ALOOF

The climatic characteristics of marekeş required the use of sheltered outer areas. Because of this, as well as the internal areas of the project, the meeting area that will be used in common, pedestrian circulation areas, permeability of units and the relations that they will establish with each other were also considered. It was aimed to create areas where users would be comfortable together. A workshop unit was created where we introduced the culture of marekeş with workshops on leather processing, weaving and handmade musical instruments from the local crafts of Marrakech. There is an exhibition hall where the products in this unit are also displayed, a multi-purpose hall that can host events such as a theater, a conference, a music conservatory, a library, a management unit, a restaurant with local flavors that will serve all units, and wet volumes. In ecological design, one of the most important elements to consider is the choice of materials compatible with the ecosystem with the use of energy and resources. The bearing system of the structure is wood and the material of wall construction is rammed earth. Studies have shown that the energy spent in the production of concrete, aluminum and steel, which are the most preferred materials in construction production today, and the rate of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is higher compared to wood material. In this context, concrete 120kg/m3 steel 5320 kg/m3 and aluminum 22000 kg/m3 carbon emission while this ratio is 15 kg/m3 in wood material. In this context, it is seen that the use of natural and renewable materials in building production has less environmental effects both in terms of resource and energy efficiency, as well as in terms of waste formation and cost. Rammed earth which is a sustainable material, does not require energy at the stage of its production and does not create waste. Soil structures are easy to manufacture and repair, and they are effective in ensuring indoor air and moisture quality. After the structures have completed their life, they can be converted for the production of new soil structures, and if they are left to nature, they disappear. In this context, it is seen that the use of soil material as a building material provides advantages both economically and ecologically. The project was designed as a meeting place where the culture of Marrakech is promoted and exhibited, bringing local people and tourists together. While carrying out this meeting, it was aimed that the users would encounter both each other and the oasis by taking the oasis into the place. While designing, the first aim was to keep the oasis alive in the place, to provide air circulation with minimum energy by using the wind and to produce a space suitable for the desert climate. In order to keep the oasis inside, the water was drawn in from the Northeast and flowed back into the lake from the Southwest. An axis was created in which the water is in a continuous cycle, comparing people and water. The existing trees on the axle have been preserved and increased. On this axis, a “meeting area” was designed that combines tourists, local people, Marrakech culture, water and greenery. With a sustainable approach, the masses were placed in pieces towards the wind direction, and continuous air intake was ensured through the created slits into the mass and to our middle meeting axis. In order to protect from the sun, mobile masses and facades that can change according to the position of the sun were designed. Cubic form and porticoes were used in the cultural center to represent Marrakech, referring to Marrakech architecture. Many design changes were made until the final design State was reached, you can see these steps below.