Bee Breeders Architecture Competitions has announced winners for the Nemrut Volcano Eyes architecture competition, envisioning a visitor observation platform to be constructed atop Nemrut, a volcano located in eastern Turkey.

Given the site and limited access, submissions with cost-effective, environmentally-responsible and energy-efficient construction methods were viewed favorably. 

The winning project by Fernando Irizarry and Marcos Ortiz Gabriel Rivera from the University of Puerto Rico (the “Upservatory”) considers the viewing station as a mobile, 20-square-metre circular platform elevated into the air by a hot air balloon with an asymmetrical form. Following a rollercoaster-like track, the mobile observatory would provide visitors with a number of breaktaking views over the caldera.

Second prize went to Keremcan Kirilmaz and Erdem Batirbek from Turkey who designed a winding observation route in a form reminiscent of a lava flow. Third prize went to Giuseppe Pastonesi, Desislava Georgieva, Marchela Varbanova and Nina Gerosa from Italy whose project ‘A walk beyond the edge’ featured a triangulated platform with cantilevered viewing points to the crater and Lake Van.

Sam Naylor and Elaine Stokes from the USA have been awarded the BB Green Award with their “Obsidian & Steel” project. 

See the winning projects below with short jury comments:

1st prize: Upservatory by Fernando Irizarry, Marcos Ortiz, Gabriel Rivera - the University of Puerto Rico

Jury comments:

"In what was among the most striking proposals, ‘Upservatory’ takes cues from well-known ballooning sites over the vast Cappadocia in central Turkey. This proposal considers the viewing station as a mobile, 20m²-circular platform elevated into the air by a hot air balloon with an asymmetrical form. The platform is accessed from an entry station near to the mountain’s ski lift; once elevated, the balloon-carried deck follows a guide rail cantilevered well over the peak’s edge, permitting visitors unrestricted views of the caldera and the surrounding geography."

"In a series of simple, captivating drawings, the submission succeeds in describing a completely new experience for observing Mount Nemrut. The jury encourages the designer to further study the structural implications of the roller-coaster-like guide rail. While the images show a project with minimal impact to the landscape, can it really be built so finely and meanwhile achieve such a cantilever? Can it be used year-round? How is it operated and maintained?"

Read interview with the 1st winners

2nd prize: Nemrut Caldera Observation Route by Keremcan Kirilmaz and Erdem Batirbek from Turkey

Jury comments:

"This standout submission takes a winding form reminiscent of a lava flow. In emphasizing this sinuous form the presentation notes it is in keeping with Nemrut’s history as a mountain “constantly sculpted by movements from within and below.” The footbridge leading from the ski station to the viewing station is composed of a modular system of corten rails and perforated stairs set on precast concrete piers - the detail drawings are particularly effective in describing the design and its potential constructability. While the jury was less convinced about the seemingly large structure supporting the observation platform, the project is successful in giving importance to the trekker’s journey."

Read full interview with the 2nd prize winners

3rd prize: A Walk Beyond The Edge by Giuseppe Pastonesi, Desislava Georgieva, Marchela Varbanova, Nina Gerosa from Italy

Jury comments:

"A walk beyond the edge’ is a triangulated platform with cantilevered viewing points to the crater and Lake Van. With its sculptural form in steel and wood, the design plays with weight, transparency and opacity: the station is entered via a footbridge, through an opaque ‘tunnel’ that frames views of Nemrut and performs as a counterweight to the cantilevered ramps; the mass then dissolves as the wooden floor gives way to perforated decking and guardrails, allowing views below. The triangular nature of the platform leads visitors to three distinct observation points. The drawings in the submission are compelling in their use of light versus shadow, giving presence to the structure’s ‘joint’ at the tunnel, while dematerializing the element projecting over the crater."

Read full interview with the 3rd prize winners

BB Green Award: Obsidian & Steel by Sam Naylor and Elaine Stokes from the USA

Read full interview with BB Green Award winners 

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