106_S3OG16BJ

Taksim Urban Design Competition

S3OG16BJ

battleground of ideologies

activity nodes

visual relationships

taksim beyond the square urban experiences

ecological infrastructure TRANSIT

CIVIC & COMMERCE

Mecidiyeköy

Bomonti

TRANSIT

Osmanbey

COMMERCE

Nişantaşı CIVIC & COMMERCE

Teşvikiye

CIVIC

Kurtuluş

Maçka

CIVIC

CULTURE & MILITARE

Harbiye

distributed configuration

Harbiye

EDUCATION

Maçka HOTELS

CULTURE & EDUCATION

Talimhane

Dolapdere

resilience to future indeterminacy

CIVIC

EDUCATION & CIVIC

Taşkışla

EDUCATION & CIVIC

ÜSK

R DA

Kabataş

KÜ

Gümüşsuyu TRANSIT

injecting nature

ÜS

Galatasaray

CULTURE

Hasköy

Beşiktaş

KADIKÖY

inclusiveness

Istiklal

multi-scalar

TRANSIT & CIVIC

Taksim

CIVIC & COMMERCE CIVIC

Ortaköy

Akaretler

COMMERCE & CIVIC

Tarlabaşı

CIVIC

COMMERCE

ÜDA

R

CIVIC

Cihangir

TRANSIT & COMMERCE

Şişhane

Tophane

Haliç CIVIC

enhanced connectivity

Balat

mobility

TRANSIT & CIVIC

Karaköy TRANSIT & COMMERCE

EDUCATION & CIVIC

Y IKÖ KAD

CULTURE & EDUCATION

TRANSIT & CULTURE

Eminönü

KA

DIK ÖY

Cibali

social and ecological network

Dissolving Taksim

Taksim is where Istanbul comes together; Taksim is where Istanbul dissolves.

Since the late Ottoman period and the foundation of the Republic, Taksim has always been central to the historical, socio-political, and cultural narrative of Istanbul. On one hand, this centrality created a space of multiplicity and heterogeneity. On the other hand, it brought a huge amount of pressure which eventually turned the square into a battleground of ideologies, political statements, protests, and demonstrations. It is a place that is and will continue to be in flux. In line with this reality, our approach suggests moving away from traditional, closed, and static structures, into open and dynamic arrangements. Our proposal aims to shift towards a ‘distributed configuration’ that allows for Taksim’s resilience, to be able to respond and adapt to an increasingly complex and indeterminate future, within and beyond the square.

Reimagining Taksim requires considering a multi-scalar and interdisciplinary approach. At the city scale, Taksim Square is a critical node for Istanbul’s urban network.

We envision Taksim expanding towards the waterfront, establishing a regional green network, and connecting with different mobility and cultural nodes across Istanbul.

While we strengthen existing connections, we find an

opportunity to establish new nodes and distribute the load of Taksim to these new spaces. Taksim and Gezi Park have shown in the past how this decentralization process could work, e.g., Neighborhood Forums that emerged after Gezi in different parts of the city. We believe that transformations at our site can have a holistic impact physically, socially, and ecologically, thus serving as a model for future projects.

Our networked approach advocates for a composition with multiple spatial and programmatic nodes linked to one another, either physically or digitally. These nodes and links offer unique urban experiences while complimenting each other. They can be changed, substituted, or even removed to serve the time and context, emphasizing the overall resilience and longevity of the system. The changes in the network is informed by a constant engagement process with inhabitants and stakeholders that shape Taksim. Citizens are micro nodes of our framework. They might come from different political ideologies, religions, ethnicities, and cultures individually, but public spaces have the unique ability to connect people to each other in ways through social interaction, celebrations, protests and so

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forth. Our proposal takes this notion into its focus and explores how spatial infrastructure can help build these connections.

Connections can also be ecological, promoting the square and its context as one network of flow, integrating green infrastructure for stormwater management on one hand, and enhancing urban biodiversity and urban microclimates on another. The injection of nature at the scale of the square, park, and broader context achieves a cohesive language for Taksim and a collective performance as an intricate social and ecological network.

What follows is a set of ambitions that we set as core principles guiding the design process. Taksim’s continuity lies in its persistent use as a public space. Our goal is to renew this character by tackling mobility issues, ecological infrastructure, and programmatic questions.

In this process, we embrace the complexity of its past and reveal opportunities for engagement. The new Taksim Square reflects on contemporary values of resilience, inclusiveness and sustainability in a simple yet strategic series of spaces, ready to welcome everyone.

