Sight in Between/Zeynep Gül Sevinçer
Domatia is a settlement within the borders of Dilek Peninsula National Park. In addition to its natural beauty, there are stone houses, fountains, and narrow streets reflecting the vernacular architecture. After the villagers left the village, houses were bought and restored by different groups such as artists and architects. In this village, which is under protection due to its natural and historical values, visitors can experience this place better; there is a need for a visitor and research center where researchers will stay in the village for a short time and conduct their observations and research.
The project area is on the creek(Şarlak Stream), which also includes the existing visitor center building. For the design process, first of all, important points in this area were determined based on the site trip and analysis. In the syntheses, features such as historical ruins in the west and sea and nature views in the south are included. In the project scenario, considering both entrances of the village, two parking lots were determined. Therefore, two entrances to the site area are given for both researchers and visitors. The starting point of the project is to create points that highlight the natural and historical features that people have when they enter the site area. Therefore, with the concept of sight in between, people can better experience where they are in such a valuable protected area. For this, pedestrian and vehicle axes in the area were determined first. Then, as supported by the concept, the masses are divided according to the points to be emphasized. Existing visitor center; With the beautiful sea view from the upper floor and windows that benefit from the sun, it becomes an inspiring research building for researchers. Opposite this building is an accommodation building that directly meets the researchers' route. At the intersection of the axis coming from the village side and the other entrance; it is met by a semi-open area that includes a big tree. This space is a multifunctional hall as a community integration space. Later, a cafeteria is added that works together with this place and the main axis. For those coming from the village, the main axis is like a corridor that directs the user towards the sea view. This building is a common area that includes needs such as a restroom. In addition, a view of the village is given from the space between the two buildings. In the exhibition hall, which also includes the historical ruins on the west side, both realistic models of living things and AR, a more technological way of displaying historical and natural values, are used. It is important for them to be able to see the exhibited creatures in their natural environment. There is a glass part that divides the exhibition into two. This part is a place that both pushes the visitor into direct visual contact with the outside and does not interrupt the view of the user on the main axis. After leaving the exhibition, the visitor sees the view directly opposite. And it is directed to the south with a ramp following it. This stone wall, which continues from the side of the ramp and is a sitting element, is like the continuing trace of the façade. It changes direction with the second ramp and finds the opportunity to closely observe the historical remains on the side of the slope. Afterward, they reach the lowest level and sit on these walls and watch the view. Materials that respect the village, which is a conservation area, while at the same time showing that it is new, are preferred in the design. The village has masonry walls and wooden shutters on the windows. Reinforced concrete is used as a structural system for wide spans. Local stone is used as infill for the facades, and wooden shading slats are used to control the sunlight indoors. These wooden slaths can sometimes be observed as window elements and sometimes as door elements. Two options of wooden slats can be used as a second layer of the sliding folding glass door for the open space of the cafeteria. When it is closed, the façade maintains its harmony, and when it is open, it rises 90 degrees with a hydraulic system. In this way, the space becomes a strong interaction with the outside. Moreover, it is a good alternative to creating a shadow area. There are photovoltaic panels on the roof of this building to benefit from sunlight and provide energy efficiency and power to this hydraulic system. Sliding folding doors, which are also used at the entrance of the accommodation building, make the researchers' common indoor area completely open to the outside and offer them an activity space. On the upper floor of the research center, offices for the administration, two research labs, a meeting room, an activity-lecture area that has become a flexible space with folding doors; on the lower floor, there is the archive, the library included in the rest area, the kitchen and the dining area. Also it has an open area shaded by the big olive tree in front of it. The project consists of a total closed area of 1350 square meters.
In this project, there are closed, semi-open and open spaces where researchers and visitors can observe Domatia better, as well as find a space for both individual and group activities, realize where they are and feel a better sense of belonging.
