Essence Of Olive -Fatma Koç
This project envisions a public space in Onikişubat, Kahramanmaraş, inspired by the olive groves that characterize the region’s natural and cultural landscape. The architectural concept is shaped by the cyclical life of the olive tree—its stages of seed, leaf, fruit, and sapling—reflecting themes of continuity, regeneration, and reconnection. Local production and cultural heritage are integrated into the design, encouraging both community participation and visitor engagement.
At the core of the project are workshops where olive-based products such as soap, oil, and perfume are made. These production spaces are designed to be both functional and transparent, allowing visitors to observe the making process and gain insight into local knowledge and sustainable practices. By emphasizing the visibility of production, the project highlights the value of place-based experience and shared learning.
The architectural form responds sensitively to the natural topography through a terraced layout. These terraces define programmatic zones, create open-air platforms, and frame views of the surrounding olive groves, blending the built environment seamlessly into the landscape. This spatial strategy aims to foster a physical and emotional reconnection with nature, offering a response to the cultural disconnection brought by rapid urbanization and modernization.
An Innovation Center complements the program by acting as a hub for research, education, and collaboration. It supports the development of sustainable production methods, promotes local entrepreneurship, and serves as a contemporary link between traditional practices and future-oriented thinking.
Overall, the project proposes a narrative-driven public space rooted in ecology, memory, and collective experience. By taking the olive tree as a symbol of resilience, continuity, and transformation, the design creates a meaningful interface between nature, culture, and the built environment.
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