G.A.U. Head of Architecture Department Zeynep Onur:
‘We expelled protective spirits of Cyprus’

Some sees them as simply decorators; however the job of interior architects is to “create spaces”. Complaining of not being widely known and not having legislation, interior architects have a significant contribution to architecture sector. Our interview with Girne American University Head of Architecture Department Zeynep Onur and Head of Interior Architecture Department Ayer Kaşif offers a chance for us to understand the problems of interior architecture, and for the sector to get better use of them.

Interior architecture is not widely known in Cyprus. Can you please give us some informaton concerning the sphere of responsibility?
Zeynep Onur: Actually, it is hard to make a certain distinction between architecture and interior architecture. However, the scope of application that interior architecture encompasses is comparatively wider than architecture. Because, there is a considerable amount of buildings worldwide; including those which are very important and indispensable as well. There are some kinds of buildings that have become a part of city-centre inevitably as the cities enlarge, and consequently have grown incapable of meeting the demands today; such as old factories, huge storehouses, and prisons. These buildings must be adapted to meet recent needs. Interior architects take the job at this point. That is to say; interior architects have a mission to renovate the existent buildings in accordance with its authentic spirit.

What is the condition of interior architecture in Cyprus?
Z.O.: An interior architect is to get use of numerous materials in creating an interior space; so, she or he is to have adequate knowledge concerning these kinds of materials. Unfortunately in Cyprus, it is not possible to find workshops providing the kinds of services that an interior architect might get use of. For instance, chairs are not produced in Cyprus. Consequently, interior architects cannot get their designs produced in Cyprus. They are forced to use ready-made materials, as it is costly to get them produced aboard and shipped. However, in Cyprus we have estimable interior architects whose work is impressing; yet they have to work on limited materials.    Therefore, their offices are generally formed into show rooms.

INTERIOR ARCHITECT IS NOT (SIMPLY) A DECORATOR
Taking it more generally, what are the responsibilities of an architect in a construction?
Ayef Kaşif: Actually, construction belongs to the architect. It is architect who designs the building, and follows the application in the forthcoming phases. Architects might take on responsibility as construction supervisor. The architect is the main component of a construction, but not the sole one. The architect cooperates with civil engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, landscape architect, and interior architect.

May the task of an interior architect start before the completion of a building?
A.K.: Undoubtedly. The task of an interior architect may well begin in the design phase of a construction. Architect might choose to work with an interior architect while designing the building. That is to say, interior architect might participate in designing a space. Following the completion of construction, interior architect gets involved especially in the phase of furnishings, either stable or mobile. However, it is not right to associate interior architect with decoration only. The task of the interior architect is to create interior space.

What does an interior architect consider in the process of designing an interior space?
Z.O.: Houses are built to meet the vital needs of people. Designing of houses begins with the answers to the questions concerning the life-style and habits of those people. I wish it would be possible for everyone to design their own houses. Because, when you enter a flat of a block, you know where to place TV unit, closet or shoe cupboard. Architecture intervenes so much to people’s lives; can everyone share the same life-style?
A.K.: Client’s concern is of primary importance in designing a space. The demands of the client and the function of the building are combined; whether the client wants a house, a hospital, a shop or an office built. We ask for the special demands and needs of the client; for instance how many bedrooms does he or she require, whether he or she wants to have a working room, etc. We begin the designing process following a visit to the land.

You are mentioning the ideals. What about the real condition of Cypus now?
A.K.: There is a noticeable increase in Cyprus within these last 4-5 years. Contractors are among the biggest clients as they are currently in process of running numerous constructions. Under the process, they either employ or consult an architect. In Cyprus, build&sell concept is widely prevalent. Those who are not professional contractors are working as contractors nowadays. Thankfully, Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association has contributed a lot in settling the condition by taking it under control; but people had been unpleasant for last 4-5 years. Companies that lack quality and good design have constructed buildings of poor quality on our land.

