Systematic Modern: Önder Küçükerman's Holistic Approach to Turkish Interiors

Abstract

The modern interior space is strikingly expressive in terms of reflecting its users' lifestyle products and materials of the time. However there has been a lack recognition of the significance of Turkish interiors and a need to record them. In the absence of surviving modern interiors a combination of literature surveys oral history methods and other cultural products such as literary books films and popular magazines are the most effective ways to obtain a comprehensive story of the day and informed this study through an analysis of the holistic works of a pioneer Turkish designer. Historically the Turkish interior developed organically expanding according to new requirements being carved out from inside to out. This was different from the planned and systematic approach to designing modernist interiors which was not only a matter of a new way of space creation for designers but also a new way of living for inhabitants. This paper focuses on one of the primary forerunners of systematic thinking regarding Turkish design, Önder Küçükerman a Turkish modern interior architect and industrial designer academic who has highlighted the modernist rationale and the connection between academia and industry. His work has directly and indirectly shaped and set criteria regarding modern design in Turkey which have had lasting influences. The paper is framed by four areas of practice that illustrate Küçükerman's influence and impact. First the design process as it relates to interiors second his process and production in relation to furniture design and distribution and third his holistic approach to design be it interior furniture within an architectural context'. The fourth and last area of interest is Küçükerman's particular process and practice in of documentation from his book writing practises to his archival methods. © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.