Collage exterior render of a cultural center with a timber facade, contrasting the day and night light. An illustration of a mother and child is walking to the building.
FLOATING ARCHITECTURE, SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

How might earthquake readiness inform architectural landmarks?

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality
Turan, Izmir, Türkiye
Macro scale urban map of Izmir showing the project site's connectivity to ferry lines, subway, and tram networks.
Building on a site that is at high risk of and requires extensive ground improvements, how might we create a substructure that is naturally isolated from earthquake loads, floods, and rising sea levels?

How might we rethink the ground conditions to minimize the impacts of earthquakes? Is it possible to have a building with no foundation?

How might we tap into the shipbuilding industry that Izmir is traditionally good at, to solve future problems of energy transition, port relocation, and climate change at once?

How might we take the first step towards a future floating city for Izmir?
Waterfront view of the project featuring outdoor dining areas and a promenade overlooking the Izmir Bay. There is a girl illustration in the right corner who is picking flowers.
Render Credit: David Rossmann — Felix Render
Open-plan art gallery space with wooden flooring and vertical timber slats, hosting contemporary art exhibitions.
Render Credit: David Rossmann — Felix Render
Double-height library interior with a spiral staircase, study areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light.
Render Credit: David Rossmann — Felix Render
Axonometric diagrams illustrating earthquake readiness and sustainability strategies, including solar panels and rain harvesting.
Public gathering space featuring tiered wooden seating steps next to a biological pond and the resilient timber building.
Render Credit: David Rossmann — Felix Render
Awards:
1st Mention — Izmir Sustainability Center National Competition
Project Name:
SAL
Location:
Turan, Izmir, Türkiye
Size:
58,850 sf
Status:
Concept Design
Client:
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality
Scope:
Architecture, Interior Design
Typology:
Public Administative Building, Floating Architecture
Design:
SOUR - Inanc Eray
Collaborators:
Floating Structures Engineer: Bartels & Vedders
Super Structure Engineer: Emir Mühendislik
Soil and Ground: Zetaş  
Structural Timber: Prof. Dr. Demet Sürücü
Mechanical Engineering: Gmd Moskay
Electrical Engineering: Erke Tasarım, Ovacik
Fire Consultancy: Zeytin  
Sustainability Consultancy: Buro Happold
Building Performance Simulations: Mas Dynamics
Sustainability Framework: Erke Tasarım
Regenerative Design Framework: Prof. Dr. Aysu Kuru
Planning Consultancy: Prof. Dr. Züleyha Sara Belge
Cost Consultancy:
Lighting Design: Planlux
Vizualisations: Felix Render
Model Maker: ModelArt