MATTER OF CRAFT / Sevdegül Karaduman
This project proposes a museum and cultural quarter rooted in the layered narrative of craftsmanship—divided into extinct, endangered, and living traditions. The architectural concept draws inspiration from the idea of layering—both spatial and temporal—creating a continuum between what was, what is, and what may still be saved. The museum becomes a physical manifestation of cultural memory, with extinct crafts digitally reconstructed through immersive AR experiences, offering visitors a glimpse into forgotten worlds.
At its core, the museum is also an educational platform. Endangered crafts are revived through hands-on workshops and apprenticeship programs led by the last remaining masters. These functions are supported by a craft library and open studios where knowledge is shared, not stored. The museum is not a passive space; it acts as a dynamic incubator of traditional knowledge, creating opportunities for visitors to directly engage with making, learning, and transmitting heritage.
Extending beyond the walls of the museum, the project infiltrates the surrounding neighborhood. Living and endangered crafts are reintroduced into the urban fabric through commercial and residential typologies—merging production, retail, and daily life. This creates a gradual transition from digital memory to physical experience. By embedding craft into everyday encounters, the project becomes a catalyst for cultural continuity, empowering both the community and its heritage through architectural integration and social participation.
