Description

Myths, which reflect the social values of the city of Izmir and are an integral part of its intangible heritage, hold significance due to their ability to preserve and convey culture. In order for these Izmir myths to be internalized, a method of storage and transmission that engages with the public is required. Therefore, it has been proposed that a facility be established in an activity hub where documentaries on these myths, created with contributions from the people of Izmir, will be preserved and transmitted to future generations.

Upon exploring various locations, it was considered that a site of historical significance with a high density of people would be advantageous. The parking area adjacent to the Agora was deemed particularly suitable for this purpose. Since the production of documentaries is an activity deeply intertwined with people, an analysis of human flow in the area will first be presented.

The Kemeraltı, Agora, and Hotels region near the site are areas where human activity is intense, ensuring a steady flow of people towards the site. Additionally, the southern part of the area is a residential center where neighborhood culture remains strong, indicating that myths still thrive in this vicinity. The multicultural nature of the area further provides an opportunity to view myths from diverse perspectives. Another significant advantage is that the site creates a large open space on Anafartalar Caddesi, one of the most important streets in Izmir, offering a different perspective to those emerging from the narrow streets of this historical and dynamic area. Furthermore, research has shown that many myths are closely connected to the immediate vicinity of the site, as Izmir itself is home to numerous myths due to its rich history.

Next, the site analysis will be addressed. The following inferences have been drawn from the sections:
• Intersection of historical sites and recent buildings
• Orientation towards pedestrian pathways
• Intersection of commercial (Kemeraltı) and residential areas
• Strong neighborly relations
• Orientation towards a street with significant vehicle traffic

The site's proximity to key pedestrian and vehicular routes is expected to draw attention.

Designed

2022

Technical data

The program will consist of four main parts:

1.Narrative Data Collection Space:
-Public Sessions Area
-Meeting Rooms with Experts
-Archive
-Myth Journal

2.Pre-Fiction Spaces:
-Public Education Hall on Documentary
-Documentary Scenario Discussion Space
-Myth VR

3.Intangible to Tangible Spaces:
-Shooting Area
-Green Screen
-Iso Booth (Isolated Room)
-Edit Room

4.View of Docu-Myth Transmission Point:
-Screen Hall

Finally, the design concept will be discussed in relation to myths and documentaries. Myths are inherently uncertain, existing primarily in oral culture, and are often abstract in nature. To represent the formation and accumulation of myths over time, the ground has been excavated to create depth. Therefore, the public session area and myth journal, where myths are collected with public assistance, are situated at this lower level.

A grid system has been established to symbolize collective memory, with grids beginning to attach to the ground and eventually converging at the top. This represents the process of transforming the abstract culture of myths into documentary form. The spaces have been arranged from the bottom up, starting with the function of collecting myths and progressing to areas where these abstract concepts are made tangible.

Lastly, the space where this collective documentary product is displayed emerges from above, ensuring its transmission to future generations."

Project team

Designer Architect: Çisem YILDIZ
Supervisor Architects: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ülkü İnceköse, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ebru Yılmaz, R.A. Gizem ELBİZ