Tarsus Waterfall Community Center
Vague
Flexibility and its sub-concepts were natural subjects in early architectural literature, particularly in pre-industrialization periods. It was observed that spaces were naturally adaptable, reusable, and responsive to changes, yet this was often overlooked. With the liberation of space in the 20th century, flexibility began to be examined through concepts such as spatial changeability, multifunctionality, open-plan layouts, fluid spaces, and transitional areas. These concepts have blurred spatial boundaries, leading to the creation of fluid and ambiguous spaces.
In contemporary architecture, spaces that capture the spirit of the time, accommodate diverse users, and support diverse uses are of great importance, especially in public spaces. The flexibility of buildings supports their transformation to accommodate different users and functions, ensuring spatial continuity.
Designing inclusive spaces fosters civic awareness, unity, and communal use, promoting pluralism. One of the challenges in architectural design is organizing these relationships through intermediate spaces that connect main functional areas with circulation paths and transitions.
Architectural elements such as entrances, thresholds, gates, canopies, arcades, and atriums play crucial roles in defining transitional spaces. These spaces emerge from mutual relationships, serving to both separate and connect different areas.
Programmed spaces can unintentionally create gaps, termed ‘unprogrammed spaces’, where unexpected events can occur, offering freedom of expression for users and designers alike. This approach aims to create flexible spaces by separating structural systems and service areas from interior design, allowing users to initiate new scenarios.
The project proposal emphasizes the coexistence of natural landscapes and architecture, promoting fluidity between interior and exterior spaces. Unlike traditional forms, this approach encourages flexibility and freedom in space usage.
By blurring the boundaries between inside and outside, the design integrates the building with its natural surroundings, creating spaces where function is defined through user experience and movement. Movable glass panels further blur these boundaries, allowing for different configurations and uses, integrating the building with adjacent parkland.
The goal is for private spaces to interact with public spaces seamlessly, enhancing the user’s experience of both interior and exterior environments. This design philosophy renews the physical connection between occupants and nature, utilizing a lightweight structure that harmonizes with its wooded surroundings.
Project Name
Tarsus Waterfall Community Center
Awards
Participation, National Competition
Services
architecture, landscape
Typology
cultural
Location
Tarsus, Mersin, Turkey
Year
2021
Status
conceptual design
Size
4.400 m²
Client
Mersin Metropolitan Municipality
Design Team
Cihan Sevindik, Sıddık Güvendi, Ekin Balas, Emirhan Ayata, Medine Gümüş
Collaborators
YTA Civil Engineering, Studio Bems Landscape
Photography
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