Since summer, I have been working on a project. Even though I was not consistent enough due to my other responsibilities, I managed to create my own unique design that was initially inspired by the barrel cactus (aka golden barrel cactus). In this blog I will be giving information and some of my experiences while I was working on this project.
How Did It Start?
This project started during the summer at my family’s house in Bodrum, when I noticed a golden barrel cactus near the beach. I thought it looked really interesting because of its round shape and strong vertical ribs, especially how the ribs created shadows under the sun. When I went back home, I began sketching the cactus and thinking about how its form could turn into a building instead of just a plant. I wanted to understand how light would move through this shape, so I built a small model using long toothpicks to represent the ribs and tested it under different lighting. Seeing the shadows change during the day made me realize that this structure could create powerful spaces using light and shade. After that, I decided to develop the idea into a transparent, multi-floor building where the ribbed structure works as both support and shading. I placed two elevators in the center of the building to move people easily between floors and to avoid crowding. The lower floors were designed for ski shops and public use, the middle floors for cafés and social spaces, and the upper floors for hotel functions. At the top, I added a green terrace inspired by the cactus flowers, showing growth and life above the strong structure. The whole project developed step by step through sketching, testing, and experimenting, turning a simple summer observation into a complete architectural idea.
The Golden Barrel Cactus Structure
The golden barrel cactus is shaped almost like a perfect sphere, a form that is not accidental but essential for survival in extreme desert conditions. This rounded geometry reduces the amount of surface area exposed to direct sunlight, helping the plant stay cooler and retain moisture in environments where water is scarce. Its deep vertical ribs allow the cactus to expand after rainfall and contract during long dry periods, acting as a flexible structural system rather than a rigid shell. These ribs also create self-shading, casting narrow shadows across the surface throughout the day and significantly lowering heat absorption. Instead of leaves, the cactus develops dense spines, which slow down airflow close to the surface, reduce water loss, and provide protection, while also contributing to shading. At the top, the cactus produces flowers only when conditions are right, conserving energy and using its most protected zone for reproduction. When this logic is translated into architecture, the golden barrel cactus becomes a powerful reference for climate-responsive design: a compact form that controls heat naturally, ribbed structural systems that create shade and visual depth, and envelopes that adapt to environmental pressure rather than fighting it. Using this structure in architecture encourages buildings that work with light, temperature, and material efficiency, producing spaces that are both visually striking and environmentally intelligent.
Some of My Ideas For Its Usage
- Ski Resort & Hotel
A vertical ski resort where the lower floors are used for ski equipment shops and rental spaces, the middle floors include cafés and social areas, and the upper floors become hotel rooms. The ribbed structure creates strong shadows on snow, while transparent surfaces allow views of the northern lights and night skies. - Vertical Library
A public library where filtered light enters through the ribs, creating calm reading and study spaces. The structure naturally forms quiet corners and shaded seating areas. - Mixed-Use Public Building
A building that combines shops, cafés, exhibition spaces, and social areas on different floors. Each level has a different purpose, but the cactus form connects everything into one system. - Hospital or Health Center
A hospital concept where natural light, shadows, and curved forms help reduce stress and create a calmer environment. The ribbed structure allows controlled daylight and privacy, supporting healing and comfort. - Education Center / Dershane
A learning space where classrooms, study areas, and social zones are stacked vertically. Light and shadow help create focused environments, making the structure both functional and visually striking. - Large-Scale Café & Social Hub (Cheesecake-Factory–Style)
A large, lively café and dining space that feels warm and inviting. The ribbed structure creates a strong atmosphere with dramatic lighting and shadows, turning the building into a social landmark. - Wellness Retreat
A retreat focused on rest and relaxation, using enclosed spaces and soft lighting inspired by the cactus’s protective form. - Observation Tower
A public tower where visitors move upward through the structure, experiencing changing views, light, and shadow as they rise.
Down below, there are some reference pictures of my own work and planning.
I never thought about it this way. Great insight!