Emre Uzun and Selina Sisik are at the forefront of an innovative and daring approach to creating spaces and objects that engage all of the senses. Discover the fascinating world of Studio Akademie, from their passion for experimentation to the driving force behind their unique visual language.

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Could you tell us about your background?

We first met in Izmir, where we both moved to attend university. The city, which is located on the coast and heavily influenced by Mediterranean culture, provided us with a unique opportunity to combine our previous design industry experiences with a newfound passion for experimentation. We came together after several years of working in the field to make our shared vision a reality.

Almost Mirror

What does your design process entail?

Reflecting on our place in the design industry led us to a realization: we yearned to create objects and spaces that could communicate through emotions. That's how Akademie was born, as a platform for us to express ourselves and bring our vision to life.

How did you get your start as a designer, and what drew you to creating?

At the heart of our design process lies a spirit of curiosity, inspiration, and experimentation. Whether it's a movie scene, an art piece, or a visit to a workshop, we find inspiration everywhere and allow it to guide us. Our curiosity drives us to experiment with forms and materials, ultimately resulting in the creation of a distinctive and authentic visual language that serves as a tool for communication.

Pope Vase

Could you tell us more about the creative process behind your works?

The creation of our first collaborative collection, "Almost Mirror," began with hands-on experimentation with forms. By constructing physical models, we explored the potential of various shapes. The introduction of polished stainless steel elevated the collection to new heights with its mesmerizing reflections. The real challenge, and most rewarding part of the process, was finding a way to bring our designs to life using this chosen material.

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What impact did your cultural background have on your work?

Growing up in Turkey, where handcrafts were held in high esteem and various manufacturing techniques were abundant, greatly influenced us. Our design process emphasizes experimentation with production methods to attain the desired form and textures, even if it means a slower pace of progress. We believe that taking the time to try different techniques results in a more refined and authentic end product.

Almost Mirror

What are some things that inspire you?

The works of Jean Prouvé, including his Sun Shutters, Wolfgang Laib's installation "Pollen from Hazelnut," Bernardo Bertolucci's 1970 film "The Conformist," Bernard Tschumi's "Fireworks," and Richard Wilson's sculpture "Stealing Space" are all sources of inspiration for us.

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3 Words that describe your work

Playful, Fantasy, Raw.

Who are some of the most important influences in your work?

Alvar Aalto, Enzo Mari, Eileen Gray, Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec, Raf
Simons.

Pope Vase

What is the most important tool when creating your work?

Building physical models is the most crucial tool in our creative process. It allows us to communicate more effectively with one another and experiment with various aspects of our ideas in a tangible, three-dimensional space. This approach ensures that our work is carefully considered and thoroughly tested before bringing it to life.

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Where do you go for inspiration?

Istanbul is a treasure trove of inspiration, with its abundance of local art galleries, museums, and historical sites. We frequently draw upon this rich cultural landscape to inform and inspire our work.