Natura January - February 2012 | Page 73

is produced. These are the steps where the extraction of slabs takes place. Aiming to achieve a similar effect to the way marble looks in these early stages, the architect prefers to have relatively unfinished surfaces in his design. Such an approach to aesthetics echoes a number of renowned examples from architectural history, such as the bare stone façade of San Lorenzo Basilica, a famous building dating back to the Florentine Renaissance. Of course, the architect’s aim is not motivated only by personal aesthetic preferences. The rawness of the marble surface, considered alongside the dark colors such as black and grey that dominate the design, serves a particular purpose. This is to establish a certain degree of contrast between architectural elements and the garments displayed in the building. Much like a stage, the crude aesthetics of Özden’s design seek to leave the floor to Gizia’s bright, shiny and vibrant fashion designs. The entrance of Gizia Head Office & Showroom amplifies the company’s brand identity. Located here is a reflection pool that can also serve as a podium. It is intended to relieve the incoming visitor who is predicted to have left the city’s chaos behind as one enters this interior space. The architect suggests that the pool unexpecte Fǒ