FALL 2022-ARCH401

"Domatia" used for Doğanbey village means small rooms that come together to form a common space in Greek. Just like the layout ascribed in this naming, Domatia Visitor and Research Center has a box-like layout where different functions are located in different buildings and offers the opportunity to experience these functions with the guiding power of the landscape. The starting point for this project is the passivity of the existing visitor center in Domatia in attracting visitors. This project aims to convey all aspects of this valuable space to the visitor by making the visitor center a starting point for the village experience. Since the existing visitor center is a prototype of the local architecture, it was chosen as the starting point of the exhibition journey. Visitors who complete the exhibitions in which the historical, socio-cultural and architectural features of the area are conveyed in this building can reach the exhibition bridge, which is an addition to the building, and continue their exhibition journey. The exhibition in this area focuses on biodiversity and a fascinating view of Dilek Peninsula awaits visitors who complete the bridge. At this point, the visitor reaches the observation tower, this observation tower is a symbolic formation that is intended to attract the attention of visitors, as well as being designed to look at the area from above, to feel the topography, to have a general view of the peninsula. In its design, a simple way was followed so as not to interfere with the simplicity and naturalness of the village, and its location was determined as the interior of the chapel ruin, because a symbolism was applied here for the purpose of the rediscovery of the Domatia of the project, it is a reflection of the combination of the present and the modern, the modern one has taken its origin from the past. 

After completing the exhibition journey from the upper level, visitors are directed to open exhibition which is located under the bridge. The open exhibition area is a kind of free space that was designed between two walls as two vertical planes that describes the limits of the area. The two planes were connected with a simple metal upper structure that is used for hanging some ivies and lighting bulbs on it. Instead of a closed ceiling, this kind of natural approach creates a cozy environment and also in Doğanbey, they have this kind of approach, you can see ivies on the walls. The open area is a flexible space, they can arrange workshops, exhibitions, activities inside of it. Then, there are some steps and common spaces which connects the open air exhibition with the other buildings. 

In the central axis, there is a café which is designed as a public gathering space and its location is just the opposite of souvenir shop in the visitor center so, there is a kind of commercial area square which serves to outside like in Doğanbey commercial square in upper part of village. Between the café and multi-functional activity space, there is a passage which is covered with ivies again, creates a kind of smooth passing and open sitting area for the café.  

The multifunctional activity space is a relatively big space than the other buildings due to its function. It has 127.50 sqm space which can be dividable with some partition walls and in total, they can create four different spaces with its semi-open part which is accessible with the sliding big doors in south façade. 

On the east part of design, relatively private spaces were located. For instance the research labs for the researchers and the accommodation for them were placed as and L shape which is creating a private garden for them. If they want to join the community, they can use the square in the left part, if not, they can stay their own garden. The location of the square is intentionally preferred due to the location of historical big spruce tree in the area. It creates a certain emphasis on the public part, it takes attention to lead the people into the area. There is a pool located in the middle to create a sitting place around it and also the steps in the landscape designed bigger than usual to use them as sitting elements.  

The accommodation units includes four different types which can be used with one, two and three people and in total its capacity is min nine people. The units include their own baths and the building has its own kitchenette.  

In total, the project area covers 545 sqm closed area. As a building material, corten panels were preferred to emphasize the tower and bridge, also some facades that are visible from the south-east part of the village which is the entering part of area. In the north facades and glass facades, local natural stone cladding was preferred. Using too much glass façade is dangerous for the bird population in the area so, the metals bars in front of them as canopy prevents this danger.