Memedi M.Narin
Memedi Narin's journey is one of bold innovation, calculated risks, and a deep connection to the global cities where he has left a lasting impact. From the streets of Kayseri to the vibrant cities of Adana, Bournemouth, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and now California, Memedi's path is marked by visionary leadership and daring ventures. Along the way, he earned the title "The First Man to Eat the Crab," a Chinese expression for those brave enough to venture where no one else dares. This title reflects not only his successes but also his willingness to embrace both victories and failures as part of his learning journey.
The Origins of "The First Man to Eat the Crab"
In China, there's a saying that honors the courage of the first person who dared to eat a crab—a metaphor for those who are brave enough to explore the unknown. Memedi Narin earned this title during his time in China, where he boldly ventured into unexplored sectors, particularly in urban infrastructure and street furniture projects. His transformative work on Shanghai's urban landscape, including the redevelopment of kiosks and street furniture, garnered widespread recognition and established him as an innovator unafraid to break new ground.
Qumbet: A Testament to Visionary Urban Design
Memedi's company, Qumbet, has led urban transformation by creating functional yet beautifully crafted street furniture that seamlessly integrates into cityscapes. From kiosks to bus shelters, Qumbet's designs reflect local cultures, enhancing the identity of 16 major metropolitan cities, including Shanghai and Istanbul.
One of Qumbet's most notable achievements came in Shanghai, where the company won a 15-year contract to develop cultural news kiosks. With over 2,200 kiosks installed and an impressive 82% public approval rating, the project was valued at $29 million in its first year. This success solidified Memedi's reputation as a visionary in urban design.
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Award-Winning Projects: 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games - Coordinated Street Furniture Renewal and Mumbai
Memedi's international success extended to India, where his partnership with Reliance Group during the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games led to the award-winning Coordinated Street Furniture Renewal project. This large-scale urban initiative included a variety of street furniture, from bus shelters to kiosks, playing a critical role in upgrading the city's infrastructure for the games. Combined with his work in Mumbai, where Qumbet developed air-conditioned bus shelters, snack kiosks, and information stands, Memedi gained international recognition as a leader in urban design.
These projects showcase Memedi's ability to create harmonious designs that meet the diverse needs of modern cities, while earning awards and accolades along the way. His work in India is a prime example of how thoughtful urban design can enhance the lives of millions while reflecting local culture in every aspect of the project.
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Strategic Partnerships: JC Decaux, Reliance Group, and Nokia
One of Memedi's greatest strengths is his ability to forge strategic partnerships that amplify his vision. In China, Memedi secured a groundbreaking partnership with JC Decaux, the French street furniture giant that traditionally monopolized the market. This collaboration broke through the industry’s stronghold, allowing Qumbet to thrive and expand its reach across numerous urban projects.
In India, his partnership with Reliance Group transformed major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai, setting a new standard for street furniture and urban infrastructure. His ability to collaborate with industry leaders allowed him to scale projects quickly and deliver innovative solutions that earned both public and industry recognition.
In Turkey, Memedi also formed a strategic alliance with Koç Group and Nokia Communications to introduce cutting-edge smart city solutions. This partnership brought advanced technology to urban spaces, further diversifying Qumbet’s portfolio and positioning the company at the forefront of modern urban design.
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Success and Failure: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Memedi believes that success and failure are equally important. While his New York Bus Shelters project was a proud achievement, he also sees his unsuccessful bid for the San Francisco bus shelter design as a valuable learning experience. For Memedi, failures are stepping stones to greater opportunities, and his ability to embrace both success and failure with the same energy reflects his resilient and adaptive mindset.
Building a Legacy: The 5th Wall
Memedi is now preparing to bring Qumbet’s ethos to the United States with his new venture, 5th Wall. Inspired by his global successes, 5th Wall will focus on creating urban spaces that merge the physical and digital worlds, serving as community hubs for the modern era. This next chapter of Memedi’s journey will build on the values of functionality, innovation, and cultural relevance that have defined his career, with a vision to create spaces that reflect the communities they serve.
In every city where he has worked, Memedi’s designs reflect the unique local environment and culture, ensuring that each project is distinct. His vision for 5th Wall integrates digital innovation with urban design, creating retail spaces that foster community and connection.
A Journey of Continuous Evolution
From Turkey to the U.S., from becoming K-Mart’s preferred supplier to leading award-winning urban innovations in China and India, Memedi’s journey is one of continuous evolution. His willingness to be “the first to eat the crab” and his ability to embrace both success and failure make him a leader ready to redefine the future of urban spaces in the United States.
Memedi's story is a reminder that great leadership is about creating trends, not following them. Through bold risks, strategic partnerships, and an unrelenting drive to improve urban environments, Memedi continues to build a legacy that inspires future innovators.
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For more details and to explore the full range of projects and partnerships that shaped Memedi Narin’s journey, you can download the comprehensive files provided.
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Emre G. Mustafa
Mustafa Emre Gözleveli is a visionary designer with a robust background in Urban Planning and Product Design. A graduate of Middle East Technical University (METU) and Istanbul Technical University (ITU), two of Turkey's most prestigious institutions, Mustafa Emre has carved out a distinguished career in urban furniture design. Over the span of 13 years at ISTON, he developed over 100 innovative designs, including Turkey's first-ever standardized Taxi Stand and a pioneering Bus Stop design, which gained international recognition.
In 2016, Mustafa Emre founded Memreg Industrial Design, where he launched two groundbreaking brands: Urbaniture, focused on urban furniture design
Contributor to Phygital Space Innovation
Inspired by the evolving world of phygital design, Mustafa Emre Gözleveli has shared his vision and creative ideas with ALA as a contributor to our Phygital Space concepts.
With a background in Urban Planning and Product Design, he has developed numerous projects and designs internationally, always with a belief that good design can make life better.
His independent work has aligned with our philosophy of the ‘5th Wall’—the invisible layer that connects the tangible and the intangible, creating spaces where people feel both inspired and welcomed.
As an ally and creative voice, Emre continues to bring perspectives that enrich our dialogue about future spaces, while remaining dedicated to his own independent design journey.