CARVEMUSE / Aliye Sultan Öztemir
Located in the 12 Şubat district of Kahramanmaraş, this museum project is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the intangible cultural heritage of the region—specifically, the traditional craft of wood carving. The conceptual framework of the design revolves around two fundamental questions: How can we produce wood without cutting down trees? and Why should we preserve this ancient craft?
In response to the first question, the project adopts a sustainable design philosophy by incorporating lab-grown wood materials, thereby reducing the need for traditional logging practices. Additionally, the project draws inspiration from Daisugi, an ancient Japanese forestry technique that allows for the cultivation of strong, straight branches without felling the tree. Through careful pruning and maintenance, trees can yield high-quality timber over many cycles, ensuring both sustainability and reverence for nature.
Significantly, three of the tree species commonly used in Kahramanmaraş’s wood carving tradition—walnut, hornbeam, and pine—are also compatible with the Daisugi method. This compatibility reinforces the project’s ecological and cultural narrative by creating a bridge between local materials and global heritage techniques.
Architecturally, the museum serves not only as a physical space for exhibiting the artistry of wood carving but also as a symbolic gesture toward sustainable cultural preservation. By integrating innovative material practices with traditional craft knowledge, the museum becomes a living testament to the enduring value of heritage in contemporary design.
