CHILDREN'S UNIVERSITY

The main idea that shaped the design process came from kinesthetic learning while studying the behaviors of children. This way of teaching represents giving children the opportunity to explore by touching smelling, running, crawling and playing continuously. To channel that in my building I created origami like shapes through experimenting, thus making channels, tunnels, passages and shelters through the rugged elevations of the buildings. Through a triangular shading system that represents a shell-like structure on the outside, made out of darker glass panels that open up during low sun hours through solar sensors, the buildings are not only well kept but offer a chance to climb sit and play through the truss like systems. The interiors use traditional Turkish elements such as kilims for sitting, while the exterior represents an abstraction of the industrial design elements of Anadolu. One of the main strategies that is followed is also the ambition to have a low ecological footprint through not moving any trees and building around them thus reinforcing the jugged edges of the plans and sections.
              
The project contains 4 different buildings with active usage and 3 smaller security buildings next to the entrances for the site. The first building, the auxiliary one, contains classes, a dance studio/gym, a library and an observatory, scattered across 4 floors. A tunnel passes through the first floor of this building that leads to a back part where a playground is located. They are all accessible and have large curtain walls surrounding them. The auditorium contains a foyer, changing rooms and a control room. Just outside of it a cafeteria is seen where people can drink and chat. Close to it the administrative building contains a first-floor canteen which can be turned into a meeting room when needed, as al of the tables are puzzle pieced to each other. The upper floors contain meeting rooms, teacher’s lounges and directors’ offices and a secretary. Last building takes up a much smaller space and contains just a nursery and a counselling room for children to go through therapy sessions or talk. This building is surrounded by trees and is facing mountain Erciyes so that a more therapeutic feel can be achieved. The building has a visible contrast between the curtain glass walls and bare concrete walls. Trough the changing of the upper plans many empty roofs are created where greenery is integrated.  The main paths lead to the classes and connect the two big entrances on the sides. The path is rocky and made out of natural cobblestone that blend in with the grass, resembling the traditional old streets of Kayseri.
              
The campus is open to the public and can be used all year long. Through having picnics under shades, gathering to watch children’s theatre shows or taking a look at the stars through Kayseri’s only observatory, this building aims to become an attraction for locals, as well as a weekend landmark for families. Children that will enjoy their fieldtrips to this mini-university will face a diverse and colorful environment, while understanding the meaning of a community.