PNEUMA / MELİKE MUTLU

Situated within the evolving urban fabric of Sivas, this project challenges the conventional archetype of the municipal building as a sterile, introverted administrative fortress. Instead, it reimagines the typology as a vibrant “Urban Hub,” operating under the conceptual framework of “Pneuma” (Breath/LifeForce). The design transcends mere bureaucratic function, aiming to create a porous interface where the rigid boundaries between the institution and the public dissolve. The primary objective is to transform a static government facility into a living, breathing organ of the city that remains active and engaging beyond standard working hours.

Central to this vision is the metaphor of “Social Breathing,” which dictates the spatial organization and programmatic distribution. This concept manifests as a dual-purpose strategy: providing high-quality “decompression spaces” for municipal staff to alleviate the intensity of their workload, while simultaneously offering an inclusive, democratic ground for the local community—ranging from students to the elderly. By strategically integrating these distinct user profiles, the project acts not as an urban blockage, but as a zone of relief and social interaction. Great care has been taken to resolve the complex hierarchy of administrative needs; functional requirements are met with precision, yet the strict program is softened by “breathing niches” and social amenities that encourage spontaneous encounters.

The architectural articulation is defined by a dynamic horizontal ramp-bridge system that serves as the project’s spine, stitching together the separated building masses. This element creates a secondary ground plane, elevating circulation from a functional necessity to an experiential journey. By encouraging vertical and horizontal movement, this “architectural promenade” maximizes interaction between the structures, turning the complex into a permeable street rather than a gated obstacle. Ultimately, Pneuma stands as a testament to modern municipalism, where administrative precision and social vitality coexist in a sustainable equilibrium, offering Sivas a new space to breathe.