Eşik (Threshold)

Project idea

EŞİK – ‘’ The inception or defining boundary of a transformative journey. ‘’ ( Eşik means treshold in Turkish.)
This project is built upon the idea of transformation, based on the understanding of "from part to whole, from whole to part." In alignment with WEFA’s humanitarian mission, the entrance gate is designed to create a spatial threshold that brings individuals and communities together, fostering cultural and social interaction. The gate, with its modular and adaptable structure, serves as both a physical and symbolic
transition point. Inspired by the idea that individual parts form a whole, a flexible and transformable system has been created. This system can be applied on different scales and can adapt to changing needs over time.

Project description

This project proposes an entrance pavilion for a humanitarian külliye in Senegal, designed as a threshold between the individual and the collective, between interior and exterior, past and future. Rooted in the philosophy of transformation—from part to whole, from whole to part—the design reflects WEFA’s mission of fostering cultural and social unity. The gate becomes more than just a transition point; it is an inclusive, modular, and symbolic structure that adapts to context and time. Its flexible system allows for future scalability while fostering spatial encounters that invite reflection, gathering, and shared use. Locally sourced adobe and wood serve not only as sustainable materials but as carriers of regional identity and craftsmanship. Adobe's thermal performance is harnessed for passive climate control, while wood adds both structural integrity and human warmth. The construction process empowers local artisans, intertwining traditional knowledge with design innovation.Functionally, the gate guides users into the külliye through layered experiences: shaded rest areas, curated displays of atelier-made products, and micro-habitats that host informal interaction. Its brickwork perforations allow light and air to filter through, creating a breathable, porous envelope. With bicycle parking and repair stations, the design embraces mobility and sustainability—core to daily life in the region. Architecturally, the roof becomes a unifying gesture—an embrace—hovering above, sheltering not only people, but also local flora and fauna. It references the adaptability of the built form, adjusting in scale and use according to need. Elevated for ventilation and solar shading, it becomes the project’s environmental mediator, spatial marker, and symbolic canopy of inclusion.
In every aspect, the entrance pavilion exemplifies an architecture that listens—to its users, its culture, and its climate.

Technical information

The design incorporates local materials from Senegal, such as adobe (mud brick) and wood. Adobe
stands out for its ease of application, local relevance, and frugality approach. Its high thermal mass
allows it to store heat during the day and gradually release it at night, balancing the indoor temperature
and increasing energy efficiency. Additionally, as a sustainable material with a low carbon footprint, it
minimizes environmental impact. Wood is used as a structural and aesthetic binding element, giving the
structure warmth and a human scale. The selection of these materials has been combined with a
construction process that incorporates the knowledge and skills of local craftsmen.

Documentation

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