Ambitions for Taksim Revitalize urban character Taksim Square is geographically and historically at the heart of the city, but it has been seen and perceived as a construction site in recent years. As a result of political decisions, the square has lost its diverse and multicultural identity within the fabric of Istanbul. Our goal is to redefine the relationship between the square, the park and the surrounding city and make it a destination again for Istanbul residents.

Can Taksim reclaim its role in Istanbul’s civic life?

Action Areas • Rethink the role of Gezi Park as a site for simultaneous cycles of activities and events • Provide the void that can be utilized for large scale events and demonstrations • Strategically locate and create a decentralized system of activity nodes that offer different urban experiences • Welcome and encourage night time activities

Welcome all Taksim is the pulse of Istanbul. It should make all people who use the public space feel welcome, respected, safe, and accommodated—regardless of who they are, where they come from, their abilities, how old they are, or how they use a public space.

Can Taksim act as a place for intercultural dialogue and exchange?

Action Areas • Ensure that there is adequate space for activities promoting inclusiveness • Support the diverse organizations, individuals and businesses that exists around the square • Provide space for vendors that can incubate new ventures, or expand the reach of their products and services

Reintroduce Nature Taksim has become a symbol for aggressive redevelopment of the city. We want to explore the relationship between the park and the square, creating a celebration of sustainability within a new aesthetic that not only changes the image of Taksim but also functions as an urban oasis. In order to create an environment that people want to spend time in, we need to balance and establish a dialogue between urban needs and natural processes.

Can Taksim Square strengthen and enhance the ecosystem of the city?

Action Areas • Catalyze an urban ecosystem that goes beyond the boundaries of the square • Increase tree cover in the area and create different micro-climatic conditions and help mitigate urban heat island effect • Optimize the direct experience of nature by introducing masses of grasses, lawn surfaces, and seasonally flowering shrubs

* The images used in this page are for illustrative purposes only. They are not representative of any person or particular individual.

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Ambitions for Taksim Reveal invisible layers Taksim has always been a highly charged space where governments and administrations scrambled to claim their power or to erase the traces of predecessors. While the monuments and buildings are constructed to be the focus of our attention, they inevitably become invisible in the public’s eye.

Can Taksim create opportunities for individuals to reconnect with the past and get a new understanding of the space and the society they live in?

Action Areas • Create a space that artists can reflect on the history and significance of the space • Define viewpoints that reveal new perspectives to the site and the city and encourage people to engage with the different landmarks in the square • Augment the public space with interactive installations that responds to people’s input

Maximize accessibility Despite the fact that private vehicles dominated the past century, the future lies in alternative modes of public transport: bicycle, shared bicycles, subway, buses and tram.

An important function of Taksim Square is its ability to link these various modes of transport. We imagine Taksim could become a place where cyclists and pedestrians feel both prioritized and welcome.

Can Taksim Square become a node in a well-connected network on various levels?

Action Areas • Increase walkability in the area • Provide facilities for sustainable modes of transit • Upgrade and improve public transit access • Introduce measures that will disincentivize private vehicle trips

Increase resilience We have recently experienced how the world as we know can change within a few weeks.

A global pandemic is not the only force that can affect how our cities can operate. We must prepare Taksim for climate change, expected Istanbul earthquake, and stormwater flooding with tools responding to the need for resilient design in urban and public space.

With its strategic location and open space capacity, Taksim will have to be resilient and adaptable to different uses in case of an emergency.

Can we future-proof Taksim against the risks of natural catastrophes?

Action Areas • Improve water efficiency and increase the stormwater-retention capacity of the square • Provide safe assembly spaces and basic amenities following a disaster • Collect and distribute solar power to support electricity needs of the square and be self sustainable for critical services

* The images used in this page are for illustrative purposes only. They are not representative of any person or particular individual.

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Revitalize urban character

The challenging question that Taksim square poses is the possibility of preserving its historical urban character while integrating an identity that responds to the contemporary vulnerability of the city today. Our vision is one that is a hybrid inspired from the predominant character of the space and extended to be seamlessly integrated in a novel one- flexible, responsive, and adaptive, all the while respecting the historical narrative.

Zoning

Main Flows

Critical Viewpoints

Renaturalization

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Nodes

These are core moments strategically placed across the site to perform as anchors. They are programmed as multifunctional places that host social, cultural, and economic activities year round, all the while allowing a direct interaction and engagement with natural elements such as water, lawn, grass, shade, etc.

