Ceren Çamlıca
student
YASAR UNIVERSITY
Turkey
Architecture
Pergamon and its surroundings have a long tradition of growing olive trees, and some villages in the region send oil and olives to the palaces of Istanbul. In… more
Omar Harb
advisor
Phoenicia University
Lebanon
As an architect and founder of Omar Harb Architects & Associates, my work centers on creating… more
Feedback: Pergamon Olive Oil Factory and Tourism Center
This project presents a richly contextualized and ambitious proposal for the Olive Oil Factory and Tourism Center in Sağancı village, Pergamon. Ceren, your work demonstrates a deep appreciation for the region's history, culture, and economic potential, while aiming for a truly sustainable and integrated development.
Overall Concept and Vision
The project idea is exceptionally strong, rooted in Pergamon's long olive tradition and rich archaeological history. The dual objectives of providing higher quality, ecological oil production for local growers and creating a tourism center for education and cultural preservation are brilliant. This integration promises a new source of income, resources, and social life for the village, making the project an organic "addition" rather than a separate entity. The explicit commitment to sustainability (ecologically, socially, economically, and culturally) sets a high standard for the design.
Project Description
The design approach is well-considered, emphasizing seamless transitions between activities and accounting for the building's entire lifespan, including scenarios for reuse or demolition. The decision to use earth blocks from on-site excavations to minimize carbon emissions is an excellent sustainable strategy, creating a direct material connection to the land.
The integration of these blocks to create patterned openings for light and shadow play is a sophisticated design move, promising a unique and experiential atmosphere. The consistent pattern on roofs and within the landscape to distinguish functions while maintaining unity is also very effective. The careful planning for three different user groups (workers, customers, visitors) across different seasons and simultaneously, along with dedicated circulation and facilities (including accessibility for disabled individuals and children's playgrounds), showcases a highly user-centric and inclusive design. The thoughtful positioning of outdoor seating and separate parking areas further reinforces this comprehensive planning.
Technical Information
The technical information provided demonstrates a commitment to sustainable and context-appropriate construction:
Local and Natural Materials: Prioritizing these, along with a reinforced concrete and wood main carrier system, balances modern structural requirements with environmental principles.
Post-Tensioned Masonry Wall System: This is an intriguing modern application of a traditional wall system, enhancing structural efficiency.
External Wall System: The brick veneer wall with wooden frame, cellulose wool insulation, membrane, and natural soil plaster on the inner surface creates a robust, insulated, and healthy envelope, minimizing carbon footprint and optimizing thermal performance.
Insulation: The use of cellulose wool for both heat and humidity control is a smart, eco-friendly choice.
Roof System: Optimizing insulation and air permeability with wooden beams, rafters, and tile coating, along with the integration of a "rain chain" system for water drainage, indicates attention to climate-responsive design.
Connection Details: Specifying flexible and durable joints for wood and concrete, and balancing insulation, bearing capacity, and aesthetics at floor/wall junctions, points to a high level of detail in the structural and material integration.
Water and Energy Self-Sufficiency: While the project emphasizes sustainability, elaborate on specific strategies for water management (e.g., rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling for irrigation/toilets) and energy generation/efficiency (e.g., solar panels, passive heating/cooling strategies tailored to the Aegean climate, waste heat recovery from oil production). This would strengthen the "sustainable" goal significantly.
Detailed Cultural Integration in Tourism Experience: Beyond preserving local culture and history, how does the design of the tourism center actively immerse visitors in Pergamon's specific olive-growing traditions, historical narratives, or local craftsmanship? Are there specific interactive exhibits, workshops, or sensory experiences planned that highlight these unique cultural elements?
Economic Viability and Community Empowerment Model: While "new income" is mentioned, detailing the business model for the olive oil factory (e.g., co-operative for local producers, profit-sharing) and how the tourism center's revenue directly benefits the Sağancı village and its residents would further solidify the "socially and economically sustainable" objectives. For instance, are there opportunities for local employment beyond the factory, perhaps in tourism services or craft production?