FLOWSCAPE / Sude Işık
Our studio project was developed in the enchanting Mustafapaşa village of Ürgüp, a location celebrated for its unique natural and cultural heritage. One of my primary considerations while designing was to ensure that this inherent naturalness and cultural richness remained untouched and even enhanced. My project area, located near the historic Mustafapaşa Bridge, offered a unique opportunity to integrate these elements into the design. The bridge, a significant historical artifact, once spanned a stream that shaped the village’s landscape by forming a valley. Although the stream has long since dried up, the valley and the bridge endure, serving as reminders of the past. Drawing inspiration from the bridge and the concept of fluidity, I named my project “Flowscape,” a design that embraces the principles of continuity and movement while responding to the steep topography of the area.
I addressed the continuity of water in reference to the bridge and determined my concept as continuity. In order to refer to the continuity of the culture, I saw that hand-woven carpets had great importance in Mustafapaşa culture and I combined this idea with the dwelling concept in order to revive this culture here. In accordance with the concept of continuity, I connected the two separate buildings both from above with stairs and underground, thus creating a single mass. My intervention was to address the fragmented staircases in the area, linking them to create a continuous large staircase. This new staircase serves multiple purposes: it provides a cohesive circulation route, functions as an amphitheater with seating areas integrated along its length, and establishes a connection between the architecture and the terrain. The flowing form of the staircase influenced the curvilinear shapes of the surrounding buildings, ensuring that they harmonize with the natural contours of the site. To enhance the experience of the site, I carefully planned the functions and elements within the design. The pedestrian walkway, connects all parts of the site, flowing naturally through pools and seating areas. This path ensures that visitors can explore the site freely, experiencing a sense of continuity and flexibility.
Overall, the Flowscape project celebrates the spirit of Mustafapaşa by merging its historical and natural elements with thoughtful contemporary design. The flowing staircases, interconnected pathways, and carefully positioned functions create a space where visitors can experience both the legacy and the living culture of this remarkable village. By emphasizing fluidity, continuity, and respect for the environment, the project ensures a harmonious balance between past and present.