Water Plaza The east corner of the square is home to the Water Plaza which features an interactive fountain. The fountain creates attractivity and coziness at times when no major events are taking place. As night falls, the plaza’s appearance undergoes a theatrical transformation through a series of lighting strategies.

Topography

Increasing Thermal Comfort

Mirror Effect

Flexible Event Space

The slope is integrated into the design of the plaza by creating spaces with different intimacy levels.

When the fountain is not active, thin water layer covers the ground creating a playful area.

Water and landscape elements make the plaza a comfortable place throughout the year.

The plaza can also act as perfect setting for gatherings or impromptu events.

Green Commons Green Commons provides a large oasis of green open space for the common use of Taksim’s visitors. With its informal amphitheater, the plaza is designed to be a multi-functional activity space that offers people to gather and start conversations under the trees, surrounded by soft landscaping. Varying flowering cycles of the species provide different atmospheres throughout the year. Additionally, the plaza aims to reduce stormwater run-off as well as reducing the heat island effect.

Sloped Lawn

The sloped lawn offers unique perspectives of the square while creating a sheltered area for flower sellers.

Perimeter Loop

The activity and vibrancy around the plaza can be viewed by a lookout loop that additionally provides views of Taksim from a high vantage point.

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Underground Sunlight

The vertical surfaces along the edges will be utilized to bring daylight into the underground at day and glow in the evening.

The Promenade Cumhuriyet Caddesi is reimagined as a promenade where people can rest, meet, eat, or even work in the comfort of a well equipped public space. The promenade consists of programmed, porous, landscaped “green rooms� along the movement corridor. These flexible spaces allow for a myriad of activities to take place while providing a place to sit back near nature and enjoy the views of people passing by. Around the central area, a canopy structure creates a shaded environment while acting as a new landmark to invite people into the park. With reinforced connections to the surrounding streets, the promenade will continue serving as a link while creating a new sense of place.

Canopy As a landmark structure in Taksim Square, the canopy is more than just a pergola structure. It allows for many activities to unfold underneath by providing shelter and shade. Its light and minimal structure will announce the presence of Gezi Park to anyone that passes by the square. Transparent photovoltaic panels sit atop the structure to catch and transform sunlight into electricity available for the park lighting.

Vegetation as Design Agent Trees and vegetation is a key design agent. Trees are deployed to define spaces and places of different quality and micro-climate. Trees in a linear configuration define walkways and alleys. Trees in a grid layout define plazas underneath them. Each configuration is visually remarkably different. The alleys and walkways, of various hierarchies, are accentuated via the trees. They intersect to form plazas and places of varying hierarchies, sizes, and programs.

Movement Corridor The movement corridor provides a direct and continuous link from the square to the Harbiye axis. This generous corridor is transformed into a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment while reinforcing the relationship with the businesses at the ground level.

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Gezi Park

Existing

A monumental landscape of its own, the core identity of the Gezi Park and its formal garden layout is fully preserved and all its trees remain in place. The intervention strategically addresses the surface treatment, upgrading hardscape to complement the promenade and square, and delineating ground cover between shrubs and lawn to serve programs without jeopardizing the existing orthogonal compositions. A dog park, a kids’ play area, and small plazas are integrated under the existing canopies in the upper west part of the park. East and West alleys are accentuated with greenery under existing trees. A gateway lawn spreads under the canopy along the eastern edge of the park. Central axis, stairs, and existing circulation is maintained. Connections to the north part, to the promenade, to the square, and the neighborhood are amplified. Gezi Park’s elevated position provides an opportunity for new viewpoints and experiences of Taksim square and the city.

Proposed

Gateway Lawn

This zone is imagined as a massive lounge to host passive activities. Individuals and groups are invited to the casual comfort of a lawn experience. Hammocks, lawn berms,and casual furniture serve the lounging, book reading, or sky-gazing activity.

Gezi Forum

Imagined as an important node, the Gezi Forum creates a physical extension to the library and cultural nodes.

We propose a plaza that follows the same language as the square while integrating Gezi Park and the context in an amphitheater-like setup. This corner initiates a conversation, is a platform for dialogue, contains the level differences, serves as a continuous open social space, while also connecting the the urban forest trail.

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Activation

Different parts of the park is revived through soft-programming, seating elements, games (ping-pong, backgammon etc.) and mobile elements (library on wheels). Pop-up social and art events set up around critical locations like the fountain will animate the space.

