The Junction / Mehmet Şevki Dabbit
The Junction is a social development hub designed to empower the next generation of innovators in Kahramanmaraş. Rooted in the city’s need for economic regeneration and youth engagement, the project focuses on providing spaces that nurture, develop, and incubate business ideas — transforming individual potential into collective progress.
Located at the site of the Necip Fazıl Kısakürek Cultural Center, the design builds upon the existing urban and cultural fabric. The preserved portion of the old building and the expansion of its library represent the idea of “Learning from the Old,” honoring local heritage and knowledge as foundational elements. Simultaneously, new interventions focus on “Developing in the New,” offering tools, spaces, and networks for young entrepreneurs to bring their visions to life.
The spatial organization is divided into three core zones: Learning, Developing, and Incubating / Exhibiting. The Learning block includes an expanded library, digital media rooms, and workshop classrooms. The Developing block houses maker spaces, tech labs, and design studios. The Incubation zone features presentation halls, co-working offices, and exhibition areas to launch business ventures.
At the heart of the layout is a social pedestrian plaza — a “third place” for interaction, relaxation, and public engagement. It features food trucks, open seating, and informal event areas that activate the site beyond working hours. An outdoor amphitheater sits below ground level, anchoring cultural events and talks in a communal setting. Encircling all of this is a publicly accessible park that provides a recreational buffer and draws the community inward.
The Junction serves as both a literal and symbolic meeting point — connecting youth with opportunity, ideas with infrastructure, and innovation with the everyday life of Kahramanmaraş.
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