Every project opens new horizons for its designer, but Qu/ero goes beyond the ordinary, initiating a mental revolution. Through this project, I experienced firsthand that architecture is not just about shaping physical spaces but also about exploring intellectual freedom and alternative perspectives. Designing of Qu/ero Project allowed me to embark on a unique journey where architecture and thought systems intertwined. At the end of this journey, I proudly earned my certificate, which marks a pivotal moment in my professional development.
Qu/ero: Challenging the Boundaries of Ground and Thought
Qu/ero defines itself not just as a physical structure but also as a "space of thought." At its core, the project challenges the capitalist world’s homogeneous understanding of ground and space. It rethinks the relationship between humans and the land, where the ground is not merely a passive entity but an "actuator" that shapes both its environment and thought processes. The project's focal point is the Guzelbahce region of Izmir, where the destructive impacts of quarries and rubble dumping have nearly erased the soil’s existence.
The philosophy of Qu/ero is to question the human right to reshape the ground as an actuator of its surroundings. By reflecting on this dynamic, the project stands as a physical and conceptual challenge. In Guzelbahce, where the ground’s existence is nearly lost due to human activity, Qu/ero aims to revive this ground as a space for intellectual engagement.
The Provocative and Reflective Process: A Journey Between Layers
The project introduces its users to a "provocative process" before the actual spatialization begins. It provokes awareness of the ground’s near extinction and invites participants to reflect on how human actions reshape the environment. Through interactions with the land, users engage with the different layers of space, and in turn, with their own thought processes. The "reflective process" then begins as users experience the physical interaction with the land in both underground and above-ground spaces. Underground pathways lead to rooms where users can feel the soil’s physical presence, touching elements like sand, water, and rubble. Above ground, untouched natural landscapes offer a stark contrast, allowing users to reconnect with the land in its purest form.
This duality between human intervention and natural preservation guides users on a journey through layers of thought, where they observe how space and thought intertwine and evolve. As users traverse through these layers, the architecture itself becomes a guide, facilitating the transformation of their thought processes.
Architectural and Technical Details: A Structure Shaped by the Ground
The architectural design of Qu/ero aligns perfectly with the thought-provoking narrative of the project. Underground structures use 50 cm thick curtain walls to integrate seamlessly with the land, while the steel columns and beams of the above-ground structures follow the natural inclines of the terrain. The underground paths and rooms are formed by opening 15-meter diameter circles, preserving the land’s natural slope. These technical details highlight the project’s deep integration with the surrounding topography, ensuring that the built environment enhances rather than disrupts the natural landscape.
The architecture, with its sensitive and deliberate design, invites users to explore the "mental layers" of thought and space. The relationship between architecture and the environment is central to the project’s philosophy, guiding users on a journey where physical spaces mirror their inner thoughts.
A Milestone at the Intersection of Architecture and Thought
Qu/ero project was more than just an architectural experience; it was an opportunity to challenge and expand my own intellectual boundaries. Through the guidance of my instructors Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ülkü İnceköse, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ebru Yılmaz, and R.A. Ceren Ergüler, I delved deeply into the "provocative and reflective processes" of Qu/ero, discovering how architecture can shape and transform thought.
Earning my certificate at the end of this journey was a major achievement in my architectural career. This certification not only symbolizes my design work in the project but also marks a significant step forward in my professional growth. Qu/ero taught me that architecture is not just about creating physical spaces; it is a powerful tool for reshaping thought and engaging with the world in new ways.
Conclusion: A Journey Between Ground and Thought
My time with the Qu/ero project has shown me how architecture can push boundaries and reshape thought processes through spatial experiences. The journey through the different layers of space and thought allowed me to realize the profound connection between the ground and the mind. The certificate I earned from this project represents a key milestone in my development as an architect, and I am eagerly looking forward to applying the lessons I learned in future projects!
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