CYPRUS ON THE EDGE OF LOSING IDENTITY
Now that we are talking of problems; can you say, what are the problems of construction sector in Cyprus, through the eyes of an architect? 
A.K.: There is a highly ungoverned operation going on from beginning to the end. Municipalities and local authorities that are liable to control the constructions on process are insufficient in carrying out their work. They are even sometimes unaware of the completion of the construction. A good deal of illegal business is taking place and above all the nature is being destroyed. The beauty of our land is diminishing. These are the conditions we encounter within the last 4-5 years. Besides, there are problems of infrastructure. It seems, we will encounter a serious shortage of water in near future. The electricity is going out everyday. I believe, within 3 years time, we will see hundreds of empty blocks everywhere.
Z.O.: It is generally contractors who are in charge of construction business in Cyprus. A contractor makes the submission of a project designed by the architect, and follows the application phase. Still, when the contractor gets the approval, he or she erects the building in Alsancak (?) or in Tatlısu (Akanthou) or Lefkoşa (Nicosia) or even in Karpas as long as the dimensions of the land permit. However, architects do mind something: that is identity! There is a Mediterranean identity in Cyprus with unbelievably beautiful Mediterranean architectural style. But now, these individual buildings erected everywhere without consideration, spoils this identity resulting in a loss of identity.

What is the solution in your opinion?
A.K.: Inspection, for sure. Besides, the lands available for construction should be defined with a master plan. Nowadays, it is common to start constructions on each land that is easy to buy. However, it should not be that easy to construct whatever you like wherever you desire.

What is the condition of human resources for interior architecture in Cyprus?
A.K.: There is a good number of interior architects in Cyprus; however, interior architecture is not widely known. People do not know how to get use of an interior architect in the process of constructing a building. The first Turkish architect to arrive in our island was Ahmet Bahaeddin in 1952. I am the fourth architect of the Cypriot Turkish. I observed that our job was being held by technicians when I arrived on this land after having graduated from Istanbul Technical University. We struggled a lot to get our profession acknowledged. We founded Union of the Chambers of Cyprus Turkish Engineers and Architects in 1960. I was the first chairperson of the Chamber of Architects. It is now time for interior architects to give a similar struggle. I observe that they are working hard and I believe a chamber will be established in near future.

What is the most important problem of interior architects?
A.K.: Architecture is a legal profession. Municipalities or local authorities demand the architect’s signature when approving a construction project. However, interior architects do not have signing authority in their own field. They are working hard to obtain this right. I see there is a lack of awareness in this matter among people. Interior architects are widely accepted as simply decorators. An interior architect is not someone to choose furnishings and curtains.

Are there in legislation? eksiklikler
A.K.: There is no such legislation for interior architecture! Therefore, everyone is doing what an interior architect is supposed to do. None of the authorities ask for the signature of an interior architect at any phase.

WE DO NOT USE STONE IN BUILDINGS
Cyprus has a very rich historical background. It is possible to see ancient remains everywhere. Is it possible to talk about a Cyprus-style in architecture?
A.K.: It is not possible, I am afraid. We have unfortunately lost what we once had…

What we once had…?
A.K.: There was an architectural style authentic to this country, getting denser especially in the villages’ area. Unfortunately we have lost that very texture. Once there was an authentic material of our island, which is not used anymore.

What is this authentic material?
A.K.: Adobe and stone. We use stone today; we have valuable stones, but we build the walls around lots using that stone. Stonecraft is almost diminished. New craftsmen have been arriving from Turkey recently, though; thanks to that it is possible to see wonderful stonecraft in some places. But we do not use stones in the construction of buildings. We do not prefer adobe; and adobe-bricks are not produced anymore accordingly. However, these materials are obviously appropriate for the climate of this country. Living in houses made of bricks, we complain of extreme hot in summer-time and extreme cold in winter-time. Instead, if 50-cm stones were used in constructions, the walls would not allow neither hot nor cold, creating the effect of climatisation itself.

What measures should be taken in order to prevent Cyprus-style houses from diminishing away?
A.K.: We should protect these houses, but keep in mind that each epoch has its own authentic style. It would be impossible to produce something new if we strictly followed the style of 300 years ago. This would mean living in the shadow of past.

Still, it is possible to create conventional yet modern buildings by combining the characteristics of each epoch with today’s technology and demands…
A.K.: Undoubtedly... What you are talking about is our cultural heritage. Let me explain through an example: there is a mosque at Kocatepe, Ankara. It is unfortunately nothing more than a poor copy of Sinan’s work. However, it was the design of Vedat Dalokay that had won the contest for the construction of a new mosque in the district. Dalokay’s project was not realized; the poor copy that we have today was erected, instead. If Dalokay’s work had been built, it would be a distinguished example today. Rather, we have a poor copy of the style of 300 years ago. We should not let the same mistake happen here. The characteristics of that epoch, the function of the building, the mind of that era were completely different. You cannot simply adopt the same thinking style. Technology has changed and developed so far. We are to build the beautiful buildings of today.

