Heirloom Seed Development and Education Center
Learning Across Generations Through Soil and Seeds
This project is an Heirloom Seed Development and Education Center located in a rural area of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. The site is close to an agriculture faculty and a primary school. It is designed as a space for community learning, traditional farming, and ecological awareness.
The goal of the project is to protect and improve local seed heritage. It brings together traditional agricultural knowledge and modern production techniques. The center creates a network where people of different ages and backgrounds can learn from each other and share their experiences about farming and seed-saving practices.
The architectural program includes a two-story main building, a greenhouse, a seed laboratory, a library, education rooms, workshop spaces, and a conference hall. These spaces support both practical and theoretical learning. The greenhouse allows users to experience seasonal planting, and the laboratory supports scientific research on seed types and storage. The library and conference areas offer access to written knowledge and host events such as lectures, discussions, and exhibitions.
A large, gently sloped ramp connects the different parts of the building. This ramp is more than a path; it creates a transition area between natural and built environments. It is wide and open, encouraging movement, rest, and informal gathering along its route.
The center is not only for students or experts. It invites local residents to participate in activities such as seed exchange days, seasonal celebrations, and local product markets. These events build strong social ties and create a self-sustaining system of education, food production, and cultural continuity.
This project is a living example of how architecture can support environmental care, local knowledge, and community-based education.
