Contemporary Hamam Workshop and Tak Tak 1, Stockholm, 2004

Tak Tak 1, a new generation bathing clog design concept had been created during a workshop called “Turkey Meets Sweden on Contemporary Hamam” held in Istanbul and Stockholm in 2003.

The results of this workshop were exhibited in Kulturhuset - Stockholm in between dates of February 29th. –March 24th. 2004. The main concern of this workshop was to conceptualize a new generation Hamam Architecture and the traditional bathing ritual compatible with the urban pattern and life of today and tomorrow.

http://www.radikal.com.tr/haber.php?haberno=94656  http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:RH_Hsc8eN1oJ:www.dn.se/kultur-noje/knadas-och-vardas+hammam+in+Kulturhuset&cd=18&hl=tr&ct=clnk&gl=tr&source=www.google.com.tr

Tak Tak 1 had become my result of the focus on objects used in hamam from the product design standing point. It had been conceptualized based on scenarios in possible contemporary hamam. You can find out below the visual presentation of final design suggestions of  a contemporary hamam building: Ovaldarium and a new generation of bathing clog Tak Tak 1. 

Exhibition “Hammam”, Kulturhuset – Stockholm, 2004

Exhibition “Hammam”, Kulturhuset – Stockholm, 2004

Mine Ovacık Dörtbaş
Exhibition “Hammam”, Kulturhuset – Stockholm, 2004

Exhibition “Hammam”, Kulturhuset – Stockholm, 2004

Tak Tak 1 is conceptualized in two pieces in a matter of hygiene. A latex-skin is a single-use individual piece. It is provided by the complex. A colorful latex-skin is shaped to hold the base when it is folded over it and to attach it to the foot. It is worn without the base in the changing room. Waterproof laminated wooden base is a common piece.  Bases in S, M, and L sizes are stored in a parking-unit of bases in the changing room. Before moving to the wet area, the only thing to do is: Step on bases, flap the latex-skin over the base and walk away… tak tak tak ……

It is imagined usable for all genders like nalin was used by in the past. Instead of calling tak tak as clogs, it may be called walking apparatus on wet floors.     

TAK TAK 2 in Saint Etienne Design Biennale, 2004

The same design concept was developed and CAD model was presented in St. Etienne Biennale. The aim was in this design study was to regenerate bathing clogs independently from traditional look. You can see this design below.     

Tak Tak 2 in Saint Étienne Bienal, 2004

Flexible top of Tak Tak 2 is also provided by hamam complex. Without bases, it is being worn to walk on dry floor.The base, as a public piece of Tak Tak 2 is stored in changing room where the space before getting into hot and wet room, called caldarium. It is provided in various sizes. Before folding over, step on bases with the flexible top and fold the front and rear edges over the base to walk into caldarium. Folded-flexible skin will cover and carry the base. Rounded bottom of it will help to step. Stepping with tak tak 2 keeps you in attention to be aware of walking on wet floor. Audile rhythm of it refers to the past.



Tak Tak 2 in Saint Étienne Bienal, 2004



Tak Tak 2 in Saint Étienne Bienal, 2004

As this new clog was only created in CAD model, I knew that to implement this design concept, physical models should be made and design may be developed. Since 2004, this issue has been in my mind. On the other hand, as I observed, spreading demand on Turkish bath culture in contemporary life and in citied has been spreading in Turkey and Europe. And also, traditional bathing clogs have rich cultural potential to work on it in design. Why not to design and develop new bathing clogs for today as special footwear used in Turkish bath?

These thoughts have driven me to this project when I have come across with the opportunity of TCF Fellowship program. The mission of the foundation, the expectation of the fellowship program matched well with my dreams on new bathing clogs.

So, this is the starting point of the project.