Z.O.: Certain formal components are attached to buildings under the name of applying traditional 
architecture; as in the example of Kocatepe. You see bungalows with arches before them on the way 
out of our university, for instance. Those arches are very significant in Mediterranean architecture, 
providing shadow for indoors. Uncharacteristically, these arches are open; which means they are 
incapable of providing any shadow. Furthermore, they do not bear any aesthetic value. But they are 
gradually welcomed. Architecture should tell something, in a way. If you present your buildings in 
this way, then buyers would consider house-buying process a catalogue-work, as if choosing a dress. 
However, every place has a specific situation. Let me explain this through a myth: there is an 
ancient concept of Romans, “Genius Loci”. It means “spirit of a place”. Romans believed that each 
place had a spirit, and they cared for these spirits not to escape but reside there, when they enter a 
place. Because, they believed these spirits were protective. This concept has been the problem for 
architects for many years; responding the spirit of the place. Unfortunately, we expelled all its spirits
from Cyprus; nothing protective is left anymore. 

CYPRUS MAY WELL BE A MODEL
Similarly, Germans has a concept "Zeit Geist", the spirit of the time... Can we say the spirits of both time and place have disappeared from Cyprus?
Z.O.: Yes, undoubtedly… However, this demand for structuring that increased in the last 3-4 years might have produced a marvellous result. Around Cyprus, there are a number of buildings of Ahmet Bahaeddin, whom Mr. Ayer Kaşif has mentioned. But particularly, the villas that he built in Köşeçiftlik not only reflect the Mediterranean identity but also bear modern characteristics. Getting use of new materials and contemporary technology should not be understood as denying the tradition. If cultural heritage of Cyprus had been taken in consideration in this construction glut, our island would have been a marvellous country. Still, I believe it has a chance. Despite all this, Cyprus can step forward to create its identity of today without losing its own by changing some things from now on. What we need is that estate agencies not act as contractors and vice versa. Not everyone should behave like contractors. I mean, the market should not be a space focused on sale in order to consume the needs.

Your ideas on this matter are highly important, because this attitude may increase the value of both land and buildings. When you buy a house from Cannes or Ibiza, it does not offer you only land, sun or sea; but a vision and a cultural heritage. It offers you a life-style above all.
Z.O.: Undoubtedly... You can see hip roofed houses in Cyprus, for instance, which is actually specific to northern countries such as Sweden and Finland. However, in a land that is famous for its sun, this kind of roof built in order to prevent the accumulation of snow is rather strange!

Besides, houses to be built in accordance with this opinion would go beyond its value. It may appear costly at first, but it would be advantageous in time.
Z.O.: Cyprus should decide on its identity correctly and stand as a model, in order to gain this kind of value. It is less prestigious to sell Finnish style of houses at some part of the island, Swedish style at the other part, and German style at another. This means also, using the land in right purpose. On the other hand, construction should consider green open-space areas. It was on our way to fishing that I saw a large green land destroyed inconsiderately for construction. Following the completion of the construction, I believe, they will try to replant what they had destroyed. However, it is nonsense to destroy the natural and create something unnatural. Projects should be in accordance with the nature.

ADVISES FOR HOUSE-BUYERS
What are your advices as an architect and an interior architect for those who wish to buy a house in Cyprus?
A.K.: There are numerous things to consider in the process of buying a house… Present condition allows for many important mistakes. For instance, any project cannot be applied to any land; basically, the situation of the land is very important. This construction glut ignores situation of the land. Sun’s falling angles and the rooms to receive the sun accordingly are not taken into consideration in the process of constructing row houses. Bedrooms are situated either north side or west or east disregardingly. Besides, climate conditions are of great importance. It is significant to know whether the building is constructed in accordance with the climate. Additionally, the quality of the material is consequential. It is necessary to check if the construction complies with earthquake specifications.

(Construction Magazine / April 2006)
Translated by Aslı Özgen

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