{Architect}, a graduate of Bialystok University of Technology, designed a scenic footbridge and tourist center on the Nemrut volcano in Turkey. Her project "The Path", part of her master's thesis, participated in the international competition "Nemrut Volcano Eyes" organized by the Buildner platform and was shortlisted for the competition.
The competition task was to design an observation point and footbridge
© Ewelina Bugajewicz
competition for observation point
The goal was to design an observation point located at an altitude of about 2,800 meters above sea level - at the southern end of the crater of Turkey's Nemrut volcano, which will allow visitors to view Lake Wan. Within the Nemrut caldera is located, the world's second largest crater lake. A second, smaller lake, adjacent to the northern end of Lake Wan, is heated by waters from geothermal springs. The crater has a special microclimate with unique flora and fauna.
project titled The Path, situation
© Ewelina Bugajewicz
The organizers required participants to take into account both functional and aesthetic qualities when designing the observation point - since its construction, in such a challenging environment, would be complicated and potentially costly. The designs were to include a segmented route topped by a lookout point, so that the journey from the foot of the crater to its highest point would be an unforgettable experience. The designs were to emphasize functional and innovative solutions that fit well into the context of its surroundings.
Two routes lead to the caldera
© Ewelina Bugajewicz
geotourism on a volcano
The jury awarded three main prizes, a special BB Green Award, six honorable mentions and published the projects that made it to the so-called short list. The shortlist also included a project from Poland titled The Path, by Ewelina Bugajewicz, a graduate of Bialystok University of Technology.
In the author's words:
" The scope of the Nemrut Volcano Eyes competition was part of my master's thesis "Geotourism on a volcano", done under the supervision of Dr. Adam Yakimovich. The project involved the creation of two functionally interconnected facilities - a viewing footbridge with an observation point and visitor center buildings. The development area was limited to two sides of the ski lift line, which is currently the only way to reach the edge of the caldera. The starting point of the ski lift is the "lower region" and the ending point is the "upper region", often used for skiing.
Viewing footbridge projection and available routes
© Evelina Bugajewicz
scenic route
The design of the scenic route along with the observation point was inspired by the natural volcanic landscape. By using sloping footbridges that run along the slopes of the caldera, the author made the viewpoint accessible to people who have difficulty reaching most such attractions. The beginning of the path is right next to the ski lift top station, thus giving users convenient access.
The trail has been divided into several parts. Two routes intersect at the "crossroads" - the existing trekking route and the newly designed path.
The current route - with a higher degree of difficulty, can continue to function and enjoy visitors, while a new opportunity to explore the landscapes is created. The opportunity is provided by a division, where the user can decide what kind of experience he or she would like to have, as the path is divided into a "lowpath" and a "high path." At the end of the "low path," the tourist can rest and enjoy the views while sitting on steps facing the interior of the Nemrut caldera. On the way to the 360 ° viewpoint, at the end of the "high path" there are several points forobserving Lake Wan from different perspectives and a place to rest on specially placed benches, the architect says.
The vantage point is suspended above the caldera
© Ewelina Bugajewicz
"Hanging" observation point
Throughout the route, the author proposed an LED strip to illuminate the premise after dark and at night, powered by solar energy. The most impressive stop of the route is the 360 ° observation point - thanks to its location at the highest point of the establishment, it offers a view of the entire interior of the caldera. The point "hangs" above the caldera, giving the impression of floating above it, this is further enhanced by the transparent floor used by the designer, made of open lattice.
design diagram of the footbridge
© Ewelina Bugajewicz
The structure of the footbridge and vantage point is formed by a steel truss. The floor of the route was made of corten grating, which, as time passes, becomes more and more in keeping with the austere surroundings. The structural trusses, along with the grids, act as barriers. Due to the lack of road access, the foundations are a pile system using foundation technology without concrete and heavy equipment.
All structural and finishing elements can be transported in parts to the chosen location by helicopter and assembled on site, making it possible to create such an unusual structure in such a hard-to-reach location, the author assures.
Tourist center during winter
© Ewelina Bugajewicz
tourist center
Ewelina Bugajewicz expanded the competition concept into a tourist center in her master's thesis. Its main idea, is to create a space for visitors where they can rent equipment to facilitate exploring the caldera area and relieve fatigue after exploring it.
Inspired by the majestic yet highly dynamic landscape of the area, I set out to create two blocks shaped like archetypal mountain peaks. The trekking routes, on the other hand, gave the idea to create an urban concept similar to the landscapes of the Nemrut area. The whole establishment is connected by footbridges of irregular shapes, similar to the projected scenic route, so that the whole creates a coherent concept," explains Ewelina.
projection of the tourist center building
© Ewelina Bugajewicz
exhibition building, spa and restaurant
The Bialystok University of Technology graduate proposed two buildings - an exhibition building with a spa and a restaurant, connected by a viewing terrace and footbridges. The buildings are shaped in such a way that the rest zones face the view of Lake Wan. On the terrace, the author assumed an "extension" of the restaurant to the outside, and during colder periods tables and chairs would be tucked inside.
The tourist center consists of two blocks
© Ewelina Bugajewicz
The connection of the facilities to the existing road is via footbridges. They split, like the scenic route, into two parts - one leads to the observation deck, from which you can access the restaurant and spa, while the other leads to the ski rental and bike rental facilities. The trails are established in such a way that one can move freely between functions, so it is possible to go from one trail to another through the exhibition building. The entire establishment of the tourist center, including the scenic route, is adapted to the needs of people with disabilities and limited mobility.
