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S CA LE

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D ivers it y M e m o ry U r b an N a t ure TAK S I M

Re cre ati o n o f th e Scale by Spatial Diversity for So c ial Inc lus io n a nd C r eative Par tic ip ation

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O u r p r o p o s al s e e ks to und e rs tand “ Taks i m Sq uare� in broader terms.

I s t a nb ul, wi th a populati on of 1 5 .5 2 Â m illion is larger th an m os t (1 6 0 ) countri e s i n th e world.

Ta k s i m S q uare i s at th e ce nte r of i t. Is i t a squ are becau se it is su r r o u nd e d by b u i l di ngs , parti ally, or i s i t a s q uare b e cau se it has an icon ic history?

I n e i t h e r cas e i t h as i m m e ns e pos s i b i li ti e s for Tu rkish Society.

T h e s q uare h as a uni q ue pos i ti on to s park chan ge an d evolve toge th e r wi th i ts parti ci pan ts.

I t i s a c h a nc e for ch ange , e q ual ri gh ts for m i nori ti es, a palette for diversity, i ns p i r a t i o n fo r art, a found ati on for s oci al e cology, archeology for history.

We b e l i eve i t i s a lot of th i ngs and m os t i m portantly it holds man y possibilities.

O u r p r o p o s al s e e ks to cre ate cond i ti ons to s park positive probabilities i n ope ni ng s m all d oors for th e fu tu re.

We ai m e d to focus on th i ngs th at are small en ou gh to ch ange b ut b i g e nough to m a tter.

Our propos al i s th e s upe rpos i ti on of i n s i tu analy s i s, discoveries and i m agi nati on for Taks i m.

E m p a th y i s th e f i rs t pri ori ty i n d eve lopi ng a respon se to the site.

S trateg y th e n e m e rge s for th e d e s i gn in terven tion s.

Fi nally, th e P r o c es s for th e ne xt ph as e is layed ou t, b as e d on s pe ci f i c pri nci ple s.

EMPATHY 1. TAK SI M C e n t re o f t h e To p o g r a h ic a l R idge T h e Ro o t s o f t h e Sc a le Pro blem Pa rt ic ip a n t s o f t h e Sq ua re

STRATEGY 2. SC AL E O PE R AT I O NS Topog r a ph i ca l R i d g e : Re b in d in g w it h t h e N ew L a yers o f A cces s ibilit y S p a t ia l D ive r sit y fo r So c ia l Inclus io n C o n n e c t iv it y a s D river Ex t e n d in g N e t wo r k s St a t io n s a s C a t a ly st s L ig h t in g c o n n e c t ivit y C o h e sive p la y D ive rsif y in g t h e sp a ce U p c yc lin g m a t e ria ls So la r c o n sc io u sn e s s

PROCESS 3 . SE C O N D STAG E C r e a t ive Pa r t ic ip a t io n Cha rt C o l l a b o r a t io n o f T h in k e r s, P la n n ers , D es igners

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1 CEN TRE O F TH E TO P O GRA P H IC A L R I D G E

Geographically, Taksim Square is located at the top of this Topographical Ridge, which makes it naturally central and accessible to its surroundings.

Bakrac Stream Orta Stream

Valide Dam Yeni Dam Ayvad Dam

Karanlık Dam

Kurt Aqueduct

Buyuk Dam

Topuzlu Dam

Sultanmahmut Aqueduct

Kirazlı Aqueduct

Uzun Aqueduct

Kirazlı Dam KEMERBURGAZ

Develioglu Aqueduct

Pasa Aqueduct

Alacahamam Aqueduct Yosunlu Aqueduct Kara Aqueduct

Kirk Aqueduct

Yenikoy Branch

Maglova Aque-

East-Roman Galleries Arpaci Aque-

Guzelce Aqueduct

Eski Dam

BELGRAD FOREST

Sarısuleyman Aqueduct Azizpasa Aqueduct Deliklikaya Aqueduct Viran Aqueduct Kumrulu Aqueduct

Emirgan Branch HAMIDIYE

Boyacikoy Branch

Agildere Aqueduct

Hisar Branch Cifte Aqueduct

Arnavutkoy Branch

Balikli Aqueduct KIRKCESME Deli Aqueduct Kece Aqueduct

TAKSIM

Kuyu Kecelik Aqueduct

Ortakoy Branch

Sinekli Aqueduct

Yildiz Branch Egrikapi Maksem

Taksim Maksem HALİC

BOSPHORUS

Water Sedimentation Ponds Intake Structures Taksim and Hamidiye Water Lines in Ottoman Era Kazım Çeçen, 1992

Before the Ottoman era, the North Part of Haliç was a small settlement whose water requirement was supplied by galleries between hills.

