Globally renowned expert on architecture and natural design in stone, Gokhan Karakus, will deliver a comprehensive presentation at the Surface Design Show on, "Natural stone from Turkiye in Architecture and Design". His focus will be on the seamless integration of the Turkish natural stone industry based in the Aegean region of Turkiye with digital and sustainable advancements. Karakus will explore how the industry has embraced digital technology, highlighting its use in quarrying, manufacturing, and design through innovative digital tools and fabrication methods. His presentation will also illuminate the Aegean Turkish natural stone industry's commitment to sustainability and zero waste in production, showcasing cutting-edge practices and eco-friendly initiatives.

Karakus will focus on new techniques and trends in stone design and the frontiers in architectural aesthetics in natural stone. He will look forward while also looking back to the rich history of architecture in stone from Turkiye dating back to prehistoric times. He will delve into the innovative material applications and processes unique to Turkish natural stone in the past today, emphasizing its role as a sustainable material in various design projects. Through engaging case studies, expert in architecture and design in natural stone Karakus will showcase the ingenious use of Turkish natural stone, marrying traditional material with modern design and technology.

The presenter, Gokhan Karakus, is an designer concentrating on the intersection of theory, design and architecture. Educated in architecture at Vassar College and Columbia University in New York, he later set up his design studio Emedya Design in Istanbul Turkey specializing in digital and computational design. Gokhan’s recent work focuses on craft and digital fabrication with material such as stone and ceramic. He also curates, speaks, and writes on trends and strategies in architecture and design for magazines such as Architectural Review, Wallpaper and Icon.