STEP INTO PLAY PAVILION// NADEEM ABYAN
Project Concept: The Step Into Play Pavilion at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Millet Bahçesi in Kayseri aims to address the critical lack of shaded areas within Türkiye's largest park. This innovative pavilion not only provides essential shade but also transforms an existing stair-styled seating area into a multifunctional space. It encourages community engagement through activities such as board games and offers stunning views of the park, creating an inviting environment for relaxation and social interaction.
Context: Recep Tayyip Erdogan Millet Bahçesi, recently built and recognized as the largest park in Türkiye, offers vast open spaces near an artificial river, perfect for hosting events. Despite its expansive layout and amenities like bathrooms, restaurants, and landmarks, the park lacks sufficient shaded areas for visitors to rest. The given site, an immense plain adjacent to the artificial river, presents an excellent opportunity for designing the interconnected shade pavilion. This project leverages the park's strengths—ample space, proximity to essential amenities, and picturesque views—while addressing weaknesses such as noise pollution and the absence of emergency facilities.
Aura and Structural Character: The pavilion features a contemporary design that blends seamlessly with the park's natural landscape. Its structure enhances the existing stair-styled seating area by providing much-needed shade. The design incorporates a closed space totaling 40m², serving additional functions such as a board game library and a waiting area. Openings in the pavilion walls offer unobstructed views of the park's beauty, ensuring that visitors can enjoy nature while engaging in various activities. The pavilion's design is unobtrusive yet intriguing, inviting pedestrians to explore and participate in its offerings.
Narrative Paragraph: As a first-year architecture student at Abdullah Gül University (AGU), my day begins at 9:30 am with the gentle spring sunlight streaming through my window. After a quick breakfast, I head to campus, where the scent of blooming flowers fills the air. By 12:30 pm, I’m at the bustling school cafeteria for lunch, surrounded by the lively chatter of fellow students. The heart of my day unfolds in our studio, a vibrant space where I work on my projects alongside other passionate students. The studio buzzes with creativity, the sounds of discussions, pencil sketches, and mouse clicks all around. By 8:30 pm, I wrap up and head out to buy groceries for dinner. Once home, I cook a simple meal, eat, and take a moment to relax. By 12:30 am, I'm in bed, reflecting on a day of learning and creativity, ready to do it all again tomorrow.