During the Ottoman Era, the population of the area which locates from Galata Hill towards Haliç coastline increased, therefore new water lines were built. Taksim Water Line was built from 1731 and improved until 1839.

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DECRYP TIN G H YD O LO GY F O R N EW A C C E S A BI L I T Y

INCLUSIVE CORRIDOR Source: Levent Farm Zincirlikuyu Hasan Ağa Aqueduct

Teşvikiye Maslak (Water Pressure Tank) Elmadağ Water Tower Galatasaray Mekteb-i Sultani Kasımpaşa Water Tower

Before Taksim Water Line, one of the water lines which is known today was “Osman Nuri Galatasary Suyu” Map by Homann, J. Baptist, 1670-1724

Elmadağ Water Tower Taksim Maksem (Water Distribution Center)

Beşiktaş Kasımpaşa After the population increased in Kasımpaşa, Galata, Beyoğlu, Fındıklı, Beşiktaş and Ortaköy regions, the water system was needed to be improved. Therefore Taksim Water Line was improved by building new dams close to Belgrad Forest: Topuzlu, Valide and Sultanmahmut.

Galata

And Taksim Maksem was built for the distribution of water.

Map by B.R. Davies, 1853

Elmadağ Water Tower

Taksim Fountain

Taksim Water Cistern Taksim Maksem Hafız Ahmet Paşa Fountain Taksim Water Cistern was supplying and Taksim Maksen was distributing water to the fountains of Beyoglu.

Map by Société Anonyme Ottomane, 1922

The unique geography of the city developed a marvelous water infrastructure. Today we might not need this ancient structure. But we can anticipate a new recreational avenue that is accesible for everyone at every age.

It is a sad incident that Maçka Green Corridor did not survive the urban development “accidents”. But there might be another chance for a diffent revival of an “inclusive corridor” for a walkable, bikeable and accesible recreational city.

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TH E H ISTO RY O F TH E CO N TIN UITY A N D S C A L E A C C I D E N T S

Culture Valley 1936 Henri Prost Plan

Valley - Before 1930s

Taksim Artillery Barracks was built between 1804-1807 for millitary.

Modernization process of army between 1860-1870 was the most active period of the building. After 1913, the building lost its importance and turned into Taksim Stadium.

Henri Prost suggested two main park systems in Istanbul master plan which was prepared between 1936-1951. “İnönü Gezisi” was a part of Park Number 2. For construction of the park, Taksim Artillery Barracks was demolished in 1940. A large park extending to Harbiye was also considered, but Prost’s plan couldn’t be contstructed as it supposed to be.

Macka Barracks, 1825

Inonu Stadium, 1947

Dolmabahce Stables

Open Air Theatre, 1948

Gumussuyu Barracks, 1861

The Opera House, 1956-1969

Mecidiye Barracks, 1848

Sports and Exhibition Hall, 1949

Ayas Pasha Cemetery, 1560

Taksim Municipal Music Hall, 1939

Catholic-Protestan Cemetry

Kristal Music Hall, 1938

Harbiye Military School, 1862 Surp Agop Armenian Cemetry Taksim Artillery Barracks, 1804 Talimhane

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Transformation after 1950s Highway Projects

In Taksim, on Kazancı Slope, in 1977, 34 people died during Labor day celebration on May 1st. This was one of the breaking points which brought a new meaning May Day Square- to Taksim.

Tarlabasi Boulevard Construction, 1988

PA RTICIPA N TS O F TH E SQ UA R E

Congress Valley After 1996 Habitat 2 Conferance

After 1950s, commercial constructions were increasing around Taksim which changes the valley from being a cultural public space towards being a commercial closed area. After Sports and Exhibition Hall demolished and Istanbul Congress Center built on its place, the identity transformation process of Taksim accelerated.

Transformation of Taksim Square After 2010s

In 2013, Artillery Baracks from Ottoman Era were proposed to be rebuilt, therefore trees were cut down in Gezi Park. This was the starting point of Gezi Protest and brought once again a new meaning to Taksim Square.

Today’s ‘Fragmented’ Taksim

Currently Square is ‘under construction’ with the projects of Taksim Mosque and Atatürk Cultural Centre.

We asked passing people about how they think of TAKSIM now?

