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Sculpted Cityscape A New Vision for Taksim Alias: T2C0J2P0

Sculpted Cityscape A New Vision for Taksim

Taksim is a busy public open space bustling with life; it is in the vicinity of several tourists’ attractions, it is surrounded by several cultural buildings, and it houses a big Park. It also holds a special place in Istabulites’ hearts. But, unfortunately, Taksim is not a destination in itself; it is a place where a lot of people pass but do not stay. Being in such a rich context, Taksim has all what it takes to become a landmark public open space that offers much more to Istanbul!

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

VISION | Creating a Contemporary Landmark space that belongs to the 21st Century, a Civic Space that celebrates and highlights Taksim’s historical monuments and creates new ones for the future.

Urban dwellers today do not use public space the same way they did twenty years ago; recent cultural shifts and the rise of communication technologies affected the way these spaces are designed.

HOW | By turning the isolated and barrier-like elevated Gezi Park into an interactive unifying landscape, hidden relationships in Taksim are revealed paving the way to new activities to take place, new users to walk in and stay, and above all, to a unique and inimitable landscape-cityscape to be born in Istanbul.

A SOCIAL LANDSCAPE that promotes interaction and exchange.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES Community center at the new Ataturk Library pavilion

RESULT | Create a MEDIUM for TAKSIM where: - Ataturk Library can benefit from and be beneficial to Taksim; - The Republic Monument can find its lost right scale; - Key Metro stations can become landmarks; - The Flowers Market can flourish.

A CULTURAL LANDSCAPE that celebrates and showcases local know-how

and tradition and serves Arts.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES Ataturk library pavilion

Flowers market and Temporary crafts bazar Temporary Art Pavilion Puppet Theater AN INCLUSIVE LANDSCAPE for children, youth, men, women, Istanbulite, and tourists PROPOSED STRATEGIES Accessibility

Enhancing safety by introducing new activities and integrated lighting solutions

Create a MEDIUM for the SOCIETY where: - Families can enjoy a weekend - Elderly can meet - Children can learn; - Craftsmen can display their products; - Artists can express themselves; and - Tourist can enjoy memorable selfies.

A CONTEMPORARY LANDSCAPE that Raises Awareness PROPOSED STRATEGIES Urban farming Reducing hard surfaces

A UNIQUE URBAN LANDSCAPE

VEGETATION STRATEGIES

CONTEXT |

The design aims at expanding the vegetation of Gezi Park and enriching it to fully utilize its potential.

Gezi Park is an elevated green space in relation to the city.

OPPORTUNITY | This situation offers an opportunity to create a unique cityscape

that capitalizes on this split level condition, a new landscape

that only belongs to Taksim.

INTERVENTION | By carving spaces in the elevated Gezi at the city level, an

exaggerated landscape is born where a new relationship

to the existing trees can be experienced, and new activities can

sometimes be tucked below the elevated landscape without

compromising the surface.

CREATING HABITAT AND INCREASING WILDLIFE VALUE WITHIN THE PARK This includes adding plants that attract specific species such as birds and /or small animals.

SEASONAL INTEREST Choosing plant palettes that alternate flowering cycles throughout the year to create landscape experiences that are unique to specific times of the year.

GEZI PARK

PRESERVATION OF THE PARK Conserving the mature existing trees and transplanting the ones that need to be relocated within the park to rebalance the distribution of trees. This includes removing plants with poor health.

GEZI PARK

These strategies allocate the appropriate species to create specific micro-landscape experiences within the park. They also preserve the canopy trees and introduce understory planting such as native Mediterranean maquis, meadows/grasslands, and ornamental flower displays.

CITY

CITY GEZI PARK

CITY

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Site Analysis EXISTING PUBLIC SPACE Taksim site area comprises three main public space typologies: The Plaza, the Esplanade, and Gezi Park.

Gezi Park is elevated and occupies the largest area of Taksim. Due to it’s elevation, the park is disconnected from its surroundings and mainly accessed by stairs around its periphery.

Park Espl

anad

e

Plaz

a

LANDMARKS AND ACTIVITY NODES Taksim contains cultural and public landmarks from various historical eras. In addition, it contains several transportation nodes.

Hotel Cultural Religious Historical Metro Tram

EXISTING CONDITIONS GEZI PARK Gezi Park acts as a barrier between various site elements.

CONNECTION TO HOTELS

ESPLANADE - The Esplanade lacks activities that attract the community and tourists.

- The planters placed at the center line of the esplanade compromise mobility and connectivity.

PLAZA - The Plaza lacks character due to the absence of adequate urban furniture, shaded areas and landscaping.

- The plaza is excessively dominated by the access of vehicles and tour buses, which compromizes its urban integrity.

Green Area Parking Esplanade Democratic Space Historical Element Istiklal Steet CONNECTION TO ISTIKLAL STREET

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Spatial Concept EXISTING EDGE CONDITIONS PARKING RELOCATION The existing parking lot at the southern edge of Gezi park further separates the park’s green space from it’s surrounding (the plaza in particular) weakening its presence and creating a poor entry statement.

