THE NATUREHOOD / Mohammed Ghaleb F. Al Banna
In the heart of Kahramanmaraş, a city rich in tradition and resilience, the NatureHood project reimagines the relationship between urban life, education, and the land. This initiative combines a community-based gardening program with a living museum that serves as a hub for ecological learning, intergenerational collaboration, and local economic empowerment. The project invites residents, students, and educators to come together in a shared green space where they learn the principles of sustainable gardening, cultivate their own produce, and contribute to a vibrant community garden. The garden is not only a source of fresh food but also a platform for cultural exchange, where traditional agricultural knowledge meets modern ecological practices. Participants harvest their crops and sell them at a local open-air bazaar, creating a circular system of learning, growing, and giving back. The museum component features interactive exhibits on Kahramanmaraş’s agricultural heritage, climate resilience, and food sovereignty, while also hosting seasonal workshops and festivals.