“ Taks i m i s d e ad , t h e r e ar e n o pe o ple ar o un d ! ” A ge : 26 J o b : C o s me t i ci an M ar i t al S t at us : S i n gle

Suzer Plaza, 1999

Demolition of AKM, 2018

Hilton Hotel, 1954 Istanbul Congress Center, 2009

Taksim Pedestrianization Project, 2013

Grand Hyatt Istanbul, 1995

Taksim Mosque, 2017-underconstruction

Sheraton Hotel, 1975 Divan Hotel, 1956

“ We’ r e t r y i n g t o make a li vi n g! ” A ge : 30 J o b : Wo r ke r M ar i t al S t at us : M ar ried “ I t b e at s s t ay i n g at h o me ! ” A ge : 32 J o b : U n e mploye d M ar i t al S t at us : M ar r i e d “ T h e r e i s n o un e mploye me n t i n t h i s co un t r y ! ” A ge : 57 J o b : U n e mploye d M ar i t al S t at us : M ar r i e d “ Eve r yo n e i s an gr y i n t h i s co un t r y.”

A ge : 27 J o b : Wo r ke r M ar i t al S t at us : S i n gle

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2 SCA LE O P ERATIO N S

SPATIAL DIVERSITY FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION Instead of the monotony of one open space, the square is reimagined as many squares, with diverse uses appealing to different members of the population, navigated in a flexible and overlapping fashion to encourage interaction and exchange.

0- EMPTINESS OF SCALE The disproportionate scale of open space and the lack of connection between the square and Gezi park make the Taksim site feel empty, overwhelming and difficult to navigate.

4- DIVERSIFYING THE SPACE

5- COHESIVE PLAY

6- SOLAR EXPOSURE

Currently, the square is dominated by middle-aged men. To encourage a more diverse population in the public space, firstly the tram creates greater accessibility and secondly new functions are introduced: children’s areas, creative spaces promoting diversity, smaller squares that are welcoming rather than intimidating.

The area bordering Gezi park on the west side is transformed into a diverse landscape encouraging play, relaxation, surprise and discovery.

The canopies that are introduced create shaded elements in the exposed parts of the square that offer shelter in winter and relief from the blazing sun in summer, bringing people together and away from the edges.

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FROM OPERA SQUARE TOWARDS THE GEZI ENTRANCE CANOPIES, PANAROMA AND FLOWER MARKET

1- EXTENDING NETWORKS

2- CONNECTIVITY AS DRIVER

3- ACCESS ROUTES

The proposed tram line extends the existing tramway from Istiklal street, bringing with it activity and access for different visitors. The cycle way encourages bike users to pass through, linking with Macka park to the north.

The connections between the square, the park and the surrounding streets are the key to creating liveliness and strengthening the relationships in the public space.

The current car access around 3 sides of the site is softened by a slow traffic area with redesigned hardscape encouraging sensitivity to pedestrian movement.

7- STATIONS AS CATALYSTS

8- LIGHTING CONNECTIVITY

9- UPCYCLING MATERIALS

The new tram stops activate new uses and connections around the site, from the expanded flower market, to the Ataturk Library stop, to the art centre cafe in the north of the park. Canopies and interventions respond to and add more life to these new station hubs.

Embedded lighting in the square’s ground surfaces responds to the connectivity arteries that stitch the surrounding streets into the park and the square, guiding visitors gently at night.

Paving will be recycled from the zones where earth is introduced, and reused in the new areas of hardscape, minimising waste and creating continuity in the material language whilst reshaping the square.

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CREATIVE PARTICIPATION CENTER AND GEZI PANAROMA

TOPOGRAPHICAL RIDGE: ACCESSIBILITY CORRIDOR The nostalgic tramway is proposed to be extended in such a way that it stitches Gezi Park into the square, uniting them as one space. This is the essential strategy in order to initiate a new kind of relationship between the park and square, based on guiding the flow of people.

The bicycle network is added upon this new line, making use of its potential as a topographical ridge. Sustainable transportation has and will become more and more important during the Pandemic Days.

