Kreatif Architects designed the Piru Reis Maritime University, a higher maritime education and applied training, located in Istanbul, Turkey.

The project allocates an intense programmatic function in fragmented blocks embedded in a sloped site. The basic aim was to create open-air public spaces among blocks where students and academic staff may interact with each other through out the day. The steep slope of the terrain and the fragmented blocks are utilized to minimize the perception of the overall campus silhouette. An open-air walkway extending on the north-south direction of the site binds the six interconnected blocks over the ground. This spine defines the main circulation path of the overall campus and enables a continuous sea view experience within the campus.

A well-known naval terminology, “Neta” meaning “neat, safe, efficient” was projected as the design concept keyword. Since the spatial planning and operation principles of ships and dockyards are based on simplicity, plainness and efficiency, this concept was very much appropriate with the use of brutal materials and functionalist simplicity of the overall campus design for a maritime university. The choice of materials including corten steel planes, aluminium mesh sunscreens, raw concrete and wooden boardwalks creates the crude atmosphere of large vessels that the students will experience throughout their professional lives.

Building blocks are located closer to the northern border of the site, leaving a spacious green area on the south in order not to disturb the natural coastline. This coast area embraces a public pedestrian way that is linked with the adjacent residential district, and a pier for the seaboard training for students. The blocks parallel to the coast are allocated for educational, administration and social facilities where as the blocks vertically placed to the sea incorporate training pool, labs and classrooms.

The upper floor of the social block that has the best vista of the sea is reserved for library. The middle floor of this block is designed as a living passage including small food and beverage shops, ATM units and a mid- sized coffee shop whereas the ground floor is designated as the general cafeteria for lunch meals. The main spine reaching from north to south is fragmented into smaller pieces with niches, terraces and different levels to avoid a monumental and harsh axis. The prevailing wind is tamed by the utilization of the blocks parallel to the sea, so that inner courtyards are protected from severe winds. This layout also helped to benefit from the sunlight efficiently.

The spaces that do not need daylight are placed underground while the raised floors and terraces of those places created the open spaces between the building blocks. Detached entrances enable the access to these blocks with surrounding bicycle and vehicle roads thanks to the utilization of the topography.

“Sustainable life” and “energy saving” are major principles of any vessels on the sea and thus “green campus” concept is adopted from the very beginning. The campus generates 45% of its own electric energy, and excess heat energy from this electricity production is used for heating and cooling of the buildings. Fresh water is obtained by purifying seawater and grey and rainwater is used for sanitary and landscaping irrigation purposes. Perforated 100% recyclable non- mercuric corten steel plates absorb most of the ultraviolet rays and decrease the energy load for cooling. These and many other precautions on sustainability make the Piri Reis Maritime University as the first green campus of Turkey.

Architect: Kreatif Architects
Design Team: Aydan Volkan, Selim Cengic, Onur Arat, Aysegul Kapisiz, Nihat Kalfazade, Ufuk Berberoglu, Erhan Ilicali
Contractor: Sera Yapi
Photography: Omer Kanipak, Orhan Kolukisa & Cemal Emden