Ece Comert

The balance of open, semi open and closed spaces throughout a structure defines more or less the experiences that it can offer. Yet the transitions between these spaces gain more importance in increasing the intensity of those experiences. These transition elements in the Taskisla courtyard are mostly created by unintentional and organic formations.

As you enter the courtyard passing through the narrow doors of Taskisla you immediately sense a completely different environment surrounding you. The repeating patterns of the white corridor now open up to something that you would not expect. The monotonous feeling is torn up by the drastic change in our perception of space.  The cubical space with the top surface open to air has an organic texture formed by layers of primary and secondary spaces. The main layer is formed by the contours of the cube and the second by the stairs leading to the lower level.  The fact that the shape of the courtyard is so definite, different readings of space is hard to make. Yet the experience when you stand in the middle of the courtyard is more intense then you assume. The organic components add up in creating captivating instances.

The rays reflected by the windows of the inner façade create a third layer of transparency. It is not due to the transparent quality of glass but more because of its reflective qualities as a material. These reflections change during daytime creating different combinations throughout the 24 hours. A pattern that repeats in a never-ending cycle... The trees of courtyard are trimmed regularly yet they form engaging shapes. One tree on the corner, bend in such a way that it makes you want to sit beneath it and when you do and look up to the sky it acts as a surface. You feel like you are sitting under a protective hood. The leaves look like they are woven so closely that you start to feel as if they were the background and the rays passing through the voids in between are the objects in front.  When you pay more attention new layers emerge by the leaves condensing in one place and appearing less dense in another. When you stand up from the corner and stand near the pool the glares from the water catch your eye. First it seems like a homogeneous mixture of dirt and water but when you look closely top layers of the water appears clearer. The dirt inside the pool gets thicker as the depth increases and the top layer both reflect and transmit light. The crowd mostly hangs around the pool and this is mostly due to the sensation it creates by reflecting light.