Architect Resul Saraç

In this interview with Architect Resul Saraç, we discussed the role of brick and natural materials in design, as well as the material properties of brick in architectural projects.
The conversation touches on both technical details and inspiring insights, offering a valuable perspective for those interested in the role of brick in architecture.

ARCHITECT RESUL SARAÇ:
“Materials actually tell a story — they carry a past. When I look at a brick, it is far more powerful for me to see and feel that tradition of craftsmanship shaped by the hands of our ancestors thousands of years ago.”

QUESTION 1:

As someone who has visited and evaluated the Manisa Kurtuluş Museum on site, what was your first impression when you saw it? How would you assess the structure from an architectural perspective?

RESUL SARAÇ:

It is a very special building. Ömer Selçuk Baz is also an architect we admire. There are truly interesting and contemporary experiments there. It is a very impressive structure. The fact that it is built with brick adds a completely different dimension. We place great value on materials; we believe that materials can transform everything and redefine the entire meaning.

The authenticity of materials is also very important to us. One of the biggest issues we face today is that clients tend to choose “imitation” materials due to cost concerns. I understand their perspective, but in our projects, we always aim to guide them towards natural materials — and brick is one of them.

In fact, I was quite surprised at first — why was brick used so little? About 10 years ago, I genuinely could not understand why it was not preferred more. Brick is a material that is abundant in these lands and has been widely used throughout history. Yet somehow, over the past 10–20–30 years, its use seems to have gradually declined.

Recently, however, I must thank you — brick manufacturers are doing a very good job. We want buildings to be well executed. Details and accurate knowledge are extremely important for us. In the end, we also offer a product, and a good company delivers good work. We enjoy striving for that.

That is why it is very important for the manufacturer to stand by us. Because we cannot always ensure correct production on site, and I believe this is one of our biggest challenges. There is a serious quality issue. If the right people produce the right materials and we apply them correctly on site, the building truly begins to come together. Otherwise, I may imagine something extraordinary, but unfortunately, the result may not reflect that vision. You may produce the best material, but if it cannot be properly applied, it loses its value.

QUESTION 2:

What does it mean to you that bricks are produced entirely by hand? What kind of impression does this leave on you?

RESUL SARAÇ:

For me, a material produced by hand always feels more special and of higher quality. We also like and use materials like Sinterflex; its flawless and precise structure has its own value. However, sometimes those small imperfections that come from human touch — which I do not even consider flaws — make each product unique, and I find that much more appealing.

To be honest, until I saw that bricks are truly handmade, I would not have imagined it. Even though I am in this field, I had never thought it could be done entirely by hand. That is why I truly appreciate your work. The fact that this system still continues is remarkable.

QUESTION 3:

When incorporating brick into your projects, what primarily influences your preference — its aesthetic impact, durability, or the character and spirit it brings to the structure?

RESUL SARAÇ:

In fact, all of these factors are important to us. The first impression of a project is critical — the colour, texture, and the historical depth that brick carries are extremely valuable.

In our architectural design approach, there are three stages:

• The impact we perceive from a distance,
• The texture and details we feel as we approach the structure,
• The relationship formed when we touch it closely and observe its finer details.

This is why we love brick. We also appreciate plaster and natural wood. In essence, we love natural materials, but implementing them in projects is not always easy. From a distance, everything may look complete, but the material must also offer something when viewed up close. In this sense, the natural warmth and authenticity of brick affect us deeply.

Another important aspect is detailing, especially finishing details. We love touching buildings. Anyone can see a structure from afar, but the historical reference you feel when you approach and touch it is incredibly valuable. The fact that brick comes from the earth makes it even more special.

Materials tell a story — they carry a past. When I look at a brick, it is much more impactful for me to see and feel that tradition of craftsmanship shaped by the hands of our ancestors thousands of years ago.
For this reason, handmade facing bricks cannot easily be replaced by any other material. The perspective, philosophy, and historical value of the bricks you produce become far more meaningful because they are handmade. And this value does not easily fade.