‘istanbul disaster prevention + education centre’ by riccardo mariano, istanbul, turkey all images courtesy riccardo mariano

riccardo mariano has designed ‘istanbul disaster prevention + education centre’ as an entry for the thyssenkrupp elevator istanbul disaster prevention + education center competition. the complex is a reflection of earth-related phenomena as the surrounding site lifts to form a volcano-like structure. from inside, coloful lights pour upwards, a reflection of man-made energy. although the nearby landscape contains a creek while the north has civil infrastructure, the building is located on a flat topographical surface allowing the low profile center to visually emerge.

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre entrance

the internal façade consists of drawings which were derived from a typical islamic pattern. based on the hexagonal grid, the system modulates the light, adding color as it passes through its different densities. the built-in light gets stronger as it gets closer to the top, allowing for it to be seen from a distance at night.

structurally, every sector works as an independent entity connected to the next by cracks and joints. this principle is based on the observation of the geometry of fractures in solid material. overall, the building is a fragmented mass made out of simple substructures. outside, the gravel from the surrounding site is continued onto the façade. the material acts as installation for noise and temperature while visually tying the building into the landscape.

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre interior

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre main hall

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre floor plan / level 0

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre cutaway section

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre elevation

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre exploded axonometric

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre internal facade system

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre shape generation diagram

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre conceptual form diagram

riccardo mariano: istanbul disaster prevention + education centre plan diagram

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions’ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.