Housing + in Hürriyet, Kayseri
ARCH201 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN I
Merve Ökten / Integrative
Located in the Hürriyet neighborhood of Kayseri, the social housing project is an integrative initiative that combines the functionalities of a book cafe and social housing. The decision to incorporate a book cafe stems from the high concentration of young residents in the neighborhood and the lack of suitable spaces for students attending school to work outside their homes. Instead of designing separate spaces for a library and a cafe, I opted to merge them into a unified concept. This approach allows people who visit the space for socializing to also engage with books. For students who need a place to study or those who crave a snack while studying, the book cafe provides an ideal setting. The facility not only offers dedicated study areas but also provides spaces for social interaction, creating a dynamic environment. Moreover, the book cafe extends into the outdoor spaces, featuring a garden and adjacent public area where residents can socialize. Additionally, there are bookshelves where individuals can discover various books through a "pay it forward" book-sharing program. This innovative feature encourages a sense of community and promotes a culture of sharing literary experiences. To enhance the comfort of the space and accommodate various preferences, the book cafe incorporates not only benches but also poufs. These seating options offer residents a more relaxed setting for reading or engaging in conversations. The thoughtful design aims to foster a sense of community, provide diverse experiences, and contribute positively to the overall well-being of the residents in the Hürriyet neighborhood.