials vs. Natural Stone: Exterior Applications" and "Different Uses of Marble in Design and Architecture"—took place in the seminar hall B at Fuarizmir.

Experts from the USA, Iran, Qatar, and Poland participated in these talks.

During the session titled "Man-Made Materials vs. Natural Stone: Exterior Applications," stone expert Daniel Wood from the Natural Stone Institute (USA) emphasized the importance of using natural stone over artificial materials such as ceramics.

The session "Different Uses of Marble in Design and Architecture" was moderated by İlker Kahraman, Chairman of the Board of the Izmir Branch of the Chamber of Architects. Panelists included Prof. Michal Stefanowski from the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts, stone expert Daniel Wood from the Natural Stone Institute, Feryel Chebeane from the Qatar Architects Center, and architect Soheil Motevaselani Pour. These international natural stone experts made significant statements about the importance and various applications of natural stone during the 27th Marble İzmir Fair.

Natural Stone: "A Living and Timeless Entity"

Daniel Wood, a stone expert on the education committee of the Natural Stone Institute and a previous speaker at the fair, highlighted the sustainability of natural stone in the session "Natural Stone and Man-Made Materials."

He stated:
"We recognize natural stone as a crucial material due to its durability and timeless aesthetics. When examining natural stone physically, we see that it forms through sedimentation and volcanic eruptions, containing various minerals, colors, textures, and energy. Unlike natural stone, man-made materials are less aesthetically pleasing, have a shorter lifespan, are more costly, and appear artificial. Looking at natural stone from a flexibility and performance perspective, we find that it can be repaired, cleaned, and transformed during restoration. Its flexibility in design, durability, and versatility allow it to withstand hundreds or even thousands of years. You are fortunate to have many historical monuments and structures in your country made of natural stone that still stand with their unique aesthetics. That is why natural stone is a timeless and living entity."

Natural Materials Should Be Used in Architecture and Design

The second session, "Different Uses of Marble in Design and Architecture," was moderated by İlker Kahraman, Chairman of the Board of the Izmir Branch of the Chamber of Architects. The first speaker was stone expert Daniel Wood from the Natural Stone Institute. He gave a visual presentation on major monuments, historical artifacts, sculptures, and modern architectural works constructed with natural stone. Emphasizing the importance of sustainability and nature conservation, he stated:
"Natural materials should be used in architecture and design."

Nature is Our Teacher

Another international expert participating in the session was Iranian architect Soheil Motevaselani Pour. He explained that he uses natural stone in his projects and takes inspiration from nature in his designs, incorporating its colors and shapes. Pour stated:
"Nature is our teacher; today, we must continue on our path by adhering to traditional approaches while integrating modern elements into our designs."

Marble: A Symbol of Elegance in Design

Feryel Chebeane, a member of the Qatar Architects Center and an architectural engineer specializing in design and technical specifications, was another expert speaker. Expressing her gratitude for the invitation, she stated:
"Sustainability in architecture is entirely dependent on the materials we use. Looking at marble, the main material of this fair, we all enjoy working with it."

Well-Designed Marble Can Last for Generations

The final speaker of the session was Prof. Michal Stefanowski from the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts. Stefanowski also served as a jury member for the 4th Unique Natural Stone Design Competition, held as part of the 27th Marble İzmir Fair.

An industrial designer who writes articles, organizes competitions, and has received national design awards, Stefanowski commented:
"When marble is used with other materials, sustainable and highly effective designs emerge. This competition has shown me that. I have seen new, young Turkish designers here, and I was very impressed by them."