Parking spaces for tour buses and service vehicles should be relocated to minimize interruptions to pedestrian flow between the the plaza, the park, and the esplanade.

ESPLANADE BOUNDARY The relationship between the esplanade and the plaza lacks definition which negatively affects Taksim Republic monument’s presence.

STEP 1: REDEFINITION OF SPACE GEZI EXTENSION By removing the parking lot, Gezi spills down its main stairs and morphs to adapt to a more urban setting.

ESPLANADE DEFINITION The esplanade enjoys a structured western facade formed by existing buildings. By extending Gezi Park, the eastern edge of the esplanade becomes more defined.

TAKSIM REPUBLIC MONUMENT By strengthening the definition of the esplanade, Taksim Republic monument becomes well positioned at the end of a well structured North-South axis (Esplanade) and enjoys a newly created backdrop resulting from the extension of Gezi.

STEP 2: CREATING A MEDIUM - Reinforcing existing axes and introducing new ones - Augmenting existing nodes of activity and creating new ones - Hidden relationships in Taksim are revealed paving the way to new activities to take place.

The resulting network serves to stitch Gezi Park to Taksim and both to their surroundings.

3

Implementation CARVING AXES A diagonal alley is carved within Gezi Park, visually connecting the Taksim Republic Monument with the northeast corner of Gezi Park where a new pavilion for Ataturk Library is proposed.

The carved Diagonal Alley becomes the Flower Market with big trees above. It can also host bazars and temporary crafts markets or exhibits.

A second strategic axis is created, connecting the northern Taksim metro station with the new Ataturk Library pavilion The two alleys start at the surrounding city level and gently ramp up towards the pavilion, increasing park accessibility.

LANDSCAPE NODES New nodes are embedded within the landscape in the form of mounds and valleys, offering a modern backdrop to the monument and adding life to the eastern edge of the esplanade.

An elevated free-form bridge runs above the second alley, linking Ataturk Library, the new Ataturk Library Pavilion and Taksim Metro Station, hosting and extending cultural themed activities from Ataturk Library into the park and gently sloping in response to topographical changes.

NODES AND AXES Nodes and axes were located in areas that require minimum or none relocation of existing trees.

The surrounding landscaped is slightly adjusted to complement the newly added nodes without drastic changes in soil levels to preserve existing trees.

The amount of hardscape in the park is reduced and is limited to pedestrian and cycling paths.

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Inspiration Istanbul Skyline LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS ARE INSPIRED FROM THE ISTANBUL CITYSCAPE

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Sections

Meadow and Kids’ Area

Esplanade

Urban Swings

Temporary Pavilion

The Meadow and Kids’ Zone

Bridge

Urban Farming

1 5

10

20m

1 5

10

20m

Flower Market and Bazar

Ramp

Aerial View

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Proposed Program and Zoning

4 4 2 2 3 11 12 1

11 12

16

15

5

16

15

5

3 8

7

6

8

7

6 9

1

9 13

1

FAMILY ZONE Area Pond/ Picnic

2 1 3 2 4 3 5 4 6 5

ESPLANADE Esplanade FAMILY ZONE KIDS’ Kids’ZONE Zone ESPLANADE Monument &AND Art Exhibit MONUMENT ART EXHIBIT KIDS’ ZONE OUTDOOR GYM Outdoor Gym MONUMENT AND ART EXHIBIT Ampitheatre & TEMPERORARY PAVILION AMPITHEATRE/ OUTDOOR TemporaryGYM Pavilion

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AMPITHEATRE/ TEMPERORARY PAVILION URBAN FARMING Urban Farming

Flower Market FLOWER MARKET URBAN FARMING PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Pedestrian Bridge FLOWER MARKET LIBRARY Ataturk Library PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PARK PLAZA Taksim Plaza LIBRARY ELEVATED Park EntryPLAZA Plaza PARK PLAZA MIDDLE Ataturk TOWER Library Pavilion ELEVATED PLAZA LIBRARY TOWER Bridge Landing MIDDLE TOWER ENTRANCE TOWER Taksim Metro LIBRARY TOWERPavilion Urban SPRINGS Swing andAND PUPPET THEATRE 16 URBAN 15 ENTRANCE TOWER Puppet Theatre 8 7 9 8 10 9 11 10 12 11 13 12 14 13 15 14

16 URBAN SPRINGS AND PUPPET THEATRE

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14

10

14

10

Accessibility and Circulation

Metro Station Parking Areas easy of access/ Ramps Elevators Staircase Park Trail Vehicular Access

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Gezi Park

Bus Parking Outdoor Gym Picnic Area Shrubland Pond

Flower Mounds at elevated park entry plaza

Urban Swing Puppet Theatre Urban Farming

Vegetation typologies Meadow/ Grassland Meadow Maquis (Mediterranean shrubland) Maquis Urban Forest Urban Forest Flowering Flowering Aquatic/ Wetland

