POROUS INTERFACE / MEHMET AKİF AKKAŞ

The project explores the potential of a transportation hub to function as more than an infrastructural node, redefining it as a dynamic public realm where movement, interaction, and urban life intersect. Situated within the historical and commercial core of Kayseri, the proposal responds to the complex layering of transportation systems, public spaces, and everyday activities that characterize the site. Rather than treating mobility solely as a functional requirement, the project embraces it as a generator of spatial experiences and social encounters.

The conceptual framework is rooted in the notion of the “Third Place,” a space that exists between home and work, fostering informal interaction, community engagement, and collective urban experiences. In this context, the transportation hub becomes an active civic destination rather than a space of transit alone. The design integrates tram, metro, bus, taxi, and pedestrian networks into a coherent spatial system, creating opportunities for interaction between diverse user groups with different rhythms, purposes, and durations of stay.

A key design strategy is the establishment of vertical continuity between the underground and surface levels. Existing commercial activities, public circulation routes, and future transportation infrastructure are connected through a sequence of plazas, courtyards, terraces, and public interiors. These interconnected spaces form a continuous public spine that encourages exploration and strengthens the relationship between movement and place-making. The proposal transforms transitional spaces into destinations, allowing users to pause, gather, and participate in urban life.

The gastronomy program plays a significant role in activating this public network, extending social activity beyond transportation functions and enriching the everyday experience of the site. Together with flexible public spaces, it creates an inclusive environment that remains active throughout the day and across different seasons.

Ultimately, the project aims to establish a contemporary urban landmark that bridges historical context, public life, and mobility infrastructure. By merging transportation, commerce, and social interaction within a multilayered spatial framework, the proposal creates a vibrant civic hub that contributes to the cultural and social identity of Kayseri.