Re-Weave-Asya Gizem Gürbulak
The Textile Futures Lab is a visionary hub rooted in the rich textile heritage of Kahramanmaraş, a city historically renowned for its fabric production and craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from this legacy, the project seeks to reinterpret traditional textile practices through innovation, technology, and community engagement. Positioned within and around the existing Necip Fazıl Kısakürek Culture Center — a vibrant gathering space for youth — the design aims to extend the center’s role by creating a dynamic platform focused on the future of textiles.
In response to the devastating earthquake, which caused a major shift in Kahramanmaraş’s urban fabric, the project area has become a new focal point of the city. Recognizing this transformation, the Textile Futures Lab is designed as more than just a production space — it is envisioned as a socially inclusive and healing environment. The hub includes public green spaces, semi-open and open zones for informal gatherings, and outdoor workshops that invite both planned and spontaneous participation.
The project places a strong emphasis on the inclusion of young people, aligning with the existing user profile of the culture center. It aims to educate and inspire the next generation by introducing them to sustainable and innovative textile techniques. At the same time, it responds to the urgent need for socio-economic empowerment, particularly for women who are currently unemployed. By offering skill-based training programs, production ateliers, and exhibition spaces, the hub opens new pathways for creative entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
The Textile Futures Lab is both a tribute to Kahramanmaraş’s textile roots and a forward-looking initiative that fosters resilience, creativity, and community. Through this project, textile becomes not only a craft but also a catalyst for regeneration, youth engagement, and women’s empowerment in a city rebuilding its future.
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