MERDİRİM

Our goal is to transform a currently abandoned building in Mersin, originally designed by Cengiz Bektaş.
The design approach focuses on global crises and envisions a dystopian future scenario. With its iconic presence, the structure stands as the eye of Mersin—its only skyscraper of this scale—visible from everywhere, watching over everything.

In a future shaped by climate crisis and drought, this building remains the last structure standing—a vessel for life.
The skyscraper functions like an energy system: the tower produces and channels energy down to the base, where life is sustained.
At its peak lies a communication hub, while the upper levels function as an industrial system, hosting a minimal number of residents and maintaining energy, water, clean air, and production cycles.

In this building, everything matters—every product, space, and object. Therefore, production and recycling are at the core of the system.
Production begins at the micro scale within the tower and expands toward the base, reaching a macro scale, eventually extending throughout the city via designed capsules. These capsules are envisioned to regenerate urban life.

The building merges its historical identity (Mertim) with its new purpose (Dirim, meaning “life”), and is renamed: MERDİRİM.
Its vision is not limited to Mersin: the aim is to establish self-sufficient structures in various locations that remain in constant communication with each other.
Governance is provided through collective management—there is no hierarchy, no fixed staff.

Concept video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfhOlN8uvco

WATER SYSTEM
Water is collected at the top of the tower, where filtration begins.
Pipes distribute the water and separate clean and wastewater.
The water tank is located below ground level.

ENERGY
Energy is a vital necessity for this building.
Therefore, wind, solar, and biogas systems are used.
Solar energy is generated on the façade, wind turbines are placed on the roof, and biogas is utilized within the building.

CLEAN AIR
Since outdoor air is not suitable for direct breathing, façade openings filter the air—as shown in the sections—and allow it to circulate indoors.

İsmihan KOYUNCU (Tasarımcı)
Prof. Dr. Yenal AKGÜN (Öğretmen)
Prof. Dr. Gül Deniz DOKGÖZ (Öğretmen)
Prof. Dr. İlknur TÜRKSEVEN DOĞRUSOY (Öğretim Görevlisi)