Urban Breathing Block

Urban Breathing Block is a high-density mixed-use urban prototype developed for Mediterranean climates where heat, wind and urban compaction significantly influence spatial performance. The project challenges conventional compact block typologies by proposing a porous urban system that integrates environmental responsiveness with spatial continuity and public life.

Rather than consolidating the program into a single massive volume, the design is structured as a system of separated building masses calibrated to prevailing wind directions and solar exposure. Building spacing preserves dominant wind corridors while allowing secondary sea breezes to penetrate the site, improving natural ventilation potential and reducing heat accumulation within the urban block. Carefully defined spatial gaps ensure year-round daylight penetration while minimizing excessive solar gain.

The ground level is conceived as a fully pedestrianized public realm where shaded streets, courtyards and open passages create continuous urban life. Elevated communal landscapes redefine the ground plane by lifting shared public spaces above infrastructure, enhancing thermal comfort and encouraging social interaction.

The integration of residential, office, hotel and retail functions creates a dynamic urban environment that supports activity throughout the day and night. Mixed-use temporal layering ensures social diversity and continuous occupancy across the site.

The structural system is conceived as a spatial enabler, supporting large-span public areas while ensuring seismic resilience appropriate to the Mediterranean context. Green roofs, terraces and shaded pedestrian networks enhance microclimatic performance and reduce heat gain across the urban block.

Urban Breathing Block proposes a replicable model for coastal cities where density operates as an environmental and social catalyst rather than a constraint. By transforming environmental forces into primary design drivers, the project demonstrates how high-density development can evolve into a performative urban framework.

Urban Breathing Block is designed as a high-density mixed-use development located in Antalya, Turkey, with an approximate total construction area of 166,000 m².

The program includes residential units, office spaces, hotel functions and retail areas organized within a porous block system that prioritizes environmental performance and spatial continuity.

The project integrates calibrated building spacing to preserve wind corridors and ensure solar access across the site. Ground levels are designed as car-free public spaces, while technical and parking functions are located within multi-level basement floors.

The structural system is conceived to support large-span public areas and flexible program distribution while ensuring seismic resilience appropriate to the Mediterranean context.

Green roofs, terraces and shaded pedestrian networks enhance microclimatic performance and reduce heat gain across the urban block.