An Open Platform for Bodrum’s Local Assets and Resources

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Over the past 50 years, tourism growth and urbanisation in Bodrum have increased pressure on public space, urban infrastructure, energy, and local resources. Excessive construction, rising capacity, and infrastructure deficiencies have become major concerns. Despite these challenges, Bodrum continues to attract millions of visitors and a growing winter population. Its multilayered cultural, historical, and ecological heritage remains under pressure, yet its traces endure within the collective memory and built environment.​Degirmenburnu is a distinctive site where this memory remains visible. Located at the centre of the Bodrum Peninsula, it has preserved much of its natural character while becoming an important tourist destination. Its geological formations, windmills, cisterns, historic quarry, rock-cut tombs, and continuing animal husbandry traditions reveal the potential of local knowledge and resources for contemporary resilience strategies.

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The project draws inspiration from the windmills and cisterns, which represent harvesting, production, self-sufficiency, and sustainable social and economic models. Rather than treating the landscape as a tourist backdrop or a frozen museum, the proposal transforms it into a living classroom and laboratory that reconnects Bodrum with its memory of production and resilience.

Existing traces including windmills, cisterns, human and animal paths, and concrete surfaces are reinterpreted together with rainwater harvesting, passive climate control, solar and wind energy, local stone, and excavation-free construction. These elements become tools for remembering, relearning, and developing climate-sensitive forms of building.

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The Degirmenburnu Visitor Centre and Open-Air Museum integrate the windmill landscape with access, information, cultural, and social programmes. A phased Park–Walk–Explore system and shuttle loop are proposed to reduce traffic. The Visitor Centre is placed below the existing cafeteria, preserving the skyline and panoramic views while easing congestion at the entrance. It is connected to the upper-level restaurant and the site’s walking routes through two semi-open circulation axes.​The lightweight structures are discreetly integrated into the terrain. Reinforced-concrete footings, a timber–steel hybrid system, local Çilek stone, bamboo, and planted roofs reinterpret traditional materials through contemporary construction methods.

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The Open Assembly and Open Archive within the Visitor Centre form part of the Bodrum Urban History Exhibition, creating a physical and digital platform for discussions on energy, resources, and resilience. Real-time energy data, roof-water harvesting, bioswales, passive climate control, and responsible material choices demonstrate possible models for climate-resilient development.​Beyond day tourism, the site becomes a year-round meeting place for concerts, theatre, festivals, and cultural events. The panoramic restaurant and café offer a gastro-ethnographic menu featuring flour from restored windmills, local herbs, and endemic plants. Income from these activities supports the maintenance and cultural programme of the site. ​

Walking routes, information points, and a digital application provide layered experiences of Degirmenburnu’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage.