FALL 2022
ARCH401

Asmaa Elmahdy

Site:

The project site is located in a historical village in the Dilek Peninsula. It has great architectural and archaeological values. When it comes to the project area, it is located on the perfect spot with the perfect scenery to see the history and development of the site. The village was submerged under seawater. As the sea level decreased the site started to reveal its natural and historical value.

Design:

The Ecological Research Center proposes a strategy for the reoccupation of a visitor center building and its surrounding landscape in Doaganbey. Aimed to build ecological research and education center, this project will be able to serve as a development engine for the village through promoting ecological experiments, improving its education system, and functioning as a pivot for a more diversified and sustainable local economy. Progressing from a fundamental objective of providing housing and laboratories for participants of research projects on and around the Doaganbey, the Center also explores the possibility of improving the local education system by connecting researchers and the locals. Rather than a frozen plan, the proposal takes the opportunities identified with the Ecological Research Center to serve as a complex that is flexible.

Concept:

My concept is about merging the history and the ecology of the site through a research center. Thus, this area near the cliff serves my idea of introducing the evaluation of the ecological site to the visitors, by merging technology and the scenery of the site.

Form:

I chose for the project to be mostly hidden under the terrain, revealing the top parts as part of the topography, thus not affecting the natural value of the site. The form is influenced by the strong geographical lines and the existing ruins on the site.

Circulation:

The circulation of the building plays a big role in the design of the building. There will be 2 entrances, one for researchers which lead to their accommodation and laboratory. The visitors go through a story like journey. Starting from the main stairs entering through the emphasized entrance that ends with a small garden, they will have visual connection with the people leaving the building, which leaves a kind of curiosity about the building. Then they go through the exhibition area. Finally, they will reach the multifunctional hall where they will be able to see and hear about the ecological history of the site through interactive screens. The exit of the building will be guiding toward the outside of the building, where they can see the interior parts of the exhibition again from another perspective. It will act as the summary of the place at the same time.

Interior:

The interior of the building is an open flexible plan. It includes:

1. Multi functional hall 70 m2

2. Exhibition Area 120 m2

3. Main Reception 44 m2

4. Service Area 45 m2

5. WC 85 m2

6. Storage 65 m2

7. Dry Lab 55 m2

8. Wet Lab 95 m2

9. Researcher Reception 41m2

10. Accommodation 120 m2