Conceptual Aspects in Education; Piri Reis Maritime University

Technological developments do not only improve contemporary methods of education, but they also trigger new expectations in educational places. Among those, Piri Reis Maritime University stands out through its architecture that is designed by Kreatif Architects led by Aydan Volkan and Selim Cengiç. Main theme of design is inspired by ships, which also name this university of maritime education.

In spite of the mental conflicts between the idea of education and competition, growing numbers of newly established universities do not discourage them at all to take innovative steps. As a foundation university located in Tuzla, Piri Reis Maritime University is one of the pioneering institutions that evolve by its architecture as well as educational approaches in both; theory and practice. Being built upon an area of 60000 m2 and composed of 8 blocks, this project is completed by Kreatif Architects in three years. Following the university name, inspiration of architectural design is also derived from ships. Material choices; such as wooden surfaces applied on floors and rails or corten steel plates used as solar control elements, are driven by this particular approach, which is very familiar in world of marines.

As a result of corresponding to current sustainability principles, the project is also perceived as the first green campus of Turkey that received the BREEAM’s “very good” certificate. It contains various faculties like marine, engineering, literature, economics and administrative sciences. Simulation labs, seminars halls, student clubs, training pools, computer labs and workshops are only some of other out-standing areas.

In addition, there have been several applications not to disturb the natural coastline. For instance, buildings are located close to the northern part of the site whereas a spacious green area is left to the south. Public pedestrian way is embraced by this coast that also links the pedestrian way to the adjacent residential district and gives room to the pier for the seaboard training of students.

This special approach of the exterior also affected interior design decisions. As one of Koleksiyon solutions, Dilim modular sofa designed by Jan Wertel and Gernot Oberfell brought new colors and dynamism to different environments. Koray Malhan’s designs Guamba, Narcissus coffee tables and Faruk Malhan’s designs Plato storage system and Laluna sofa joined these modular pieces as well. Calvino desk systems and Cantata chairs are preferred in refectory.