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Caryatids and Olive Trees in a Community Hub Enhanced by a Floating Bridge

Authors:
Hüseyin Gül, Sezer Yüzüak
Caryatids and Olive Trees in a Community Hub Enhanced by a Floating Bridge
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A floating bridge integrates caryatid-inspired structures and olive tree motifs to create a community hub that fosters engagement and learning in Kocagöl-Muğla.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating bridge connects land and sky, enhancing visitor experience.
02
Reception area designed as a modernized cave reflecting early human settlements.
03
Caryatid-inspired figures welcome visitors, merging classic and contemporary themes.
04
Central tree influences design flow, symbolizing a connection to nature.
05
Workshops promote community engagement through hands-on learning opportunities.

The Time Tunnel in Kocagöl-Muğla explores the connection between people and their environment, set against a backdrop of rich history and natural beauty. The design aims to highlight how humans have adapted to their surroundings while also considering the environmental impacts of their actions. The structure is organized around an amphitheater layout inspired by ancient Greek architecture, creating a space that feels both historical and relevant.

Reception Area

The reception area takes the form of a modernized cave, echoing one of humanity’s earliest living spaces. This welcoming entrance prepares visitors as they begin their journey through the Time Tunnel. A notable feature here is the upper cover, which functions as a shadow clock, connecting the experience of time with the rhythms of nature.

Symbolic Elements

At the reception, abstract representations of a man and a woman stand as modern versions of classical caryatids. They embody themes of welcome and hospitality while linking the design to long-standing architectural traditions. A prominent tree at the center guides the flow of the building's form, emphasizing how nature plays an important role in human life.

Community Engagement

The layout includes areas for workshops, inviting communal participation in various creative activities. Spaces dedicated to pottery, clothing making, agriculture, cooking, and technology encourage visitors to collaborate and share skills. This design aspect not only makes the Time Tunnel a place for exhibition but also an active center for learning and interaction among the public.

Floating Bridge

The experience culminates in a floating bridge, which symbolizes a connection between land and sky. This structure provides elevated views for visitors and serves as a platform for 3D artworks addressing topics like environmental pollution and wildlife preservation. It acts both as a physical connection and as a reminder of the relationship between humanity and nature.

The upper cover's design draws inspiration from the growth patterns of olive trees, reinforcing a sense of harmony with the local ecosystem.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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