The Kayseri Culture and Information Center is designed as a public hub that aims to showcase the cultural values that have shaped Kayseri from past to present, support the continuity of local culture, and enable visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the city. The project adopts the concept of a “third space,” bringing together learning, production, experience, and social interaction within a transportation-oriented environment.

 

Located at a major intersection of Kayseri’s transportation network, the building is directly connected to the tram line and integrated with a mini terminal, bus stops, and bicycle rental facilities. This strategic location transforms the center into a significant transportation hub where different user groups meet and interact. Rather than functioning solely as a transit point, the project becomes a vibrant public space where people can spend time, engage with one another, and experience the cultural identity of the city.

 

The program of the center is organized to make Kayseri’s cultural heritage accessible through various experiences. Gastronomy education spaces, tasting kiosks, and the Gastronomy Street introduce visitors to local cuisine and traditional food production practices while supporting the transmission of culinary culture. Traditional handicraft workshops and training spaces help preserve and promote the city’s craft heritage. Additionally, interactive workshop areas allow tourists to design and create their own tote bags inspired by local culture, turning cultural engagement into a participatory experience.

 

Digital information systems play an important role within the project. Visitors can create personalized city routes through interactive digital maps and route-planning screens, while information kiosks provide access to historical, cultural, and touristic information about Kayseri. In this way, the center serves as a starting point for exploring the city.

 

The Kayseri Craft Street, which connects directly to the underground bazaar, establishes both a physical and social link between traditional production culture and contemporary urban life. This space brings together local artisans, producers, residents, and visitors, encouraging cultural exchange and supporting the local economy.

 

Ultimately, the Kayseri Culture and Information Center is envisioned as a hybrid public building that combines transportation, culture, education, and social life within a single environment. By transforming a transportation hub into a place of experience, interaction, and discovery, the project creates a living connection between Kayseri’s past, present, and future while strengthening the relationship between local residents and visitors.