“Yellow Passage – The Living Wall of Craft” / Nergiz Seyfi

 “Yellow Passage – The Living Wall of Craft” / Nergiz Seyfi

Inspired by the historical duality of Kayseri Castle—its inward-facing void and the underused Artist Street outside—this project reimagines the castle wall as a connecting threshold rather than a separating barrier. The design introduces a linear path—a passage through the wall—highlighted by the color yellow, chosen for its strong visual impact and ability to draw people in. 

This “Yellow Passage” acts not only as a spatial connector but also as a vibrant cultural artery that hosts a series of art and craft workshops. Each module is placed strategically along the passage to enhance interaction, rhythm, and visibility, transforming the wall into a living façade of creativity. 

The four workshop modules form a continuous user experience: 

1. Clay Shaping Workshop – Hands-on sculpting of clay textures and forms. 

1. Fabric Printing Workshop – Printing these forms onto fabrics like tote bags. 

1. Clay Panel Workshop – Designing personal clay tiles using traditional motifs. 

1. Painting & Glazing Workshop – Coloring and finalizing the clay works as art. 

The design also integrates a Welcome Area and Café, creating a place for gathering and rest, while the Exhibition Zone allows the public to experience the creative process and its results. 

Additionally, a Pattern Wall on site draws from local references such as Kayseri carpets, stone carvings, and mosque ornamentation. This tactile relief wall not only visually enriches the space but also connects past craftsmanship to the present, inspiring the designs in Modules 2 and 4. 

Ultimately, the “Yellow Passage” turns the castle wall into a spatial story—inviting, interactive, and ever-changing.