Urban Grove

Project idea

The idea of this project stems from the need to create a calm, inclusive, and sustainable public space in the heart of a dense urban setting. Located between İzmir Kültürpark and Cumhuriyet Square, the design addresses the problem of urban disconnection from nature. By merging the dynamic flow of the city with the serenity of a grove, the library becomes a new gathering place that fosters learning, reflection, and community engagement. Inspired by trees and organic forms, it introduces a living canopy into the city, offering shade, thermal comfort, and visual continuity with the surrounding green space. The project aims to redefine the modern library as an open, climate-responsive, and socially engaging environment.

Project description

Project Name: Urban Grove Location: İzmir, Türkiye Site: Between İzmir Kültürpark Montro Gate and Cumhuriyet Square Located on the former site of Yalıncıoğlu House, between Kültürpark Montro Gate and Cumhuriyet Square, Urban Grove is a library that merges urban vibrancy with natural serenity. The design responds to its surroundings by integrating the dense tree canopy of Kültürpark and the high pedestrian activity of Sevgi Yolu, creating a space where city life and nature coexist harmoniously. To enhance user experience and mitigate urban stressors, the library is set back from the main road, forming a buffer zone that reduces noise and heat while generating a welcoming public space at the entrance. Additionally, the structure is lowered by 4 meters, minimizing exposure to external environmental conditions and improving thermal comfort within the library’s core spaces. Inspired by the organic forms and functionality of trees, the design embodies a living canopy within the cityscape. The structural framework represents tree bark and branches, while the roofscape mirrors a grove’s foliage, composed of rectangular prisms at varying heights. These volumes, alongside strategically placed trees, reduce solar radiation from 393 kWh/m² to 220 kWh/m², balancing energy efficiency with a dynamic, sculptural aesthetic. A hexagonal and triangular structural system reinforces the organic concept, extending into slender columnar supports that resemble tree trunks. The transparent glass facades enhance visual permeability, maintaining a seamless connection between the library interior and the surrounding urban landscape. Additionally, kinetic solar panels respond to sunlight conditions throughout the day, optimizing daylight control and energy consumption, further aligning with the project's sustainable ethos. By intertwining functionality, sustainability, and biomimetic design, Urban Grove emerges as a community-driven knowledge hub, fostering an environment where learning and nature intertwine. It offers an open, adaptable, and engaging public space, redefining the contemporary library experience as a place where people gather, reflect, and connect with both knowledge and the natural world.

Technical information

Steel structures are load bearers in this project