LIVING THE MOMENT / Elif Bakan
Artist Corridor Activation at Kayseri Castle
Located within the historic walls of Kayseri Castle, this project aims to revitalize the so-called “Artist Street” by creating a vibrant cultural node that brings together local craftspeople, artists, and visitors. The design focuses on modular interventions that respect the heritage context while introducing new opportunities for interaction, production, and display.
The proposal is composed of six main modules. On the front side, three volumes function as studios or workshop spaces intended for short-term use, such as jewelry making, knitting, or embroidery. These spaces are accessible to both local artists and participants who want to learn through hands-on experience. A terrace located centrally, distinguished by its exposed wooden beams, creates a semi-open gathering area. This zone allows people to take a break, socialize, or observe ongoing activities, forming a visual and functional connection between the workshops.
On the rear side, three elevated modules are designed as hybrid exhibition and sales spaces, each corresponding to a specific craft. The lower levels act as display areas, while the upper levels serve as compact storage and presentation spaces for completed works. This vertical layering creates a hierarchy of functions and visually enriches the modular layout.
The overall structural character combines contemporary geometry with a respectful nod to the castle’s fortified architecture. The interplay of solid walls, rhythmic cut-outs, and protruding volumes reflect both defense and openness — a blend of the past and the present.
A Day in the Project – From the Eyes of a Visitor
As I walk through the castle gate, I hear the faint sound of laughter and quiet conversations. I’m drawn toward the terrace, where sunlight passes gently through the wooden canopy. A woman is teaching a small group how to weave intricate embroidery; another studio nearby smells faintly of melted metal as a jeweler shapes a pendant. Children peek through the open walls, curiously watching the hands at work. I step into the exhibition area behind the workshops — colorful scarves hang alongside delicate silver bracelets, each piece telling a local story. As the sun sets, the castle wall glows in amber tones, and I find myself lingering a little longer, feeling part of something both ancient and alive. 
