Re-collage
Istanbul is a palimpsest city—its layers of history often obscured or erased by the pressures of the present. Re-collage seeks to safeguard the Büyük Valide Han, a 17th-century caravanserai and a microcosm of the city itself, from fading into neglect. This historic complex encompasses more than just the main caravanserai structure; it also includes remnants of a Byzantine tower and a tapestry of informal additions—built over time by its occupants—that form yet another layer in the building’s evolving narrative.
Preservation here extends beyond architectural conservation. It is also about sustaining the rhythms of everyday life embedded within the space. Inspired by the method of bricolage, the proposal activates the vacant façade of the mesjid in the main courtyard, echoing how informal structures once organically claimed the surfaces of the caravanserai. The design introduces a modular catalog—a “kit of parts”—that can be inserted into the mesjid, creating new possibilities for inhabitation while honoring the site’s layered history.
The first step to intervene is subtraction—a deliberate act of removal to reveal the original architecture of the caravanserai, which has been obscured by layers of informal additions. The guiding principle is selective preservation: informal structures are retained where they serve a structural purpose, such as supporting areas where the original domes are missing. Conversely, where the historic structure is intact—particularly around the arches—these additions are removed to uncover and celebrate the spatial qualities of the ruin. The subtracted elements are then reintroduced elsewhere within the building, repositioned in a way that respects and enhances the experience of the historic fabric without compromising its integrity.
The self-built additions embody a raw, personalized form of architecture, revealing how empty spaces naturally attract informal occupation. By inserting modular elements that are designed to evolve over time, the proposal embraces this dynamic process—encouraging spontaneous interactions and adaptive use. These interventions echo the ever-changing character of contemporary urban life, creating flexible and permeable boundaries that foster a sense of collective ownership and shared authorship of the space.