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8

7

6 5 4

3

2 1

1- Stairs 2- Gezi Terrace 3- Event Garden 4- Gateway Lawn

5- East Lawn 6- Canopy 7- Fountain 8- Gezi Forum

9- Playground 10-Dog Park

Gezi Terrace & Stairs

The central portion of the Gezi Park stairs remains intact, while the side stairs begin to dissolve into green slopes. The intention here is to preserve a historic identity and seamlessly integrate it within a contemporary intervention- the renaturalization ambition.

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Reintroduce Nature

The ecological connections, fundamental to the resilience of the city, can be achieved through strategic multi-scale landscape interventions, of social, cultural and environmental value.

Potential Nodes

NEIGBORHOOD PARK

Maçka Sanat CITY PARK

GREEN PROMENADE

Yıldız

Cumhuriyet

*

Reconnecting the Green Network

om Taksim (apx. 2 n hour fr kms) half a

Emergency Gathering Places

CITY PARK

Cumhuriyet Parkı

NEIGBORHOOD PARK

NEIGBORHOOD PARK

Maçka

NEIGBORHOOD PARK

Hacıahmet Parkı

Şairler Sofrası

rus

o Bosph

NEIGBORHOOD PARK

İnönü Parkı

DE

MENA

N PRO

GREE

Gezi Park and Taksim Square can contribute significantly to the distribution of nature within the city. We propose to re-establish the Maçka - Taksim Urban Forest which will include strategies to reconnect fragmented green patches of Prost’s Park Number 2. Additionally, the major streets that connect the square with other urban nodes and site specific interventions can work together to complete the urban ecosystem. Green roofs, view terraces, green promenades, urban agriculture, parks, are all becoming part of a series of interactions with nature from which the city will greatly benefit. Examples for strategic sites defined below:

R

ÜSKÜDA

HUB

1

Beşiktaş CITY PARK

BOSPHO

RUS

Gezi

GARDEN

3

Dolmabahçe

NEIGBORHOOD PARK NEIGBORHOOD PARK

HUB

Sururi Parkı

Taksim Gümüşsuyu Parkı

l ikla

İst

Fındıklı Parkı

N

EE

NP

RO

s ru ho EN

OM

NA

DE

COORDINATES

41.031934, 28.979671

17 minutes

DISTANCE TO SQUARE

5

6

11 minutes

COORDINATES

HUB

ME

liç

A

DE

sp

Bo

4

DISTANCE TO SQUARE

Sanaatkarlar Parkı

PR

3

4 minutes

41.038400, 28.993661

Tophane Parkı

GR

Ha

DAR

5

NEIGBORHOOD PARK

Galata

DISTANCE TO SQUARE

IKÖY

Perşembe Pazarı Parkı

DISTANCE TO SQUARE

COORDINATES

Roma Bostanı

HUB

NEIGBORHOOD PARK

EE

ÜSKÜ

KAD

Şişhane

GR

NEIGBORHOOD PARK

NEIGBORHOOD PARK

HUB

41.035373, 28.987549

Kabataş

GARDEN

HUB

Tünel

NEIGBORHOOD PARK

Şişhane Parkı

HUB

1

4

COORDINATES

41.034837, 28.993627 20 minutes

ÖY

Galatasaray

2

DIK

HUB

RO

NP

EE

COORDINATES

10 Aralık Şehitler Parkı KA

6 GR

DE NA ME NEIGBORHOOD PARK

2

Karaköy

KA

COORDINATES

41.029112, 28.983321

41.0369509, 28.9828837

DISTANCE TO SQUARE

DISTANCE TO SQUARE

15 minutes

DI

1 minute

KÖ

Y

Beyond Taksim: A Botanical Urban Forest

Urban trail Trail through hotel gardens Links | Pedestrian bridges Sculptural park Viewing platforms

As part of the Urban Green Network, the Urban Forest Trail weaves together existing and proposed focal nodes within and beyond Taksim Square. The trail connects the series of parks (ex. Gezi Park, Maçka Park, & Ismet Inonu Park), public spaces, landmarks (Dolmabache Palace Garden) and potentially semi-public spaces (ex. Hilton Hotel garden), in a rich pedestrian and cycling experience. The trail is guided by iconic and modular visual elements & supported via a virtual platform that also allows a botanical educational experience. Along the trail are viewpoints and stops, and temporary pop-up events in collaboration with cultural institutions in the neighborhood (ex. ITU Faculty of Architecture).

Nodes | Moments Densified urban forest Existing cable car line Existing plaza & theater

Densified urban forest Urban forest planting to enhance ecological performance of the landscape & replace voids

Nodes & Links Modular hybrid landmarks that function as seating spaces, for social & group educational program. A bridge/ a viewing deck for cycling, walking, & viewing through the existing forest canopy.

