MARBLE İZMİR Continues to Bring Young Talents into the Industry
As part of MARBLE İZMİR – 30th International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, the 7th International Different Natural Stone Design Competition, organized under the theme of "furniture," received applications from 892 young designer candidates from 12 countries this year. Out of 33 shortlisted projects, 25 designs were selected for production. At MARBLE İZMİR, which continues to introduce new talents to the industry, innovative furniture designs made from natural stone will come to life.
MARBLE İZMİR Prepares to Open Its Doors for the 30th Time
One of İzmir’s most iconic fairs, MARBLE İZMİR – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, is preparing to open its doors to the world for the 30th time on April 9-12, 2025. As a global meeting point in the industry, MARBLE İZMİR will once again support young designers through its 7th International Different Natural Stone Design Competition. The competition, held under the theme of “furniture”, attracted 892 young designers from 66 universities across 12 countries. Among 33 shortlisted projects, 25 designs were selected for production. Thus, within the scope of the 30th MARBLE İZMİR, innovative furniture designs made with natural stone will come to life.
Young Designers and Manufacturers Meet
During the designer-company meeting held at Fuar İzmir, young talents presented their designs to leading manufacturers in the sector. The 25 projects will be produced by Alimoğlu Afyon, Alimoğlu İzmir Marble & Granite, Başaranlar, Çemar, Çizgi Mermer, Golder, Goldmer, Gürmas Gürel, İz Granit, Kar Maden, Laodikya, Marble Shop, Megamer, Naçev, and Sirmersan. Thanks to the collaboration between young designers and manufacturing companies, the competition aims to expand the presence of natural stone furniture designs in the industry and contribute to exports.
Aiming to bring a new vision to the natural stone industry, the competition also seeks to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and contribute to the national economy by promoting high-value-added, eco-friendly, and sustainable projects.
A Cash Prize of 600,000 TL
The produced designs will compete in the final stage of the competition, where a total cash prize of 600,000 TL will be awarded. The final and award ceremony will take place on April 9. Winning designers will also receive design registration, international fair participation, holiday and internship rewards, and a special university award (3D Printer), among other additional supports.
A Jury of Academicians, Designers, and Industry Representatives
The jury for the competition includes:
Dr. A. Can Özcan (Assistant Professor)
Adnan Serbest (Industrial Designer)
Ahmet Toplu (Industrial Designer)
Atilla Kuzu (Interior Architect)
Assoc. Prof. Ayşem G. Başar
Dr. Elif Kocabıyık (Assistant Professor)
Esra Kazmirci (Interior Architect)
Prof. Dr. Faruk Çalapkulu
Gökhan Karakuş (Designer, Curator, Consultant)
Prof. Dr. Ilia Palaguta
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Koray Gelmez
Prof. Dr. M. Lütfi Hidayetoğlu
Prof. Marinella Ferrara
Prof. Michal Stefanowski
Oben İnceler (Industry Representative)
Prof. Dr. Önder Küçükerman
Öznur Turan Eke (Architect)
Remzi Boncuk (Industry Representative)
Prof. Dr. S. Meltem Özkahraman Şen
Sabri Bora (Industry Representative)
Prof. Dr. Serkan Güneş
