Paradiso Palms Terrace Bar
Paradiso Palms is a two-story gastro bar located in the Marinadistrict of Mersin. Situated on the terrace level of a building, it is shapedby drawing inspiration from the layers of Mediterranean architecture and theframed coastal views. The conceptual formation derives from the natural existenceof colors in nature, creating a design process that is inspired by theintrinsic hues found in the surroundings.
In the design process of the project, the focus is on shaping thespace as an interactive and sensory experience that interacts with itssurroundings, considering it as a whole. Architectural design decisions drawinspiration from the coastal city context, emphasizing how environmentalelements integrate within the space. Transition narratives created within thespace and decisions shaping the overall composition aim for the space to gobeyond being merely a physical entity, creating an interaction area thatestablishes a strong connection with the user throughout its lifespan, aimingfor timelessness.
While merging functionality and visual coherence in design, adetailed examination of the memory of the Mediterranean, material diversity,and social habits has been conducted and integrated into the internal narrativeof the design. The design focuses on reconnecting users with the world they arealready in by introducing familiar elements, aiming to create a sense of a"well-felt place." In this context, the philosophical approach of thespace brings forth the essence of "new luxury," emphasizing comfortand naturalness in spatial terms. The fluid floor plan structure facilitatesspatial transformation, enhancing the user's impulse to explore and be curiouswithin the space.
Walls created with separators made of earth blocks are not justphysical constraints but also semi-permeable spatial elements guiding the userthrough various experiences on an emotional and perceptual level. Positioned toemphasize a direct encounter with the sea, these separators enable the interiorto have an organic unity with the exterior. Semi-permeable walls, offeringdifferent potentials from various angles, have been scaled to provide functionsthat embrace the user with their concave forms, making them feel secure,offering different perspectives, and creating a personalized sense of space.
Material selections, including earth-based materials, have beenchosen by considering their aging processes, reflection of climate effects, andsustainability conditions. Emphasis has been placed on supporting multi-layeredsustainability through appropriate material choices to design a space that cancontinue to mature and maintain its natural echoes throughout its life cycle.Materials such as earth blocks, terrazzo, and limestone, continuing to matureand maintain their natural echoes throughout their life cycles, have beenincorporated into the design, taking into account their behavior, maintenanceneeds, durability, and the feelings they evoke.
While drawing nourishment from the context of the design throughlocal materials, the created material selection ensures the harmoniousintegration of different patterns and vibrant color palettes with contemporaryarchitecture. The interior and walls of the space are adorned with elementsinspired by the landscape of the Mediterranean. Lighting elements, providing asense of strolling through Mediterranean streets, are strategically placed torevive the sensation of wandering during different times of the day. Inconclusion, the reinterpretation of greenery, soil, sea, and light has beenincorporated into the space to enhance the cycle of social areas and support asense of belonging.