The Botanical Experience Allows the scanning & identification of species along all of the taksim urban forest .

ISTANBUL URBAN FOREST Plum Blossom

ISTANBUL URBAN FOREST Plum Blossom

ISTANBUL URBAN FOREST Plum Blossom

ISTANBUL URBAN FOREST Plum Blossom

AUTO DETECTION AUTO DETECTION

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Integrating Park and Square Our vision for Taksim square and entourage will change the understanding and emotional response to the square through the creation of a new type of space, that of an ‘experience with nature’. The latter is manifested through the injection of a palette of landscape elements including earthy material, permeable surfaces, living material, color, texture, and diversity. Hills, slopes, masses of greenery, trees canopies, benches, walkways, stages, and lawn areas to name a few experiences.

Park - Square - Forest Inter-Phase

Tree Canopy - Expanded

The tree canopy is an extension of the existing trees in Gezi Park. The park therefore spills onto the square and promenade, blurring the edge between park and plaza, connecting both physically and ecologically, absorbing the level difference yet without compromising on the geometry and identity of the historic park. Ultimately the whole site is perceived holistically as one urban forest. The latter further emphasizes our vision of Taksim as a revived close-up amplified experience with nature.

The layout is born out of the orthogonal geometry of the Gezi Park and smoothly intercepts with the programmed organic gestures and forms that anchor the overall space. Altogether, the design is grounded through the orthogonal paving pattern, consistent across the site. The composition with landscape elements such as trees, planted berms, masses of grasses and shrubs create a system of alleys and plazas, of various scales, hierarchies, and flexible functions.

Green Berms

Along the promenade, green berms animate the walkway and allow for planting despite the infrastructural conditions underneath. Berms are used as a modular intervention across the site whenever there is a need to plant on-structure. Berms re-use site material and allow for homogeneous dense planting as well as ample soil depth for tree planting. Fixed benches are integrated in the berm and the achieved canopy accommodates for shaded plazas and flexible outdoor seating.

TUNNEL

Landscape Guidelines

Tree and plant selection respects the projects ambition for a sustainable and resilient Taksim and follows the criteria below:

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Evergreen tree | Walkway ex. Quercus ilex, Pinus pinea, Magnolia grandiflora

Vegetation type 1: lawn

Flowering tree 1 | Plaza ex. Delonix regia, Celsis siliquastrum

Vegetation type 2: grasses and flowering perennials

Flowering tree 2 | Linear Plaza ex. Robinia pseudoacacia, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Tilia cortada, Ginko biloba

Vegetation type 1: evergreen shrubs

Fruit tree ex. Citrus sp.

Crushed compacted gravel

Existing tree

Flows & connections as defined by tree configurations

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Adapted/Native species: require minimal irrigation & maintenance; have historic & cultural value

2 Wide canopy:

provide shade, micro-climate, retain rain water, & enhance underground stormwater infiltration

3 Visual interest:

mixing deciduous and evergreen trees for seasonal variety, color bearing species for visual identity, & wayfinding

4 Improve biodiversity:

inject pollinatorattracting species, maximize porous surfaces, & enhance urban ecology (ex. bird habitat)

Maximize Accessibility Our goal is to maximize the efficiency of the urban transport system by discouraging unnecessary private vehicle use and promoting more effective, healthy and environment-friendly modes of transport, in general being public transport and non-motorized transport.

MECIDIYEKÖY AN

URB

EST

FOR

CUMHURIYET AVE.

TAKSİM

PI

A

IK

EN

Y

Protected Micromobility Lane

Protected Micromobility Lane

Shared Micromobility Lane

BESIKTAS

Shared Micromobility Lane Congestion Zone Area

Micromobility Parking area Isbike Decks

TOPHANE

Congestion Pricing

Cycling & Micromobility

Congestion pricing has been proven to reduce congestion, increase transit ridership, provide more reliable travel times, decrease pollution, and reduce the number of auto accidents—all while raising critical new revenues for the transportation system. Within this proposal, we will explore feasibility the of an “Area-wide Charge” for Taksim which will charge private vehicles a toll when they enter the zone. Public transit, dolmus vehicles, and certain taxis (electric vehicles) will be exempt from paying the toll.

