A Symbiotic Architecture along the Edge zone (Msc Thesis TU Delft)
In the urban and coastal region surrounding the Marmara Sea, a detachment between human life and the ocean is emerging that seems primarily caused by the consequences of post-industrial anthropogenic processes. The effects are seen in the form of a mucilage plague in the waters, posing a threat to marine life, and thereby emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. This project, strives to unveil the interplay between the natural dynamics of the Sea of Marmara and our human relationship with this vital, pulsating ecosystem. 

At its core, the architectural intervention proposes a symbiotic architecture, positioning itself as a mediator that is bridging the widening gap between humanity and nature: An eco-centric approach that dissolves the conventional demarcation lines between land and water. By showcasing the various activities occurring in our oceans, the project seeks to enhance the visible connection and experience, developing a strengthened collective awareness of the ecological body we are part of. A carefully curated journey through an architectural landscape aims to create a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness and cyclical rhythms inherent to the surrounding landscape. Drawing from the insights of J. Bloomer, who challenges the conventional notion of coastlines as mere edges, the project embraces the concept of interrelational edge zones. Here, the terrain is seen not as a binary transition but as a dynamic and continuous process.

In essence, the project aspires to not only address the immediate ecological concerns surrounding the Marmara Sea but also to spark a shift in our collective consciousness. By connecting architectural innovation with ecological principles, it strives to establish a harmonious co-existence between humans and the natural world, fostering a deep ecological awareness that transcends traditional boundaries.


Completion:             November, 2023. Carmen Wientjes
Site:                         Marmara Sea, Turkey
Academia:               TU Delft, The Netherlands. Master Thesis MSc 3,4: Borders & Territories design studio
Supervisors:             P. Koorstra, G. Koskamp, O. Rommens
Tools:                       Rhino, Enscape, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign

1. The Marmara Sea, regional map (Originally 1:5000)

2. The oceanic water cycles of the Marmara Sea, Exploded axonometric

5. The network of architectural interventions: Mediators between land and sea along the coastline

6. One of the five locations: Regional site map 

7. Floorplan (originally 1:500)

8. Floorplan (originally 1:250)

9. Exterior perspective on the roof scape, facing the sea

10. Building process of one of the three shell structures

11. Facade fragment, originally 1:20

13. Short section of the 'Soil' building , originally 1:200

13. Short section of the 'Soil' building (enlarged), originally 1:200

14. Long section of the 'Soil' building , originally 1:200

15. The Marmara Sea's marine life decline: severe sea snot formation mapped in 5 steps

.3. Five origins of anthropogenic instrumentalisation of the Marmara Sea, leading to five site locations

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