KNOT
Spaces based on users' unconscious choices
Founded on the ruins of historical Istanbul Imperial Shipyards, KNOT aims to bring locals, academics, and government officials together to collaborate, firstly in order to discuss and solve the problems of the specific highly-controversial site, then continue on to solve the urban problems of Istanbul. The space is designed to create a medium for people to meet and exchange ideas, each coming from diverse communities and
socio-economical groups; creating active change and rehabilitation of the society. The space hosts a variety of activities from workshops, seminars, coworking and meeting zones, and exhibition areas of all scales. In addition, it attempts to heal the site it is founded on while being respectful to its legacy and roots. By restoring the fauna and flora, it aims to enliven the environment of Istanbul, while informing and developing awareness of these endemic and local species as well as the ecosystem, with the users. It becomes an attraction point for not only people but also a habitat for small animals. In addition to these ecological rehabilitation gardens, personal gardening lots allow users to engage in active physical activity, making the site a place of production again.
The online layer enables users to participate remotely in the events, or enrich their experiences in the venue, with behind-the-scenes information about the activities available. Completely virtual events are also held in the space, providing an active and ever-changing, interactive surrounding.