Despite the fact that Istanbul doesn’t have a robust bike network, the new design of the square can catalyze a modal shift to cycling. We propose to connect Taksim with other urban nodes and integrate it with other transportation systems like Metrobus and ferries. Protected bike lanes are provided on major arterials and shared bike lanes are proposed in narrower streets which will be slowed down by traffic calming. Additionally, micromobility parking spaces and bike-sharing facilities are provided in critical locations of the site. Buses that use Taksim will provide bike racks in front to carry bikes.

URBAN FOREST

DT1

54P

70KE

46KT

DT1

54P

70KE

46KT

70KE

37T

38KT

48KT

49KT

40T

42T

40

129T

DT1

559C

ACIBADEM ATASEHIR BOSTANCI KADIKÖY

S TE

U

5

IN

M

20 3 MINUTES

40T

42T

40

129T

DT1

559C

37T

38KT

48KT

49KT

KASIMPASA

Traffic Calming + Shared Street

20

AKSARAY

Pedestrian Desire Lines DOLMABAHCE

20

Maximum Speed Limit

TOPKAPI

BAKIRKÖY

Y.BOSNA

FLORYA

YESILKÖY

K.MUSTA.

C.BAG

Subway Entrance BESIKTAS

Intersection Redesign CIHANGIR

Bus Route Dolmus Stop

Public Transit Only Street Streetscape Improvements

TUNEL

Bus Terminal TESVIKIYE

Tram Stop Airport Shuttle

Wayfinding

Walkability

Public Transit

The proposal seeks to reallocate the maximum amount of space for pedestrians. This is done through redesigning intersections and lowering traffic volumes and speeds. Roads surrounding the square will be repaved with a material that connects the street visually with the square which will force drivers to drive slowly and be mindful of those coming and going to and through the square on foot and bicycle. We would like to create a well-connected network of sidewalks that are maintained, properly lit, and lined with a varied and interesting streetscape.

It is necessary to improve conditions of public transit so people can reach Taksim without the need of a car. We would like to keep parking for public transit to a minimum around the square and create a system where stops around the square are only used for shortterm drop-off and pick-up. With the walking and cycling improvements, we will ensure that people have safe and comfortable access to transit hubs. We also foresee demand for dolmus will decrease with the expansion of the subway system so the capacity should be reduced incrementally.

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Increase Resilience

As people, assets and economic activities agglomerate in Istanbul, so do their vulnerabilities in face of natural hazards. Taksim is a microcosmic reflection of this, facing the same threats posed by climatic pattern changes and intensified and more frequent extreme weather events induced by climate change, and the expected Istanbul earthquake.

GEZI PARK

Stormwater

WATER PLAZA

According to the future climate scenarios developed for Istanbul Climate Change Action Plan, days with heavy precipitation will increase by 20% and the amount of precipitation in such days by 59% by 2100. Taksim already experiences flash floods that damage shops and underground infrastructures. Climate change trends signals increased risk of flash floods, which is further aggravated by lack of permeable surfaces. Addressing current and future impacts of climate change is inherent to the overall approach of the proposed project. The urban forest proposed will create a micro-climate with a cooling effect, thus enabling resilience in face of rising temperatures and urban heat island effect. It will also increase the permeability of surfaces that mitigate flash floods. The project also proposes to further mitigate flash floods by collecting rain and stormwater underground. The rainwater collected can be reused to irrigate Taksim’s proposed green spaces which alleviates water demand of the maintenance of the landscapes in a water scarce future.

Precipitation

Irrigation

Irrigation Surface Runofff/Runnel

Infiltration

Gravity Fed

Filter / UV Treatment Cistern

Pump

Existing

Proposed

Shade & Comfort Taking advantage of the generally benign climate of Istanbul, the proposal strives to satisfy the diverse needs of all Taksim Square users simultaneously by offering them a variety of environmental conditions to choose from at all times. This is achieved through an interconnected network of micro-climates created by combining passive design measures such as local shading elements, wind/air speed control features and careful material selection. Preliminary studies confirm that high levels of local outdoor thermal comfort can be maintained for up to 90% of annual hours through such passive design measures. In parallel, large unshaded exposures of the Square will be utilised to the best extent to enable further improvement and resilience through innovative solar renewable technologies that will be used for self-powered solutions that improve comfort, and provide amenities for visitors such as lighting, digital displays and free phone charging.

