WE ARE IN DIALOGUE WITH GÖKHAN AVCIOĞLU
This month, we are hosting architect Gökhan Avcıoğlu, the founder of GAD Architecture, in our “Dialogue” interviews on Lighting Design with our guests from different disciplines of the industry.
We talked about lighting design with Gökhan Avcıoğlu, the founder of GAD Architecture, one of the leading groups in its field in architectural project production, research and design, continuing its activities since 1994.
1. How does light affect your lifestyle in your life, work or home?
Direct effects. Artificial light is amazing when scenarios are created when thought about. It can turn us into a light installation at night. It makes places more enjoyable to live.
2. Which of the following is included in your Lighting Design project/investment? Why?
• Science
• Technical
• Art
I would say all three to this question. Since I always deal with light in a different concept specific to the project, the value it adds to each project is also very different. While it is easier to use light in a more public project, it is certainly more difficult in a residential project where privacy must be considered. In our Exploded House project, which we did in Bodrum about 20 years ago, we discussed the light while constructing the open space – semi-open space. The 4.5-meter-high glasses we used in the project are just like car windows... This unusual use provides an uninterrupted communication between the interior and the exterior. These windows go down completely in hot weather, encouraging natural ventilation, transforming an indoor space into a semi-open space. As a designer, I would like to convey the daylight to every place as much as possible, while providing privacy and shelter in the spaces we build. In the absence of daylight, I am trying to meet this need with artificial light, even with an amusing dramatic effect. The progress of our civilization begins with the discovery of artificial light. In the past there were no nights...
3. Do you think Architectural Lighting Design can add value to the project?
Taking this question from a different angle, I can say that our use of light is shaped according to the project concepts in the areas where we do our projects. This element, which appeals to different areas of use for very different purposes, can take on a different identity in each project and add a different value to the project. In some of our projects, we emphasize the light, while in others we prefer to give it a rather background but important role. For this reason, I can say that the use of light developed within the framework of a concept for me rather than evoking a concept.
4. What do you think the process of working with the Lighting Designer contributed to you as an investor/manager?
I lose interest at the point where "l'esprit, gimmick", fantasy factors are too involved in the use of light.
Working with a good lighting designer takes spaces beyond just lighting. This is a process that is completely shaped according to the project. We are trying to use it in such a way that the reflection effect is minimal, far behind the gaps opened in the Cappadocia project we are currently working on. Of course, this situation develops within the framework of the fullness and emptiness effect that Cappadocia reminds us and how it makes us feel. Our approach to light in our projects has mainly developed in this direction.
As in the Divan Kuruçeşme project, I like the design approach that illuminates the surroundings by reflecting the light from somewhere, if possible, rather than the direct contact of the light source, on the floor, on the wall, on the ceiling. Together with Nergiz Arifoğlu, we revealed these thoughts with different solutions in very different places at Divan Kuruçeşme.