Mimar Sinan Museum and Architecture Center,

Kayseri 2021  |  Selim Atak, Yusuf Çetin

 

In today's world, natural and national parks are protected by strict regulations, leaving only a small portion of untouched, non-artificial nature on Earth. In contrast, a planned park is a purposefully designed imitation of nature tailored for human use. Taking this concept further, we can consider human-made structures as the new "natural" for our species. In the proposed design, the first thing intended to be produced is a product of human's new "natural," which contrasts with this artificiality. The project area is integrated as an built part of the park, with the entire space covered by the proposed building. The building acts as a physical boundary, separating the provided public spaces from the park, ensuring they are perceived as part of the Museum and Architecture Center.

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In accordance with the overarching design decision, the project area has been elevated to a single floor level, and at its center, a circular inner garden has been created, oriented towards the desired functions. This inner garden serves as an activity space that connects different areas, such as the Mimar Sinan Museum, architecture library, multipurpose hall, workshops, and classrooms, to the central hub. It not only facilitates user flow but also invites users to engage with the green space as an activity area. The spacious inner garden is enriched with connected courtyards, semi-open spaces, and user-friendly lower levels, creating a dynamic and inviting environment. The design aims to provide visitors with a unique and enjoyable experience, offering diverse open and enclosed areas to spend time in. To break away from monotonous horizontal design, the single-story layout is strategically interrupted at two points on the vertical plane. The elevated multipurpose hall meets functional requirements, while the elevated permanent exhibition hall offers visitors an unexpected and memorable space, concealed from the outside.