Foriva – Community Center Concept
Foriva is a vibrant community center designed to create a harmonious connection between people, nature, and education. Nestled within a forested landscape alongside a river, Foriva is a place where children, adults, and families can gather to learn, explore, and relax in an inclusive environment. The project is inspired by the local history of Kahramanmaraş, incorporating a symbolic water feature that recalls the forgotten river once flowing through the area. This element reconnects the community with its natural and cultural heritage, making Foriva not only a center for activity but also a tribute to the past.
Architecturally, Foriva embraces its surroundings through the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass, which create warm, transparent spaces that invite natural light and airflow. The layout follows an organic and fluid design, encouraging visitors to move freely along trails and pathways that link different zones. This seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces fosters a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere, where education and leisure coexist naturally.
The center is divided into several carefully planned zones to meet the needs of all visitors. The Children’s Zone, designed for ages 6 to 14, includes forest learning trails, indoor workshops focused on ecosystems, an outdoor farm for gardening, an adventure zone with climbing and ropes, and a riverside platform for kayaking and river study. The Adults’ Zone offers hiking and hillside trails, survival skills training, a climbing wall, a meditation grove, and water safety activities. The Family Zone supports intergenerational bonding through nature trails, eco-projects, picnic areas, an adventure playground, campfires, and canoe rides.
From the perspective of a student, everyday life at Foriva is inspiring and full of discovery. Mornings begin with walks through the forest trails, surrounded by the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. Learning extends beyond classrooms into nature studying ecosystems indoors, tending plants in the garden, and challenging physical skills in the adventure zone. Kayaking on the river provides a sense of freedom, while quiet moments in the meditation grove help balance the day. Afternoons might be spent reading or socializing in the café-library hub. Evenings and weekends bring the community together around campfires and picnic tables, where stories are shared and bonds strengthened. Foriva is more than a school; it is a thriving ecosystem where education, nature, and community flourish hand in hand.
