VitrA Çağdaş Mimarlık Dizisi - Arkitera

With its low storey, low density and minimally dimensioned design, Amanruya is the
product of an approach that utilizes regional and traditional building elements without
simply copying them, while also making use of contemporary means of design and
construction. This approach is based on the idea that man-made additions to nature are
acceptable only if they improve the aesthetic qualities of the physical environment. The
aim of this approach is to create a happy society where individuals possess an awareness
for the environment and a sense of its beauty.
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Hotel Amanruya, built on a narrow valley located in the Demir region of Göltürkbükü
Municipality and overlooking Mandalya Bay of Bodrum, is the first project by Amanresorts
International in Turkey. Hotel Amanruya is one of the pioneer examples of boutique
hotels, the concept of which has become an international trend. Boutique hotels
are specially designed to serve limited numbers of distinguished customers, in contrast
the hotel chains of mass tourism.
In accordance with the master plan which Turgut Cansever initiated at the beginning
of the 1970’s and completed in 1984, the Demir Holiday Village, which was built on a
2,7-hectare area located within a 50-hectare area containing pine trees, won the Aga
Khan Architecture Prize in 1992. The village was the product of the quest for a proper
accommodation model suiting the cultural, social and economic structure of the area,
and it can be considered the first step in the quest. The archetypical and essentialist
approach of Turgut Cansever, which has roots in Mediterranean architecture and the
traditional Ottoman architecture within the context of the philosophy of “beautification
of the world through architecture”, was maintained in designing the complex of the Hotel
Amanruya, located next to the Demir Holiday Village. The complex was integrated with
nature like traditional village settlements in order to create a harmonious environment.
With this aim, apart from the accommodation units, the public spaces of the hotel were
also scattered along the slope of the valley in order to create this picturesque atmosphere.
The units are composed of an entrance, reception area, souvenir store, art gallery,
spa, 3-floor library, restaurant and night clubs surrounding the 50 m outdoor pool.
The hotel offers a contemporary interpretation of the tradition for distinguished
post-tourists searching for authentic experiences, and successfully creates a feeling of
genuine that is difficult to achieve in this sector of tourism. The hotel creates this effect
through the harmonious relations of the site plan, through the combination of luxury
design objects and high quality materials with traditional construction techniques in
designing the buildings as well as with its hospitable approach to business.
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