SuperKerpiç Children’s Library: Physical Improvement and Capacity Building
January - December 2026
İSTANBUL, KAHRAMANMARAŞ
Affiliates: Poçolana Works , İdeka Eğitim ve Danışmanlık
This project, led by the Architecture for All Association, HİM (Herkes İçin Mimarlık), aims to transform the ‘SuperKerpiç Children’s Library’, which was built for children affected by the earthquake in Türkoğlu, Kahramanmaraş, but rendered unusable in winter due to technical shortcomings, into a year-round cultural centre. Constructed using local soil and natural materials, this two-dome structure is a notable example of architecture that has been exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale and selected for the Arkitera Architecture Annual. Although its potential to serve as a vital social space for children, the SuperKerpiç library is unable to continue its activities due to a lack of heating, inadequate facilities and the absence of a sustainable usage programme.
As part of the project, in collaboration with PoçolanaWorks, the building will undergo waterproofing, heating and ventilation system upgrades, and safety repairs; the interior will be fitted with child-friendly furniture and workshop equipment. After these improvements are completed, a weekday library service will be offered, and on weekends, art, nature, and creative drama workshops will be held regularly throughout the year, featuring local instructors and experts from other cities. It is planned to hold at least 10 weekend workshops and 8 presentations per year, with the aim to reach approximately 600 children, with a total of at least 800 children reached when combined with weekday usage.
This process, which encourages the participation of local educators, volunteers and families, aims to provide children with a safe and creative learning environment. In this model, where ecological architecture is transformed into a social benefit, it is planned that, at the end of the process, the management of the building, along with the user guide and programme, will be transferred to Türkoğlu Municipality, where it will be developed and maintained by the local government. This move will result in the establishment of a high-quality, accessible, and permanent cultural and artistic hub for children in the earthquake-affected region.
