Luleburgaz Contemporary Arts Center

Located strategically at a significant juncture of the city, the Lüleburgaz Stars Art Academy capitalizes on its unique topography and landscape, particularly its proximity to the D100 highway and the commanding valley vista at the city entrance. The proposal aims to integrate seamlessly with the Çamlık region while respecting its surroundings, avoiding a dominating architectural style, and fostering strong connections with its immediate environment.

In a city where every building strives to contribute to urban evolution without overshadowing others, the Art Academy Building in Lüleburgaz takes a modest approach. Its symbolism lies in its location, view from the city entrance, and close relationship with its surroundings.

The design features a prism structure aligned parallel to the pine trees, segmented to align with pedestrian approaches from various directions. Functional areas are organized around an inner street, which doubles as an exhibition space. This inner street connects foyers at both ends of the project and provides access to academy functions oriented towards the pine tree side, ensuring direct connectivity with the park.

Workshop functions extend into the pine grove area, integrating with the natural environment. Service access, parking, and artist entrances are facilitated from Görkem Street to minimize disruption.

The building’s southeast approach welcomes visitors with a public front area under a canopy, symbolically significant to the project. Beyond this, the entrance hall leads to the main hall foyer. Positioned at the northwest end, multipurpose halls, small halls, and experimental stages are strategically located at different levels to encourage interaction. Pedestrian access from all directions ensures flexibility in use, facilitating shared access to secondary functions like stages, storage, and preparation areas.

At the +5.00 level of the inner street, a cafeteria serves as a communal space linking both foyers. Workshop functions on the pine tree side are elevated where possible, blending the street seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, thereby intertwining nature and architecture.

The water tower, a landmark in urban memory despite its slated demolition, is recommended for preservation and rehabilitation. Proposals for its annual renewal through a competition for young designers would ensure its ongoing significance and relevance within the urban fabric.

This proposal for the Lüleburgaz Stars Art Academy not only respects its surroundings but also enhances the city’s cultural fabric through thoughtful integration and sustainable design principles.