BOTANICOVER / Gizem Akyürek
BOTANICOVER is a botanical museum project located in Kahramanmaraş, designed to showcase the region’s rich flora while creating a unique architectural experience that harmonizes with nature. The project focuses on the museum itself and incorporates a broader neighbourhood design, embracing the natural water stream that flows through the site and transforming it into a central landscape and circulation axis. This water element serves as a unifying feature, shaping both the built environment and the surrounding green spaces.
The architectural form follows organic, flowing curves, bringing together all museum functions and complementary features under a single, dynamic shell structure. This fluid form creates a continuous spatial experience, guiding visitors intuitively through the site.One of the most distinctive features of the museum is its diverse collection of plant zones, including areas dedicated to wetland species, humid plants, and aromatic herbs. These are exhibited in specially designed climate controlled spaces as well as outdoor exploration paths, offering a rich, layered, and interactive museum experience.
The museum emphasizes learning through experience. Among the highlights along the visitor journey are a butterfly observation area, themed botanical gardens, and hands-on educational exhibits that foster a deeper understanding of ecological systems. From entrance to exit, the circulation is designed as a seamless, uninterrupted journey that ensures a fluid and engaging narrative.
By integrating the museum with its broader natural and urban context, BOTANICOVER becomes more than a building it becomes a vibrant ecological and educational hub for both visitors and the local community.
