“LIVING STREAM” / Karahan Gündüz
The proposed project envisions a transformative dwelling framework that harmonizes architectural design with the natural and cultural identity of Sinassos (Mustafapaşa). This intervention aims to foster meaningful social interactions, cultural exchange, and a profound sense of rootedness within shared multicultural communities, enhancing short-term dwelling experiences and nurturing collective social identities.
The design integrates the natural legacy of the Dergos Stream, which historically shaped Sinassos’s settlement patterns and cultural evolution. Once a vital water source, the stream influenced settlement clusters and community life, symbolized by the Maraşoğlu Bridge—a focal element of urban connection. As the Dergos Stream dried up, the settlement expanded into its alluvial bed, turning the former riverbed into the cultural and physical heart of the town. The alluvial sediments, rich with materials transported by the river, metaphorically reflect the cumulative cultural layers of Sinassos’s history, where diverse traditions and lifestyles have synthesized over time.
Grounded in Simone Weil’s philosophy of rootedness, the intervention reimagines architecture as a medium for rebuilding and nurturing community ties. It introduces a holistic framework comprising dynamic communal spaces, adaptable residential units, and cultural hubs, creating an architectural narrative that reflects the rhythms and forms of the Dergos Stream.
The “Flowing Nexus” concept shapes architecture as an extension of the stream’s natural topology, blending organic forms with the built environment. The design includes terraced layouts, flowing pathways, and facades inspired by the stream’s ripples and sedimentation patterns. Locally sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship further root the design in the regional context, celebrating the cultural richness of Sinassos.
At its core, the intervention proposes the transformation of Sinassos into an ecomuseum—a living, open-air museum where the town itself becomes an exhibit. Heritage buildings, communal courtyards, and cultural landmarks serve as nodes for storytelling, education, and shared experiences. Pathways and interactive installations connect these nodes, creating a cohesive narrative of Sinassos’s history and identity. Communal spaces, such as cultural pavilions, outdoor amphitheaters, and artisan workshops, foster interaction and exchange among residents and visitors, revitalizing the collective spirit of the town.
The project also emphasizes ecological and cultural sustainability. Green courtyards, rainwater management systems, and eco-trails integrate natural elements, ensuring harmony between the built environment and the landscape. These elements echo the historical importance of the Dergos Stream, reinforcing its symbolic presence in the town’s cultural memory.
By drawing on the interplay of natural topography, historical architecture, and social dynamics, this intervention seeks to transform Sinassos into a thriving hub of cultural exchange and community. The project aspires to bring back the collective soul of Sinassos, creating a living framework where tradition and modernity coexist, and where the essence of place is preserved and celebrated.