Meadow/ Grassland Meadow

Meadow Maquis Anemone Thermopsis Maquis Carllirhoe canadensis rhombifolia involuurata UrbanUrban ForestForest Flowering Flowering

Meadow Maquis (Mediterranean shrubland) Maquis Forest Lavandula Sacopoerium Cistus UrbanPhlomis creticus fruticosa angustifolia spionosum Flowering

Vitex Rosmarinus agnus-cactus officinalis

Muscari (Winter)

occidentalis

Veronica liwanesis

Tradescantia bracteata

Cercus siliquastrum

Platanus acerifolia

Quercus alba

Quercus robur

Juncus inflexus

Tanacetum balsamita

Mentha lon- Orchis gifolia hudson pallens

Meadow Maquis Urban Forest Flowering

Meadow Maquis Urban Forest Flowering Flowering Cyclamen sp (Winter)

Meadow Maquis Urban Forest Urban Forest PlatanusFlowering Acer rubrum

Plox stolonifera

Aquatic/ Wetland Pelargonium Tulipa sp (Summer) (Spring)

Lilium (Spring)

Crocus sp.

(Fall)

Gladiolus ssp

Ornithogalum platyphyllum

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The Bridge ATATURK LIBRARY PAVILION C

PAVILION A Vertical Circulation Viewing Platform

PAVILION B Cafe Terrace Vertical Circulation Taksim Metro Station Bookshop & Storytelling for kids

TEMPORARY PAVILION

Multi-purpose/ Community space Toilets

Pavilion A

1

6

Taksim Metro Pavilion 1. Shaded Lobby 2. Existing Metro Escalators 3. Existing Metro Service Lift 4. Lift 5. Café 6. Terrace 7. Counter and Back of House 8. Viewing Platform

2

5 4

8

4

4

7

3 Ground Floor Street Level

First Floor Terrace

Second Floor Bridge Level

Pavilion B Ataturk Library Pavilion 1. Lifts 2. Seating Area 3. Services 4. Female Toilets 5. Male Toilets 6. Multi-purpose space 7. Storytelling for kids 8. Bookshop/ Newspaper stand 9.Seating Area

4 3

9

5 3 2

7

6 1

1

8

Ground Floor Street Level

8 1

First Floor Park Level

Second Floor Bridge Level

Pavilion C Bridge Landing 1. Lift 1 1

5

10

20

1

1

40m Ground Floor

Typical Floor

Bridge Level 9

View showing Urban Farming activity for children

View from bridge overlooking the temporary art pavilion

View of Pond and Maquis micro eco-system

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Flower Market and Bazar (Diagonal alley through Gezi)

Crafts Bazar Flower Market

Urban Farming

Ring Bridge

The new Ataturk Library Pavilion (Pavilion B)

Area for Craft Bazars & temporary exhibits

Ring Bridge

View of Flower Market beneath the ring bidge with a direct view of Taksim Republic Monument in the distance

Flower Market

Taksim Republic Monument

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Esplanade The Esplanade design was enriched by a multi-leveled approach to vegetation with shrubs on benches and alternating rows of trees.

Ramp to Gezi Park

Taksim Republic Monument

Kiosks

1

5

Service Vehicle Access

10

20

Kiosks Accessible Ramp to Gezi Park

Benches Accessible Ramp to Gezi Park

Existing Metro Entrance

Service Vehicle Access

View of esplanade showing Taksim metro station pavilion in the distance

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Taksim Plaza Accessible Ramps

Benches

Densifying existing trees within planters Gezi Stairs are maintained Crescent-shaped water feature

Existing Metro Entrance Gezi Park was expanded into the Plaza by densifying existing tree species that define the plaza as part of the park, yet simultaneously create a unique atmosphere within the plaza. The trees are placed within planters in order not to interfere with metro lines below ground.

View of Taksim Plaza and Gezi steps 13

Flower mounds at the new elevated park entry plaza mimicing the domed silhouettes in the distance

Children’s Entrance to the park: Urban swings (left) and puppet theatre (right)

View approaching the ring bridge above the flower market through lit park pathways

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Team Organizational Chart for Stage 2

Project Manager Urban Planner Project Coodinator Architect

Buildings Senior Architect

Architecture

Architect 1 Architect 2 Architect 3

Structure

Other Designers, specialists

Quantity Survey

MEP

Artist

Water feature

Lighting

Mechanical HVAC Plumbing Firefighting Electrical Power Low Current

Open Spaces Urban Designer Landscape Principal Landscape Architect

irrigation IrrigationDesigner

Traffic Traffic Planner

Civil

Soft-scape Landscape Architect 1 Landscape Architect 2

Structural Engineer

Hard-scape Architect 1 Architect 2 Architect 3 Architect 4 Architect 5

Stormwater Engineer

Quantity Survey

Water Engineer

Sewer Engineer Power Engineer

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