Architecture is not merely a professional activity but a journey shaped by human, life, and nature. The Architecture Center building serves as a key stop on this journey for architects and architecture students, reflecting the geographical context it inhabits. This relationship, which may also suggest a sense of isolation and alienation, alludes to architecture's timeless quests. Rising from the square's terrain, the building seeks the purest form of architecture within human nature. Embraced by an existing hill, the structure becomes a natural observation point. The shell design molds the square with a synthetic architectural logic, conveying the story of unity and tension between space, design, and the human experience.

 

Macro Approach

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At the macro scale, the primary intent is to transform the existing square into a supportive setting for the Architecture Center and redefine the building's interaction with its landscape through functional use. The mass integrates with the terrain, forming a threshold between nature and built form, ultimately creating a new accessible social and public focus not only for users but for the entire community. [Mass Configuration] Positioned on the hill, the monolithic mass introduces multiple public spaces through axial connections at varying levels. The lower plaza and high surrounding walls provide a unique spatial experience, while the upper observation area offers contextual insights into the geography and city. The shell that spans these levels ensures continuity through interior spaces, creating diverse experiential paths.

 

Tectonic Stratification

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The building is structured through tectonic layers shaped by axes and elevation changes. In the rear, concrete shear walls define private zones for seminars and offices, while the front, built with a steel frame, houses semi-public areas like the café, exhibition hall, and library. These areas are accessible to all, supporting the concept of communal gathering. The roof serves as a shared observation space and walkable green surface, tying the system together.

 

Spatial Organization

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The spatial logic centers around circulation axes and the resulting structural void. This void serves as a dynamic platform for a wide range of activities such as exhibitions, meetings, and workshops. The goal is to foster a lively, collaborative studio and design culture within the building.

 

Landscape - Natural Encounter

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The platform above the shell adopts a synthetic landscape language, while nature reclaims the space with its own elements: soil, foliage, seeds, and insects. Gaps, light wells, ramps, and transitional channels are integral parts of this landscape. The observation point works in harmony with nature, enhancing the building’s function within the square. Multiple paths offer access at different levels, enabling varied activities. Landscaping interventions aim to strengthen and enrich the existing green fabric.

 

Sustainability

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Sustainability is rooted in integration with nature. Key elements include natural light, ventilation, and water management. The building receives ample light from the northwest and southeast sides, supplemented by skylights. Its embedded placement in the hillside enhances thermal insulation. The landscaped roof and layering also contribute to energy efficiency. The site's topography enables rainwater collection, which will be used for irrigation, cleaning, and other utilities within the building.