Average daily solar radiation in kWh/m2/day 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.75 4.00

Material Sustainability With minimal operational energy use and significant ecological enrichment through extensive vegetation, the largest environmental impact of the proposed redevelopment will be due to its use and disposal of construction materials. To minimise this impact, circular economy principles will be adopted wherever feasible. Proposed strategic interventions will retain successfully functioning elements of the existing square. Materials removed to develop the proposed new features will be prioritized for reuse directly onsite or recycled into new construction products for the development. Materials with sound environmental credentials will be incorporated into robust design elements with standard details and dimensions to facilitate ease of maintenance and replacement. This will future-proof the Square against historically frequent, costly and environmentally harmful rebuilding cycles.

Gravel

MATERIAL RECYCLE Urban Furniture

Created Oleksandr from the by Noun Project Panasovskyi

Existing Pavement New Pavement Pattern

Earthquake

AFAD & UMKE Gathering Area

Gathering Area Storages

Gathering Area Gathering Area

Food Distribution

Crisis Support Desk Food Hub

Storages

Istanbul is expecting a Mw7.5 earthquake in the near future, namely “Istanbul Earthquake.” Especially as a touristic area and a critical economic center, Taksim cannot afford to be unprepared for a disaster on this scale. Disaster risk management is defined through 3 phases before (prevention, mitigation and preparedness) and 3 phases following a disaster (response, recovery and reconstruction). The proposed design cannot mitigate all earthquake risks in Taksim area but can contribute to preparedness. We acknowledge that the promenade, Istiklal Street and all roads will most likely be open to access for ambulances, search and rescue vehicles and fire trucks. Thus, the proposed design identifies locations for response services such as crisis support desk, search and rescue teams’ gathering area, food distribution, healthcare services, to set up that take emergency accessibility pathways into consideration. Zones are allocated to storing emergency response equipment in the spaces available in the underground public transportation access areas as well.

First Aid & Healthcare

Tents Area Gathering Area

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Welcome all

The renewed Taksim Square should be flexible and allow a myriad of activities to find their place in a diverse series of public spaces. The ambition is that the new public space welcomes and encourages night time activities as well as events at different times of the year.

6am

Everyday Gatherings

12am

6pm

Food Court

Promenade

Design Bazaar Local Market Night Market

Canopy

Street Performance

GEZI PARK

Small Events

Small Events

Gezi Forum Medium Events

PROMENADE

Medium Events

Jugglers

Green Commons

Street Musician Graffiti walls Open air cinema

Gezi Forum

Art Installation Festivals

Everyday Gatherings

Canopy Large Events

Gateway Lawn Medium Events

Everyday Gatherings

Taksim Plaza

Everyday Gatherings

Concerts

Gateway Lawn

Everyday Gatherings

Exhibition Skateboard Breakdance

Gezi Park

Book Club Jogging Fitness Yoga & Meditation

Gezi Stairs

Gezi Stairs Everyday Gatherings

Green Commons Small Events

Everyday Gatherings

Cafe

Small Events

Tai Chi Planting

Water Plaza Large Events

Water Plaza Everyday Gatherings

Kid’s Playground Dog’s Park Broadcasting

Taksim Plaza

Demonstrations Celebrations

Everyday Gatherings

Maksem Everyday Gatherings

TAKSIM SQUARE

Forums Speakers Points

Multipurpose Plaza

Bicycle Stations Selfie Points Kioks

Everyday Gatherings

CIVIC EVENTS

RECREATION

ARTS&CULTURE

COMMERCIAL

A vibrant nightlife Taksim Square should welcome and encourage night time activities and be a destination by hosting a broad variety of activities and events on the square. Here is our toolbox of lighting strategies:

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1 2 3 Basic street lights illuminate the edges of street and linear ground lights routes to the square

4 Floor spot lights will be used to create a visual attraction with the fountain

5 Tape lights illuminate the edges of the canopy.

These lights can be fed by photovoltaic cells.

6 Tape lights illuminate the edges of stairs.

7 A cross-structure with hanging lights allows people to gather after sunset.

8 String lights bring the center of the garden to life at night.

9 Lowlights highlight the trees and ground linear lights route to the fountain.

10 Historic walls of buildings like Maksem will be higlighted

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6 3

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* The images used in this page are for illustrative purposes only. They are not representative of any person or particular individual.

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Moments

Citizens are building a city image by taking a creative part of it. Nowadays, we are establishing new urban identities through moments and digital mediums. Taksim Square will be a combination of different images, moments, feelings, and emotions.

