Ultra Modern Turkish Cultural Center is Contained Within a Massive Metal Box

The ultra modern Raif Dinçkök Yalova Cultural Center in Turkey is a series of facilities contained within a monumental <a href="http://inhabitat.com/saits-green-roofed-parking-garage-is-a-hidden-work-of-art/">perforated metal box</a>. Used as a screen to shield the programmatic elements from the climate, the box acts as the boundary between the outside and interior worlds, protecting the people that enjoy the complex without completely closing it off. The multi-purpose facility, which was designed by Istanbul-based <a href="http://www.emrearolat.com/" target="_blank">Emre Arolat Architects</a>, offers a variety of spaces in separate buildings like a mini city connected via ramps and pathways. Lush gardens surround the site and provide a bright and optimistic contrast to the industrial nature of the project and the city itself.

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yalova_Province" target="_blank">Yalova,</a> which is located on the Sea of Marmara, is an industrial city and is gritty and maybe even a little rough.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/aart-architectures-elsinore-culture-center-encloses-a-classic-building-with-a-crystalline-facade/">cultural center</a> resembles the tough, industrial, outer shell of the city.

Contained with are a myriad of element representative of all that is good in the area.

Inside the large corten steel box is a multi-purpose room for 600 people, a workshop room for 150 people, nuptial and exhibition rooms, a library, an office and cafeteria.

Each space has its own unique building shaped specifically to match its different functions and necessary dimensions.

Like a city in a box, there are streets, pathways and public plazas that connect the buildings to each other.

The perforated metal facade acts as a barrier to protect the interior elements, but not completely cut them off from the outside world.

Acting as a rain screen, a wind screen, and a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/shade-screen">sun screen</a>, the box creates a micro climate, but still allows in filtered sunlight and encourages natural ventilation.

The semitransparent facade accepts light during the day and at night returns that light out into the surrounding landscape to illuminate the grounds like a light through a veil of tulle.

Surrounding the cultural center is a sculptured and lush garden designed specifically to bring joy and optimism to those who visit the grounds.

A top open area provides mixed-use space for a variety of activities.

Buildings within a building provide sheltered space in which to interact.

Pillars, walkways and streets create a multi-dimensional space within the veiled facade.