THE CULTURAL BITE / Ayşe Nur Gökçe
Meeting Culture on the Surface of the Castle
An old stone castle. A strong structure that has stood the test of time. It tells the story of the past with its quiet and dignified stance. Now it takes on a new mission. It is turning into a cultural area with the modules added to its surface. Each module carries the voice of a different country.
Dishes are prepared in one module. A different country’s cuisine is introduced every week. Chefs give live demonstrations. Visitors watch, ask questions, and learn. There is a restaurant right next to it. The same dishes are served there. The space offers an experience that is not just watched but lived.
Another module is a theatre stage. Traditional plays meet the audience with modern interpretations. The side module is a cinema. Films from that country are shown. Short films, documentaries, classics. All together.
The modules are completely man-made. There are no organic forms. Clear lines and sharp geometries are preferred. There is a modern, simple, readable design language. Each one is carefully placed on the surface of the castle. It does not damage the walls. The stone texture is preserved.
There is a strong contrast between the castle and the modules. One is history, the other is now. One is stone, the other is glass and steel. During the day they shine with natural light. In the evening, they are accentuated with artificial light. Each module looks like a light box from a distance.
Over time, the modules change. New countries come. New cultures are introduced. The castle remains constant, but its surface changes. This change brings the castle back to life.
This structure is not just a place. It is also a cultural stage. It grows with stories and multiplies with sharing. The stone of the past combines with the sound of today.
From a Visitor’s Perspective: A Day in Sweden Week
Very early in the morning, we’d already been at the castle with some friends. Modern modules were installed at the entrance atop an ancient stone wall! It first looked strange, but soon we realized this set of views was much beautiful with the intervention of these new modules.
Cooking with a Swedish chef in the workshop area was a beautiful experience. We learned and laughed together! Then we ate together the food we had prepared in a warm room with wooden details. A bit of chat, laughter, some sympathetic rivalry – it was a nice group effort.
Then it was time to see a traditional Swedish play in the theatre module. It was a simple yet touching scene that resonated with all of us.
I headed back to the restaurant with my family for dinner. With a huge fireplace in the middle, a quiet ambience, and Swedish food… We talked a lot, very much part of the scene.
That next day, it was an early morning venture to the café, alone. I was carried away working on the latest floor of glass with a view while sipping coffee. No one disturbed me, and the music was impeccable.
In a nutshell, this is more than just a structure. There’s a different experience, a different spirit in every corner. I felt I was part of this structure, not a mere visitor. 