Flower Market

Hüseyin Aga Mosque

Galatasaray

Odakule

B U Y U KD E R E IN C LU S IV E C O R R ID O R

GEZ I PARK

H AR B IY E

G UM USSU YU

Opera

C İ H A NG İ R / SI R ASE LVİ L ER

Ataturk Library

TA K SIM

Tünel

TA L I MHA N E

Taksim Art Gallery

TA R L ABASI / H AL I C

A KM EXTENSION TO NOSTALGIC TRAMLINE

TA S KIS LA

NEW TRAMWAY STATIONS

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BIKE/SCOOTER LANES

FLOWER MARKET

BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT Gezi Park is the most important biodiversity presence in Beyoglu District. This presence is as important as its symbolic meaning. We porpose to asses the ecological value in detail. And prepare a scientific background for furter interventions possibly done in the Park. This will provide a future projection for the preservation and development of the urban ecological pattern.

in cre as ne m b icr efic es b es s a e o ial en r l c o a s in efici Linaria vulgaris rgan ism gan ism r o ro c i s m

Robinia pseudoacaciaa

ene ra soil tes

e

n ge tro on ni xati fi

reg

fixation nitrogen

Prunus laurocerasus cts tra at , s e bl rd di bi

po re llu si ti st on an t

n tio llu tant o p sis re

s, ird t ts b abita rac att ides h v pro

es rat ene reg soil

Medicago sativa

Elaeagnus multiflora

Ailanthus altissima Platanus orientalis Plant Communites Existing species Suggested supportive species

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PROPORTION and SENSE OF SECURITY

CREATIVE PARTICIPATION CENTER

GEZİ PANORAMA

The feeling of security in an open space is the core of good public space. The existing disproportionate amount of open space does not feel secure for the human scale. Security cameras can not achieve a feeling of safety. We believe the scalelessness of Taksim is the main problem.

Currently the park is dominated by middleaged men. We need positive design to diversify the park.

The square has a multilayered, complex history, which is embedded in the surroundings. Currently there is no “free space” to perceive and reflect on the context.

The reflection of facade projections onto the open space and the size of the streets are used in dividing the space into multiple squares. The diversity of sub-squares anticipates a variety of squares for the diverse population rather than a single average space for everyone.

A tram station is attached to the Creative Participation Centre to make room for equal opportunities for the “participants” of the park. The Centre anticipates creativity workshops, exhibitions for women, children and minorities. The station is located in the north edge to develop a sense of ownership and security.

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FUNCTION OF PLAY and GATHERING Our lifetime is occupied more and more by “productivity”. We advance in technology but we do not necessarily become better people or a better society.

We believe surprise and play have a fundamental role to play in order to re-create and re-generate, so society can change and evolve in a positive way. Evolution is rooted in coincidences and the unexpected. The play zones also expect to recreate mutual understanding and empathy in society.

FLOWER MARKET The market’s location is critical to connect the Talimhane Street life into the square. The location is far from being proportional and definitive. Currently the flower shops occupy the historic wall of the “Maksem” facing to the square.

The proposal seeks to create continuity with the street behind and generate new micro streets.

MEMORIAL WALK This space is the most actively used pedestrian passage between Tarlabasi and Istiklal street. By relocating the flower sellers, the front of Maksem is freed up to create a space for remembrance: for all the people that were victimised during the massacres and public conflicts including Gezi. This walk will be designed with soft materials yet as a powerful experience, making the memory tangible in the public realm.

The aim is to re-create, not to forget.

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The Gezi Panorama is a space to remember, relate and recreate the perspectives that emerge while the visitor is on the balcony.

LIBRARY CAFE and YOUNG GENERATION The current publicly-owned cafeteria does not contribute actively to the park.

Although the library is well used, there is no sign of the younger population’s presence in the park.

A new Library Cafe for the youngsters is proposed, next to the “Atatürk Library”, to create a sense of ownership in the park.

The Library Cafe aims to inspire reading, writing or art in the open air and amongst nature.

OPEN STAGE

ART SQUARE

DEMONSTRATIONS and CEREMONIES

OPERA SQUARE

The history of the square is a history of oppression and censorship. The more the citizens are obstructed the heavier the clash between authority and society. Therefore the protests and demonstrations do not always achieve their goal of improving democracy.

The culture centre gallery entrance is defined as a corner for free art exhibitions, performances and events. The rise of arts cannot be imagined without amateur interest in music, dance and drama. This corner proposes a space for spontaneous performance and free expression.

The most important function of Taksim Square is to be a canvas for demonstrations and ceremonies. The young democracy of Turkey needs constant empathy between society and governance. The ceremonies are important to grow mutual understanding between the different layers of the population.

The square is defined by a large surface reflecting the scale of the facade. Beyond performance, opera is an act of gathering and interaction between the audience.

The square provides a space to gather outside the opera for those who share their excitement.

We propose a free discussion zone for everyone in an informal grassy area.

Everyone is invited, from urban rights collectives to unemployed citizens. This place aims for a personal scale and a softer meaning to the demonstrations.

In order to achieve safety the square leaves room for large gatherings without vertical divisions. We propose a green border, canopies and market space to “define” the scale of gatherings.

