The Living Ruins Competition aimed to revitalise the abandoned village of Kayaköy in Türkiye. Participants were tasked with designing an open-air museum that would conserve and restore this unique site within the Mediterranean landscape. The challenge was to create an innovative museum that could balance the past and present while fostering a connection between visitors and the site.

The winning projects presented thoughtful interventions and impressed the jury with their sensitivity and creativity. They developed subtle yet effective strategies that seamlessly integrated into the landscape while honouring the site’s historical and architectural integrity.

“By blending preservation with modernity, the winning designs reimagined the village as a living narrative, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub that respects its heritage and engages future generations.”

Toffu congratulates all participants for their creative visions, and we are delighted to announce the winners! Visit here for more information and to see the golden and honourable mentions. 👀

1st Prize

Patika: A path through the past, a lake in its midst, a wall to guard it all.

Pedro Conde, António Salgado

Jury Comment

“The ring serves as a powerful manifesto for the living ruins, with its route thoughtfully curated to embrace a series of compelling moments. Sensitive additions and carefully designed interventions breathe new life into the site, revitalizing the ruins and transforming them into a vibrant space of renewed activity and meaning.”

2nd Prize

Through Their Eyes – Experiencing Kayaköy

Luis Friederici, Hendrik Thies

Jury Comment

“The project offers an emotional and immersive museum experience, telling the story of two boys’ friendship to explore Kayaköy’s history of coexistence and loss. Light installations, tactile exhibits, and voice recordings connect visitors to the past. The design integrates reconstructed ruins and a thoughtful visitor centre, enhancing both storytelling and accessibility. Its graphic execution and innovative approach to heritage preservation make it a standout project.”

3rd Prize

Ruins as Traces

Ugur Ozer Ozguven, Ergi Bozyigit, Kubra Altan, Sevgi Bodur, Demet Coskun, Ozden Yalnizgul, Turac Sarikamis, Fırat Meliye, Vahid Farkhad, Seda Yilmaz, Kaan Kahraman, Taha Demirors

Jury Comment

“The “RUINS AS TRACES” project offers a thoughtful and respectful approach to reimagining Kayaköy as an open-air museum. By emphasizing the site’s historical significance and natural beauty, the design creates a powerful and immersive experience for visitors. The careful integration of the visitor center enhances the site’s accessibility and educational value without compromising its authenticity. The proposal offers a wide range of design devices for different moments along the route.”