Fresh Ideas - Kamber Aydin

One word that best describes how you work: Communicative. Communication is paramount in our line of work. It's not just about speaking; it also involves actively listening and understanding the needs of others. Sometimes I find myself talking to strangers in the supermarket or in the queue of the post office.

Favourite website: I like exploring the Design Milk Website. As an architect, my interests extend beyond just architecture to encompass art, design, and advertising. It's a platform where I can immerse myself in a plethora of disciplines, staying up-to-date with the latest ideas and technologies while also finding inspiration. Their slogan, 'always fresh, never sour,' perfectly encapsulates my approach.

First of all, tell us a little about your background and how you got to where you are today: From an early age, I had an innate drive to craft and shape rooms and environments – whether this involved draping blankets over furniture, fashioning nooks within mounds of snow, or assembling wooden boards to construct tangible spaces for myself, my friends and family. These endeavours sparked my passion for creating and designing spaces, laying the foundation for my lifelong fascination with shaping the world around me.

My favourite subjects in school were mathematics and art, so it was no surprise that I pursued architecture in Germany.

During my studies, I took the opportunity to travel, enriching my understanding of diverse cultures and connecting with people from all walks of life. These experiences not only broadened my horizons but also fostered personal growth and self-discovery.

Favourite piece of architecture: This has to be the Kolumba museum by Peter Zumthor. A very good example of combining old and new which creates a dynamic and captivating synergy. Also love the works of Le Corbusier such as Unité d’habitation and the Villa Savoye.

What motivates you? Crafting spaces that evoke genuine emotional connections with people. It's not solely about the end outcome; I value the journey of the creative process just as much.

What is your process of finding the answers to creative problems? Trying to understand the clients needs and desires is the most important step. After that I usually try an experimental approach with changing views and angles from time to time. When things get tough, I always try to stay positive and take a little stroll. It works wonders.

Tell us about a moment when you knew that it was all worth the hard work: The outcome of project might not seem certain at first, and the final result might seem distant. However, with endurance and dedicated effort, hard work eventually yields its rewards. While there may not be a singular defining moment, many of my projects resembled a long hike leading to a picturesque beach. The anticipation of a brilliant outcome permeates each step, propelling me forward.

Where is architecture going? What’s the next big thing? We’re living in a time marked by significant demographic and environmental changes; it is crucial for architecture to be responsive. We must approach the design of spaces, particularly cities, with thoughtful consideration. It entails comprehending the existing built environments and adjusting their utilisation to meet the new challenges that lie ahead in our future. At Fresh, we are eager to make our mark and shape the spaces of tomorrow through our contributions.

How do you recharge? What do you do when you want to forget about work? I put 90’s music on, start my home espresso machine and prepare a cup of coffee. Sometimes I get too nerdy about it but I celebrate the process. Since my work is also my passion and i am confronted with design on a daily basis, it does not really exhaust me. However if I want to free my mind I hit the gym or watch cat videos.

What book are you currently reading? "The Museum of Innocence" by Orhan Pamuk. It's an unconventional love story set in my favourite city, Istanbul. It transports me to nostalgic memories of the city's distinct ambiance and evokes a sense of its rich heritage. At the same time, it explores the societal divide in Turkey, where liberal and traditional values intersect and clash.

What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now? Embracing experimentation and taking more risks. I've come to accept that failure can also be a step towards success and stepping out of my comfort zone has proven to be a significant growth opportunity. Although I learned this lesson relatively late, I now understand the importance of pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territories. Starting my day with a cold shower in the morning helps to wake me up but it’s not something I will ever get used to.