ROPE / Tolga Çaylak
Triangular Workshop Design on Kayseri Castle
This project, designed on a section of Kayseri Castle, consists of a total of seven units. The structure is composed of triangular forms, with the main circulation route aligned along the inner wall of the castle. Artworks produced in the workshops will be hung on the walls next to the doors in the interior circulation area, which will also be used as an exhibition space. There are two entrances to the complex, both utilizing the existing castle towers (burç). One entrance is accessed via an elevator, while the other features a U-shaped staircase. The stair entrance is located near the “Artists’ Street,” allowing for faster evacuation to the main street in case of emergency.
The workshop units include embroidery kaneviche, suzani, bindallı (traditional Ottoman dress), metallic embroidery (sim işi), natural dyeing (kök boyama), and kilim weaving. Yarns dyed in the natural dyeing workshop are used in the kilim weaving unit. Techniques such as metallic embroidery, tel kırma (wire-breaking), and suzani are incorporated into the bindallı production process. All components produced in these workshops are brought together in the bindallı unit, where the final garments are designed and assembled.
The corners of the triangular units have been utilized to avoid dead space. Mannequins are placed in some corners to display finished works, while others include triangular cabinets with small shelves to store items such as threads and irons.
Each unit contains its own triangular staircase made of four steps. These stairs start narrow and gradually widen toward the next space. The top step is designed to be broader, functioning as a small landing. The interior design includes custom-shaped tables and cabinets, carefully planned to respect circulation flow and triangular geometry.
The metal embroidery workshop is housed in a single triangular unit. Since this unit lacks sufficient storage space, the interior of the central tower is utilized for storage.
In addition, areas enclosed with small railings have been designed as balconies, offering visual openness and outdoor extension spaces for the workshops.
