This project proposes a gastronomy education center inspired by the deeply rooted tradition of winter food preparation led by women in Maraş. The center is envisioned not only as a space for preserving local culinary heritage but also as a tool for empowering women, engaging young people, and fostering social interaction. The main goal is to bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary production methods, contributing to sustainable economic development and cultural continuity.
The design responds to the local context through a multi-functional program that includes educational spaces, production kitchens, workshops, a local restaurant, a public market, and social gathering areas. These spaces are organized around a central square that acts as a community focal point, encouraging informal interaction, events, and collective experiences. The square also serves as an urban void that connects surrounding streets and invites passersby into the site.
The user profile focuses on unemployed women, young people, and local educators, all of whom can benefit from skill-building opportunities, cultural engagement, and social interaction. Women, in particular, are encouraged to share and modernize traditional food techniques, such as preserving, fermenting, and drying, while also learning about food safety and entrepreneurship. Youth are invited to explore gastronomy as both a career path and a cultural exploration.
The form generation process is driven by contextual factors such as site slope, pedestrian flow, and visibility. Open and semi-open spaces are carefully integrated to provide comfortable transition zones and climate-responsive design. The building orientation and fragmented massing enhance natural lighting, ventilation, and accessibility throughout the site.
Architecturally, the project adopts a contemporary yet regionally sensitive design language. The use of local materials, modular structural systems, and flexible interior layouts reflects a balance between permanence and adaptability. Sectional studies reveal how the design adapts to topography while maintaining fluid spatial relationships.
In conclusion, the Gastronomy Education Center is not merely a building but a social infrastructure that empowers individuals, revitalizes local identity, and supports lifelong learning. By integrating traditional practices with modern spatial and educational strategies, the project aims to cultivate a resilient, inclusive, and culturally rooted community space for present and future generations.
