Contemporary interventions to historical sites offer a vibrant approach to preserving and enhancing cultural heritage. These initiatives blend modern design and technology with historic architecture to create spaces that are both practical and respectful of their historical roots. Incorporating elements like new materials, creative lighting, and interactive features revitalizes landmarks that might otherwise be overlooked, making them more engaging and relevant today. When executed with care, these updates connect the past with the present, providing new perspectives on historical sites and deepening our appreciation of cultural heritage.

Çubuklu Silolar (Çubuklu Silos), an important structure in Istanbul's industrial heritage, is located between Paşabahçe and Kanlıca districts. Since the 1930s, the region has been utilized as a storage area by private oil companies, with silo structures of varying sizes installed over different periods. Restored by İBB Miras (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's Heritage Department) in accordance with universal conservation principles, the Çubuklu Silos were reintegrated into Istanbul in 2024 with their architectural reflections of their periods and their integration into the urban memory.

The historic site has been refunctioned with a contemporary interpretation. Covering an area of 20,000 square meters, the new star of the city, the Çubuklu Silos are hosting visitors with multifunctional units such as the Digital Arts Museum, Natural History and Science Museum, Children's and Art Center, workshop, stage, event area, restaurant, cafe, and a library with a collection of 12,500 works in literature, art, history.

The Digital Arts Museum is hosting the exhibition "Re cognition: What is Real?” curated by Ars Electronica and produced by Piksel. Creative Solutions, offers a new and alternative perspective on the concept of reality through the lens of media art. Featuring nine diverse artistic practices from both international and local artists, the exhibition seeks to create a thought-provoking space at the intersection of art and technology. It invites viewers to explore beyond the boundaries of the tangible and to engage with perceptible realities. The exhibition includes works by Universal Everything, who received Ars Electronica's prestigious Golden Nica award; Yatreda, who was awarded the Prix Ars Electronica; Shinseungback Kimyonghun and Quadrature, who received Honorary Mentions; and Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, who won the Grand Prize. It also features current works by globally famous artists including Theresa Reiwer, Nohlab, ha:ar, and Atıf Akın.

As stated by Ars Electronica about the exhibition, reality has many dimensions—personal, shared, and objective—making it difficult to define clearly. Each era shapes our understanding of reality, and today’s Digital Revolution highlights the need to integrate digital changes with traditional practices. The rise of artificial intelligence also challenges our understanding of truth and reality. The work of Universal Everything in the exhibition fits to this statement perfectly.

Established in 2004, Universal Everything is a global collective of media artists, experience designers, and innovators working remotely. They create engaging, immersive experiences using real-time generative design, physics simulations, and computer-generated imagery. The work "Transfiguration (2024)" is a 7-minute and 55-second animation directed by Matt Pyke, animated by Chris Perry, and sound design by Simon Pyke. It features a large figure that constantly moves and changes shape against a dark background. The figure keeps walking steadily, even though its appearance changes frequently. Its footsteps show confidence and presence. Despite its size, the figure moves smoothly and calmly. This work is one of the latest evolutions of "Transfiguration (2011)," which was first shown at a Universal Everything concert in Paris.

The animation is visually striking, featuring a massive figure with vibrant colors that stand out against the dark background. The seamless transitions between different materials, such as water, ice, fire, feathers, smoke, flowers, and bubbles, are highly realistic. The sound design enhances this realism with strong, echoing footsteps. However, the shifting materials and the human-like figure, which is literally composed of various substances, pull the viewer away from conventional reality. This contrast challenges the viewer’s perception of reality, engaging both their senses and their understanding of what constitutes reality.

Visiting the Çubuklu Silos is a unique experience in itself, given its unfamiliar structure and recent renovation into a cultural center. There is much to appreciate, from the striking architecture and panoramic views of the Bosphorus to the intriguing exhibitions and artworks on display. One might even find it a bit disorienting to encounter a historically significant building now serving as a museum dedicated to digital arts, creating a fascinating contrast between its past and present. This blend of history and modernity not only enriches the visitor’s experience but also highlights the evolving nature of cultural spaces. The Çubuklu Silos stands as a testament to how heritage and innovation can coexist, offering a space where the past and the future intersect in compelling ways.