Güneş Direk

Güneş Direk is driven by an enormous creative power: at Nightnurse, the creative mind deals with visualizations, knowledge and organizational systems. He recharges his batteries on his roof garden and with his synthesizer.

What stages of your career have you completed?
I studied architecture at the Technical University in Istanbul, then worked at the Cobe architecture firm in Copenhagen and studied Computer Aided Architectural Design at ETH Zurich. I have worked on various projects as a freelancer in the fields of visualization, programming and art and joined Nightnurse in 2012.

What is your personal superpower - and how do you use it?
My superpower is my attention to harmony and coherence. I strive to design systems that are complete, whether they are images, organizational structures or musical compositions. The message of my work is always precise and clear. After years of making visualizations, I am now more concerned with the design of organizational structures, knowledge systems and collaboration processes.

What brought you to Nightnurse?
I've always been fascinated by architecture. But I realized early on that the entire architectural process from design to construction was far too long and multi-faceted for me. I wanted to take on a specialized role where I could have complete control over the finished product and make the biggest impact. My interest in visual design and the perfect working environment at Nightnurse came together.

Which spaces or places fascinate you in particular and why?
Forests. The density of information in the forest is in stark contrast to the quiet retreat that the trees offer. I can immerse myself and listen to the birdsong, observe details in nature and be endlessly amazed at the sheer complexity of this ecosystem. I feel humble and happy in the forest.

What is the most beautiful thing that has ever been visualized?
The botanical illustrations of Maria Sybilla Merian. Her illustrations were not only aesthetically fascinating, but also set new standards in the field of scientific visualizations. In contrast to her colleagues, as a European illustrator she researched the knowledge of indigenous populations and campaigned for their rights. I also draw inspiration for my work from the architectural photography of Ezra Stoller and the comics of Chris Ware.

What do you love doing, when you're not working as a Nightnurse?
My meditation practice influences me a lot. I focus mindfully on small projects like composing on my analog synthesizers, cooking for family, friends and neighbors or tending to our rooftop garden.