CANOPIES & FUNCTION OF SCALE The square is out of scale in both the horizontal and the vertical.

The huge lighting and camera poles or the Marmara Facade create a disproportionately crushing sense for the human scale. People can easily get lost in the sea of hardscape. Besides, users are exposed to all weather conditions. There are no mediating zones between the open air and enclosed spaces.

The canopies create a sense of scale and welcoming and extend the usability of the square in different weather conditions.

The canopies create “definitions”, anticipating a self descriptive square. Entrance to the park, access to the subway, a stop for the tram and a corner for resting.

MOVEMENT

EARTHLYNESS

Movement is a key activator for life in public space. The awkward stillness in the existing square is dominated by taxi drivers and lost tourists.

The existing monotonous hardscape hardens social interaction, making the users of the square feel uncomfortable and unrelaxed.

On the contrary the liveliness of İstiklal Street (Grand Rue de Pera) is diversified with the tram. The elderly, women and families are amongst the major users. Together with the tram route we propose an optimised car lane with hardscape rather than asphalt. The activity is also multiplied by the scooter and bike lanes in order to make the square accessible to everyone.

Earth, Wood and Green in the square are proposed as warm, natural materials that remind us that we all came from the same roots. The earthly materials are proposed in softer zones that create a sense of ownership and encourage different uses of space.

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SPATIA L P O SSIB ILITI E S

GEZI PANORAMA

LIBRARY CAFE

Panorama Terrace

CREATIVE PARTICIPATION CENTER

Open Reading Space

Station

Reading Garden Playground

Passage

Passage

Canopy Access

Tram

Library Cafe

GEZI CANOPIES

Access

Access

MEMORIAL WALK

FLOWER MARKET

SHOP - STATION

Store

Memorial Walk

Gezi Maksem

SUBWAY CANOPY

Shops

Canopy

Flower Shops

SUBWAY ELEVATOR CANOPY Canopy

Seating

Elevator

Station

TOPOGRAPHIC PARTICIPATION SPACE

ENCOUNTER SPACE

PERFORMANCE ZONE

RESTING SPACE

GATHERING SPACE

Gezi

Gezi Resting Hills

PERFORMING SPACE Gezi

Theater

Performance Stages

Public Seating

Activity Zone

PLAYGROUND - CLIMB

PLAYGROUND - SLIDE

PLAYGROUND - ACTIVATE

Gezi Park Biodiversity Meadows

Gezi Park Biodiversity Meadows

Gezi Park Biodiversity Meadows

Climbing Wall

Climbing Hill

ART CORNER

Slide

Sound Garden

OPEN AIR CINEMA Gezi Park Biodiversity Meadows Green Terraces Public Seating Projection Screen

Green Hills

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1 /1 0 0 0 P LA N

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3 SECO N D STA GE

The se c on d stage, prin ciples an d methodology w il l fo r m an d gui d e o ur t e am.

D ESIGN M ETH O D O LOG Y

Design Partnership Quantitative Data by GIS for spatial decisions

Data Aquisition by in situ Research

Collective Memory Studies Society Research and Game Design

Hardscape / softscape existing material assesment Bicycle masterplan Light Rail system design Lighting masterplan

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D ESIGN P RIN CIP LES

Site Management

Creative Participation

Spatial Memory

Arts Health and Wellbeing

Accessibility

Ceremony and Celebration

Social Ecology

Playbased Learning

Acess and Movement

Microclimate Conditions

Collective Memory

Historical Layers

Integrative Infrastructures

Diversity Nature and Enviroment

Safety and Security

Applicability and Maintenance

Budget

Negotiation and Consensus

PROCESS

DESIGN TEAM

DESIGN PARTNERS

Architecture and Urban Design Team

1.Event Designer 2.Performance Choreographer 3.Architectural Historian 4.Collective Memory Researcher 5.Ecologist 6.Lighting Designer 8.Game Theoretician 9.Social Psychologist 10. Transportation Specialist

Landscape Architecture Team Structural Design and Infrastructure Design Sustainablity Engineering

Public Private Partnership Model Site Management Plan NGO Partnership Dialogues Yearly Cultural Program align with the institutions

Design Decisions Sustainable Solutions Smart urban furniture solutions

Modeling and testing Consultant feedbacks Square Participants Dialogue

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“O ptimism is a strategy for makin g a bett e r fut ur e .

Becau se u n less you believe that the fu tu re c an b e b e t t e r , you are u n likely to step u p an d take respon sibility for makin g it s o .”

― Noam Chomsky

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