Mehmet Kalyoncu: “We Need to Collaborate With Nature”
In Platin magazine’s #PlatinPortre interview, Mehmet Kalyoncu described his approach, which spans urban planning and architecture as well as business and social responsibility. Kalyoncu emphasized that the cities of the future should be conceived not only in terms of buildings and infrastructure, but around people, conscience, nature and a shared culture of living together.
Sharing his views on the future of cities in the interview, Kalyoncu placed the relationship between people and nature at the center of his approach to urbanism with the words: “We need cities that are harmonious, conscientious, compassionate, fluid and collaborative. We need to collaborate with nature.”
What Should a Conscientious City Be Like?
One of the prominent concepts in Mehmet Kalyoncu’s approach to cities is the “conscientious city.” According to Kalyoncu, a city’s success should not be measured only by its architectural quality, size or economic power. The fair distribution of the city’s opportunities and resources to all segments of society should also be one of the fundamental elements of urban life.
Kalyoncu expresses this approach with the words: “A conscientious city is a place where the city’s resources are provided fairly to all of its residents.”
This perspective points to the need to approach the many elements that make up city life, from public spaces and transportation to green areas and social amenities, in a people-centered way.
Not Struggling Against Nature, but Collaborating With It
Another key topic of the interview was the relationship cities establish with nature. Rather than seeing nature as something outside of or opposed to cities, Kalyoncu advocates an approach that makes it a natural part of urban planning.
Considering the disasters of recent years, climate change and rapidly growing cities, cities in harmony with nature are becoming ever more important. Kalyoncu’s view that “we need to collaborate with nature” also shows that architecture and urban planning should be shaped not only by today’s needs but by the living conditions of future generations.
Architecture, Music and Urbanism Together
In the interview, Mehmet Kalyoncu talks not only about his urban planning work but also about the different fields that shape his personal world. His architectural style, business vision and identity as a musician form different aspects of Kalyoncu’s approach to creating.
The work he has carried out and the ideas he has developed after the February 6 earthquakes in particular form an important part of this approach. The massive destruction has brought back to the agenda not only how cities are built, but also what kind of living culture they offer.
The perspective Kalyoncu puts forward does not view the cities of the future solely in terms of constructing new buildings. It emphasizes that the relationships people build with one another, with the city they live in and with nature are also decisive for the future of cities.
In this context, conscientious, compassionate, collaborative cities in harmony with nature are among the core concepts of Mehmet Kalyoncu’s vision for urbanism.