rough sketch of the caravanserai after 50 years of weathering

the project transmogrifies a preexistent typology to accord with the needs of now, subsequently the nature of the material lets it prematurely age in order to cater to the needs of tomorrow. having an “architecture that does nothing” approach to preservation, the proposal aims to make history coexist within the design and make legible the additions I will make to portray the hybridity within the building’s surface.

the design will revive the functionality of the caravanserai typology to make it serve the needs in functions of today and with minimal interventions the project will cater for the needs of an automated future where the human scale of the project will no longer be needed.

the journey began by examining surfaces in relation with my definition of hybrid: an amalgamation of surfaces shaped by a multiplicity of historical milieus, united in a symbiotic relationship. looking at Anish Kapoor Studios, the hybridity was portrayed through the bricks on its facade which showed a historical timeline of the additions made to it.

the journey continued in Turkey as we all set out our own agenda for surveying sites where hybridity in our definition of it occurs. my journey went from london, to istanbul, to izmir (pergamon), to ankara, cappadocia and then kars. all these cities played a big role in the silk road, and proved that the silk road not only facilitated the carriage of goods but also spread different cultures all along the way.

the dilapidation of the artefacts caused by external factors informed the prematurely ageing aspect of the proposal. where the weathering of its surface would cause it to erode in time leaving space for new functions to occur.

the caravanserai typology emerged as roadside inns for caravans travelling on camelback. the approach on preservation will aim to minimally alter the existing building by using the existing footprint to make the caravanserai cater to the needs of the 21st century.