The project aims to address the challenges of floods and coal pollution in Pyramiden, an abandoned Soviet mining town in Norway’s Arctic. The proposed dike system not only protects the town from floods but also offers a functional movement system around the area by utilizing the in-situ waste coal dump as filler material. Additionally, the project tackles the issue of inadequate services for the rapidly increasing arctic tourism by creating architectural spaces for a mining museum, brewery, and a greenhouse, making the most of the challenging climate that restricts open-air agriculture.
The project is located on Urla Quarantine Island, Izmir, and encompasses the conservation of existing monuments and history, as well as new proposals related to the environment. The focal point of the project is the “Thalassotherapy Center,” which includes various treatment areas and a research center. Thalassotherapy is a rare form of therapy that requires specific and unique conditions, all of which Urla Quarantine Island can provide.
The Thalassotherapy Center features bridges that connect the buildings on the first floor, providing platforms that lead to the sea. The pools are filled with sea water and covered by canopies. The project offers a variety of open, semi-open, and closed spaces that serve different functions. Traditional materials are used, creating an ambiance of serenity and health.
Author: Elif Naz Kozakçı
Studio: Arch 402 Spring 2023
Instructor(s): Giorgio Gasco
