University Library
Site Information
History of Sinop region goes back to 7th B.C. and today ruins of castles and buildings are everywhere. The fortress that is on the site belongs to 13th century. Sinop is peninsula that is surrounded by Black sea. North shore water is wavier than south coast that is why there are wave breakers along the shore. Since there is port, wave effect decreases on south shore. The city is exposed harsh north winds during winter and spring. Rainy season is winter however rainfall is vivid 1/3 of the year. Average weather temperature during winter is 10C degrees and 22C degrees during summer.
Problems and Solutions
Underdeveloped and unused filled sand zone. Less walkability along the shore due to car road. No pedestrian crossing between seaside and the city because of historical walls.
Redirection of car road along the shore will make coastline more walkable. Removing filled zone will initiate better interaction between people and the sea. Moreover, with these changes, the area will return its original plan. Building will act also as passage above the historical walls which is going to create unique experience.
Plan and Circulation
The building is divided into three parts as functions which are underwater book exchange and reading, above the water studying and entertaining and the last one is roof platforms for passage above the walls. The roof level also provides greenery and landscape sitting areas. There are four entrances which are south ground floor entrance that is open to group studying zone, north ground floor entrance that is used for leisure, roof entrance which leads to second floor coffee shop and underground entrance that faces book exchange desk.
Second floor horizontal circulation between three bodies is assisted by bridges, meanwhile the main vertical movement is through stairs. South entrance stairs also act as sittings. There are two ways to overpass the historical wall, while experiencing it closely: interior stairs and roof passage. Ramps on the roof ease circulation between platforms and enable passage for wheelchairs. Despite the fact that underground section of the building has its separate entrance from ground level, it is also directly connected to the rest of the complex.
Environmental Systems
Roof overhangs break direct summer sunlight and allow winter sun. Entrance flooring acts as thermal mass providing passive heating. Moreover, sea water is captured and filtered for cooling system which runs in the entrance level flooring. Louvers on the double glazed curtain wall provide shadow during summer.
Roof Structure
Library has walkable roof therefore, the structure has to be bulkier to account for that. It has double grid wooden system that is connected to tree shaped columns. The roof partially covers historical wall, however walls do not act as structural element due to its historical value. Historical fortress is imitated inside the building, hence interior walls have stone finishing.
