Fatih Ekşi, a visionary architectural designer from Turkey, has embarked on a unique and inspiring creative journey. His latest projects are a captivating exploration of how everyday produce can be transformed into extraordinary architectural structures. By combining the organic forms of fruits and vegetables with cutting-edge AI technology, Ekşi has created a series of imaginative and visually stunning designs.
The Creative Process
Ekşi’s process begins with a simple selection. He chooses a fruit or vegetable, slices it open, and examines its internal structure. The seeds, often representing windows or entrances, become the focal points of the design. The peels, serving as the exterior walls, dictate the building’s overall shape and color.
With this foundation in place, Ekşi harnesses the power of AI to envision how these elements would translate into a full-scale architectural structure. The result is a series of fantastical buildings that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings. We wonder if these could actually be built in real life, like in Melbourne, by Melbourne builders.
The Awe-Inspiring Designs
1. Carrot Office
The Carrot Office boasts a vibrant orange exterior, reminiscent of a freshly plucked carrot. The building’s overall shape is a vertical half of a carrot, with the rounded end facing upwards.
The interior is equally unique. The horizontal half of the carrot, cut in half again, forms a rainbow-shaped structure. This curved section serves as the building’s main entrance and atrium, allowing natural light to flood the space. The remaining half of the carrot, standing vertically, becomes the central core of the office. This section houses the elevator, staircases, and essential utilities.
The most striking feature of the Carrot Office is the innovative use of glass walls. The middle section of the vertically standing half of the carrot is replaced with transparent glass panels, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. These glass walls not only provide ample natural light but also create a sense of openness and connection to the outside world.
2. Green Fig Mall
The Green Fig Mall is a unique structure inspired by a halved figure. The larger half of the fig forms the main building, while the smaller half is incorporated into a separate, connected structure. The exterior is a vibrant green, reminiscent of the color of a ripe fig.
The interior of the main building features a spacious atrium that resembles the inside of a fig. The fig’s “seeds” are transformed into large, circular windows that provide ample natural light and offer views of the surrounding area. The beams and columns supporting the building’s structure are designed to mimic the intricate patterns within a fig’s interior.
The smaller half of the figure is incorporated into a separate structure connected to the main building. This structure can house additional shops and amenities, providing a more intimate and boutique-like shopping experience. The interior of this smaller structure also features fig-inspired elements, such as curved walls and natural lighting.
3. Pineapple Hotel
The Pineapple Hotel is a whimsical structure inspired by a pineapple with a flat top. The “crown” of the pineapple, typically the top section with leaves, has been removed to create a flat roof. The exterior is a vibrant yellow, reminiscent of a ripe pineapple.
The hotel’s interior is designed to resemble the inside of a pineapple. The pineapple’s “eyes,” which are typically small indentations on the top, are transformed into large windows that offer views of the surrounding area. Each hotel room is within a pineapple section, providing a unique and intimate experience.
4. Sweetcorn Residence
The Corn Residence maintains its whimsical corn shape but is divided in half vertically. One half stands upright, resembling the stalk of a corncob.
The upright half houses the common areas and essential utilities. Some kernels have been removed to create spacious rooms for shared spaces like the lobby, lounge, and dining area. The remaining kernels are transformed into individual units, offering a unique and intimate living experience.
5. Cucumber Plaza
The Cucumber Plaza is a unique structure inspired by a cucumber cut in half lengthwise. One half is taller, representing the main building, while the other is shorter, forming a separate structure. A third, even smaller structure is added to the base of the shorter one.
The taller half of the cucumber could house the main shopping area, featuring a variety of shops and restaurants. The interior is designed to mimic the shape of a cucumber, with curved walls and natural lighting. The shorter half can primarily be used for office spaces, providing a quieter and more focused working environment. The smallest structure, resembling a cucumber slice, can be a lounge area with a distinctive rainbow-shaped roof. This lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere and panoramic views of the plaza.
6. Al-Tamr Tower
The Al-Tamr Tower is a sleek, cylindrical structure inspired by a date. Its exterior is a rich brown color, reminiscent of the date fruit. The tower’s shape is reminiscent of a date, with a slightly curved top.
The unique feature of the Al-Tamr Tower is the incorporation of the date’s seed and inner peel into the design. The seed, typically removed from a date, is transformed into a luxurious penthouse suite. Thanks to its elevated position within the tower, this suite offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city. The inner peel of the data is used to create a distinctive and stylish interior design for the penthouse, incorporating elements such as curved walls and natural materials.
The remaining floors of the Al-Tamr Tower are designed to offer a modern and comfortable living experience. The tower can include various amenities, such as a swimming pool, fitness center, and rooftop lounge.
7. The Onion Culture Center
Last but not least, one of the most viewed is The Onion Culture Center. It’s a distinctive structure inspired by a halved onion. The larger half stands upright, forming the main building, while the smaller half is divided into several rainbow-shaped domes that surround the base of the main building.
The upright half of the onion houses various cultural facilities, such as an art gallery, theater, and library. These spaces are designed to offer a comfortable and inspiring environment for visitors. The smaller, rainbow-shaped domes create a unique and inviting outdoor lounge area. This space features comfortable seating, an artificial pond, and lush greenery.
Which one is your favorite?
