Porous Urban Block: Reconnecting Memory, Learning and Production

Located within the historic urban fabric of Kayseri, adjacent to significant landmarks such as the Grand Mosque, Raşit Efendi Library, and the remains of the historic madrasa, this project explores how contemporary architecture can engage with memory while responding to present-day social needs. The proposal emerges from the concept of the Porous Urban Block, which seeks to transform a dense and fragmented urban condition into a permeable civic environment that encourages interaction, learning, and production.

The existing context is characterized by strong historical references, intense commercial activity, and limited opportunities for public gathering. Although the area contains valuable urban voids, these spaces remain disconnected and underutilized. In response, the project introduces a unified architectural mass that incorporates a network of open, semi-open, and enclosed spaces. Rather than functioning as a singular object, the building operates as a spatial framework that supports movement, encounter, and community engagement.

A key aspect of the design is its relationship with the historical madrasa remains located below the site level. This archaeological layer acts as the project’s memory core, influencing both the organization of spaces and the creation of visual and physical connections throughout the building. Courtyards, voids, and recessed ground-floor areas establish a sequence of porous conditions that allow light, air, and social activity to penetrate deep into the architectural mass.

Programmatically, the project focuses on strengthening female participation within the predominantly male user profile of the area. Educational spaces, production workshops, a library, café, and sales areas are brought together to create an integrated environment where learning, making, and economic participation can coexist. Traditional food production serves as a catalyst for social interaction and knowledge exchange, fostering stronger connections between different user groups.

The architectural form reflects this concept of porosity through fragmented volumes connected by transitional spaces and shared courtyards. Variations in height establish a clear spatial hierarchy, while transparent and semi-transparent interfaces strengthen visual continuity between interior and exterior environments. The result is a civic structure that functions not only as a building but also as an extension of the public realm.

By bringing together memory, education, production, and public life, the project proposes a contemporary civic core that respects its historical context while creating new opportunities for social inclusion, cultural continuity, and urban vitality.