Defining the industrial structures and remains with new functions rules out the "form follows function" fact and requires a design that fits to the limits of the area. In that context, instead of viewing the boundaries of the area as a problem, we considered them as the beginning of the design process which includes the relation between the new museum program and the features of the existent spaces.
While assigning the new functions, we tried to keep the clues about previous uses and existent atmosphere. We created mental images by reminding the past of the space to the people. We achieved this by protecting the original space characteristics that formed during factory era such as the total volume design of the buildings 4 and 7. We also considered using the spaces in the similar functional and spatial characteristics with the factory such as starting the museum route from the factory entrance.
When the removal of a building from the complex is necessary like what happened with building number 3, we offered suitable modern buildings instead. When the current buildings couldn't meet the functions, we offered modern additions. The new proposals for buildings 3 and 11 are the modern interpretations. Instead of preserving the old ones; we prevent the confusion of the citizens, we contribute to the time layers and we protect the existent tree textures by creating new buildings that follow the outlines of the old ones. Besides, the new additions in order to maintain the building functions are the masses that replace the old additions and can be easily differentiated from the buildings.
While designing all the buildings and additions, we protected the West silhouette of the complex since it contains the core buildings (building number 1,2,4,9) that create the urban memory. We even designed the main entrance of the museum under the ground level in order to provide that.
In conclusion; what we aimed with our total design approach is to reveal the potentials within the limits of Alsancak Regie Cigarette Factory, exploring the complex instead of taking it to its past, understanding and creating a design according to its current condition in order to preserve it by giving a modern meaning.
