Caycuma Science Center

Çaycuma Science Center
The Çaycuma Science Center aims to bring science and scientific thinking to all segments of society. It is a learning center that not only disseminates scientific developments but also strives to instill systematic scientific thinking from a young age. Targeting all age groups, particularly those in primary and secondary education, the center aspires to be a pivotal institution that fosters scientific, rational, curiosity-driven, discovery-based, critical, and experiential thinking.

Project Site
The project site boasts a unique landscape and topographic structure, significant for the city. The goal is to enhance and preserve the existing tree canopy while situating the building without disrupting this natural texture. The proposal is located where the demolished SEKA lodgings outbuildings were situated. Additionally, a development plan and new building outlines have been proposed for future needs in the eastern part of the project area, where there is no tree cover, between the schools and the building.

Design Features
A focal element of the Çaycuma Science Center is the Foucault pendulum, symbolically placed at the center of the entrance hall. This hall aims to create a symbolic connection with the pendulum through a simple spatial perception, directly linking all functions. It opens to exterior spaces on both sides, integrating the building with its surroundings. The courtyard within the building is designed to allow younger visitors to safely experience temporary and permanent open exhibitions. This courtyard is directly accessible from the entrance hall, exhibition area, and classroom-workshop units. These units can also connect to the exterior space when needed, transforming it into a semi-open space and adding flexibility to the building.

The temporary and permanent exhibition halls, as specified in the requirements program, are directly connected to the entrance hall and feature a flexible structure that can transform, merge, or separate according to the exhibition format. By utilizing the slope of the project area, parts of the exhibition areas are partially buried in the building. This design allows the building to blend with the terrain while enabling controlled daylight to enter the exhibition spaces.

Landscape Design
The landscape design begins with the concept of placing the building on previously disturbed ground. It is crucial to avoid interventions that would harm the area’s topographical and vegetative character, to improve and preserve the existing texture, to accept the “Place” as it is, and to facilitate visitor recognition and interaction with it. A pedestrian promenade running along the North-South axis enables public uses such as open exhibitions, experiences, strolling, events, and resting on shaded viewing terraces. The design respects the topography, avoiding scale-free interventions.

The open space design aims to provide balanced, healthy, sustainable, and accessible living spaces. Important considerations include the use of natural and local paving and plant materials, avoidance of large impermeable surfaces, and the provision of climatic comfort through shaded areas.