66.19

64.97

66.25

65.69

64.43

65.74

66.63

63.88 65.28

66.99

65.98

65.89 68.93

67.56 64.85

63.65

65.34

67.72

68.19

63.28

63.44 62.75

72.25 67.20

65.71 67.57

65.40

65.98

63.83

61.96

63.24

68.62

61.50

63.74

61.64 66.76

67.96

68.17

65.55

67.73

62.94 63.64

67.43

68.46

61.91

65.73

68.32

68.64

61.21

67.89 68.42

62.66 64.15 63.72 63.58

68.64

63.83

68.49

69.32

66.98

65.73

60.52

62.22 63.30

62.56

64.98

60.23

62.54 67.67

59.41

62.48 61.69

62.92

65.48

61.91

70.57

59.32

62.10 63.43

59.02 58.42

61.73

62.03 68.48

61.84

58.51

61.81

58.71

68.84

68.04

69.90

58.44 69.04

68.12 69.14

68.04

69.03 68.93 68.33

69.46

70.01

68.06

68.82

68.32

61.88

69.59 61.36

69.27

67.14

65.11

67.57

68.96

61.42 69.53

70.16

63.03 69.04 69.13

71.17 69.85

70.77

69.56 71.06 69.18

69.67

70.07

69.36

69.95

18 like It’s done! #promenade #taksim

#celebration

69.92

68.98 69.61 68.94

71.76

71.45

70.39 68.95 70.67

18 like Design market in Taksim just started! #supportlocals #design #istanbul

985 like Happy May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day! #1stMay #LaborDay

22 like spring term just started #backtoschool

584 like “These beautiful weather ruined us ...” #poetryonstreet #gezipark 150 like #sundayfunday #yenitaksim #newtaksim #greencommons

135 like Such a wonderful iftar meal at water plaza! #eidmubarek #taksimsquare #eid

205 like Istanbul days #travel #taksimsquare #donerkbap #streetfood

48 like listening MFÖ #taksimsquare #rainymorninginIstanbul

489 like on my way to beşiktaş #scooter #taksimsquare #urbanlife

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58.42

58.42

68.16

A new identity for Taksim

Our vision for the new identity of Taksim is to establish a visual language that emancipates the richness and diversity of the cultures of Taksim.

The identity is envisioned as an engaging process that provides room for participation and collective doing. The logo is designed with a consistent and dynamic visual language and wayfinding system deployed across Taksim Square. It allows the citizens and visitors to acquire information about activities, upcoming events, as well as on the historical layers of the site. The shape and design of the new identity are inspired by the bird view of encounters, streets, buildings, and citizens.

Main logo

Usage alternatives

Bridging digital with the physical

In our approach, we would like to connect the historical and hidden layers of Istanbul with the present through digital interfaces via screens around the square and also via a mobile application. These interfaces are designed for citizens who wish to discover the multilayered historical and cultural heritage of Taksim and its surroundings. Also, citizens can participate in the decision-making process through these screens. The interface is user-friendly and could be an opportunity to exercise transparency in administrative procedures.

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Symbol

Process

Citizen participation enables the creation of more democratic, inclusive and open ended projects.

Along with the technical design, a social process has to be curated and activated. Working together with the municipality, we would like to find ways to make citizens active parti­cip­ants of the process, instead of recipients of a finished product. The toolkit introduced here will help us to get constant feedback for our project.

Toolkit Temporary Taksim Bureau

Taksim.online

Kids Workshops

Community Workshops

The Bureau will be a physical space in Taksim in which workshops, lectures and exhibitions wil take place during the participation process.

The platform will host online workshops, publish periodic broadcasts, and provide regular updates about the project.

Youngest citizens can become aware of the transformation and the potentialities of the public space through creating drawings and models.

These workshops will discuss planning issues, identify recommendations, and weigh priorities.

Pilot Projects

Surveys & Interviews

Institutional Workshops

Civic Rituals

These projects will serve as a way of experiencing possible uses and solutions for the future square.

Surveys will cover the issues facing the project, the Istanbulite’s vision for the square, and draft goals.

Academic and cultural institutions around Taksim will be brought together to brainstorm the future of the space.

From communal cooking to gardening, collective events can kickstart conversations about the space.

Technical Expert Organizational Chart As the mediator of the process, we’ve started establishing an interdisciplinary network which can help us turn this project into reality.

Urban Planner

Play Expert

Communication Strategist

Urban Designer

Product Designer

Architectural Designer

Visual & Graphic Designer

Lighting Designer

Participatory Design Consultant

Engagement

Design Landscape Designer

Curator

Taksim

Art

Environmental Designer

Environment Urban Historian

Culture

Climate Change and Resiliency Expert

Mobility

Large Event Coordinator

Transportation Planner

Urban Anthropologist

Transportation Engineer

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