CASTLE OF CRAFTS / Süeda Gengeç
Modular Culture and Art Center – Inspired by Kayseri Castle
This project is a reinterpretation of the historical and architectural essence of Kayseri Castle as a modular cultural and art center. Drawing inspiration from the layered and rhythmic forms of the castle’s stone walls, the design explores how traditional arts, crafts, and contemporary media can coexist in a dynamic, modular spatial composition.
The center consists of seven independent modules, each serving a specific function:
- Calligraphy Workshop
- Ebru Workshop
- Leather Workshop
- Leather Store
- Jewelry Workshop
- Jewelry Store
- Virtual Exhibition Space
These modules are constructed by combining 3.5×5 meter and 4×5 meter rectangular prisms, forming an adaptable system that echoes the fragmented yet cohesive nature of the castle’s architecture. The layout allows for fluid circulation and invites visitors to explore the spaces as they would navigate the layered courtyards and passages of a historic fortress.
The design aims to create an environment where traditional arts and contemporary practices can exist side by side. The workshops and stores offer spaces for artisans to produce and sell their works, while the virtual exhibition space introduces a digital layer that expands the experience beyond physical materials. The project seeks to create a living, breathing cultural center that invites visitors to engage with both the past and the future of craftsmanship.
From a user’s perspective:
Walking into the center, you first feel the presence of the structures—rectangular modules rising like fragments of a timeworn fortress. You begin your journey in the calligraphy workshop, where the rhythmic strokes of ink across the page create a quiet energy. Moving on, the fluid patterns of the ebru workshop catch your eye, while the scent of leather draws you into the leather studio, where artisans carefully shape their materials. In the jewelry workshop, you watch metals being shaped into intricate designs. Each module feels like a step in a larger story—a journey through craft, skill, and creativity. As you wander through the center, the transitions between the spaces feel natural, as if you are exploring the different layers of a living cultural landscape. Finally, you step into the virtual exhibition space, where digital projections surround you, blurring the lines between tradition and technology. The center becomes a place where time, technique, and innovation meet—offering visitors an immersive and evolving experience of art and culture.
