A Common Cosmos Taksim Urban Design Competition
O4C1T7A7
Taksim Square A Common Cosmos
O4C1T7A7
Abstract: Systems of Plurality
Most systems consist of various elements. They differ in several characteristics and are nevertheless kept together by the strength of a shared core which provides commonality. Like planets in a sun system, each element has its own specifications, appearance and atmosphere while circulating around something bigger that provides crucial requirements for their viability. It’s the same centre of their different orbits that is shared by every part – creating a common structure where diversity is key. Istanbul is an urban system characterised by a strong mixture of cultural influences resulting from thousands of years as focus of migration. Situated between Europe and Asia, between Orient and Occident or Christian, Muslim and further spheres, it served as a transitional point between its cultural surrounding for long times which left its traces in the urban memory as built environment or cultural imprint. Even though, periods were coined by one dominant organism, this wide diversity of ethnics, religions and culture in general is undeniable and can be regarded as opportunity of this unique city – culminating in the creation of a new Taksim. Respecting the diversity of existing elements while implementing a joint reference point might lead to a viable structure of a Common Cosmos.
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Taksim Square A Common Cosmos
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Concept: Defining a ‚Square‘ Despite its young age in relation to city history, the area of Taksim is located in the centre of modern Istanbul and stands representative for the city’s various influences and tensions. As degenerated ending point of an intensively trimmed green corridor, a mix of many modern buildings, some significant historic remains and disorganized traffic densely surrounds Taksim. The untilled land is divided in the Gezi Park limited by the footprint of a former Osman barrack, the open square and a recently established pedestrian zone after tunnelling the street traffic. A definition of Taksim’s boundaries is uncertain and the sovereignty of interpretation over Taksim’s spatial opportunities has been a central controversy for years. It proofs that a reasonable urban design strategy can only be matter of a complex system that takes parameters of history, climate, mobility and culture into consideration.
Think Big!
Locate Identity!
Stimulate Diversity!
In accordance with the significance of Taksim as a focus point of Istanbul the redesign strategy provides appropriate space by mentally releasing the fragmented area to one bigger element. The surface spans from edge to edge of the neighbouring blocks integrating the base of the variously used buildings into the square. The localization of formative elements is key for reshaping the layout. Preservation of the valuable green structure of Gezi Park is as meaningful as the respect for the historic elements like the Republican Monument and the spatial references to significant buildings surrounding the plot. Using the formal structure of the Republican Monument and the Gezi Well as starting point, new elements are implemented corresponding to the impact of various neighbouring uses. The result is a multitude of different spots offering different qualities within a complex structure which is held together by a central core.
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Taksim Square A Common Cosmos
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Concept: Parameter History
Melting Point
Analysis of fragmented remains The historic plot of the Osman barracks still shape the boundaries of the free spaces of Gezi and the open square. Its western edge co-defines the axis towards the Republican Monument, which will be emphasized. The Park as relevant element of the younger history will be kept while the southern edge to the open square is resolved. The melting ensures the fixation of both spatial elements as an Unit. Significant buildings like AKM are ‘pushed’ to the square.
Conclusion for respect/redefinition of urban layout
Concept: Parameter Climate
Transition Point
Analysis of limited green spaces The former green corridor starting from the Bosporus as Macka Democracy Park has been cropped due to construction and fencing. A high share of paved pathes pervades the remaining green of Gezi, which ends sharply at the southern border. As priority the corridor shall be opened and filled up as the pathes are reduced and infiltration capable. There will be a softer transition to the hard city with the placement of tree and water elements which create zones of comfortable urban climate.
Conclusion for a floating link to Macka green areas 3/15
Taksim Square A Common Cosmos
O4C1T7A7
M Buss tatio n
Buss tatio n
Concept: Parameter Mobility
P
M
M ion tat uss
M
B
Unde rgrou nd
M MB
MB
M
PP
P TS
M M
Analysis of disorganized relations Taksim is a place where several forms of mobility come together. For many people it‘s a transfer point of commuting while others enter Istanbul‘s ground the first time here. The potential for a significant transport hub is given - nevertheless it lacks order and connection. The design program envisages an underground Mobility Hub, which increases capacity and connection of the various lines. With shared spaces for the remaining overground streets the focus on pedestrians is intensified.
Taks iBus- Dolmus Term inal
Shar ed S pace
MB
ACESS MOBILITY M HUB P
M
P
MB
Share d Spa ce
PP
TS MB
Conclusion for connected mobillity
Concept: Parameter Culture
S
POLITICAL HISTORY
REPUBLICAN HISTORY TOUR ISM
COM MERC E
OSMAN HISTORY
MOD E CULT RN URE
E ERC MM CO MUSLIM RELIGION
URE
ES SIN BU
COM MERC E
CULT
CHRISTIAN
Common Centre
Analysis of spatial coexistence Diverse cultural layers have impact on the area and leave their traces partly physical, partly virtual. The AKM for modern art and the new mosque for Muslim religion can be identified as formative influences as well as the small-scale shops and large-format infrastructure for tourism. The political debates on Gezi Park and 1st May are also inscribed in the narrative of the place. All these layers find their expression in different spots, which are complemented by a common centre that offers spatial possibilities for a heterogeneous community.
Conclusion for sociocultural togetherness 4/15
Taksim Square A Common Cosmos
O4C1T7A7
Structure: Urban Morphology
Identify Bariers!
Connect to Ambience!
Create Flowing Space!
Today‘s park follows the former contours and forms borders with its difference in height at the edges. The inner, orthogonal path system also follows its own large-scale logic, ending in non-barrier-free stairways. In this interplay, the place closes itself off from the wider urban space. With the thought experiment of an open space, potential passageways can be located which improve the connection to the surrounding neighbourhoods and among them. Two set structural elements form fixed points and are woven into the network. The adaptive spots are incorporated into the resulting open spaces. The free, partly virtual path system creates a flowing space where divers elements with specific characteristics form a common system with their centre.
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The Playground
Bridg e
Macka Democ racy Pa rk
Structure: Spots and Pathes
Cum hurie t
Stre et
Asker Ocag i Stre et
The Forum
Public Library
Repu blic B oule Com vard merc e/
Shop s
Hotel Intercontinental
Mete Stre et
Gast ro
The Well
Hub
Shop s
The Pitch
Acce ss
The Calm
lv. si B a b arla
Common Centre
Culture / Gastro / Mobilty
T
An Entry
The Fresh
Atatü rk K Merk ültür ezi
The Monument
Shar ed S pace
Acces Sublevel
Water Rese rvoir
Taksim Mos que
Shar ed S pace
The Entry
Shar ed S pace
Marma ra Hot el
Hagia Triada Churc h
Sirase lviler
St.
Inönü St.
v. lal A Istik
Site Map / Scale 1:2000
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Structure: Layers of Connectivity Entrance to Parking at AKM
Gezi Park
Entrance to Cultural Spaces
Common Centre
Square
Entrance to Line F7 (F端nik端ler)
Entrance to Public Transport Hub
Str ee tT un el (le ve l -1
Cultural Spaces
Ateliers / Food / Exhibition
)
Utility Spaces
Level -1 Taxi Station
Public Transport Hub
Taxi / Bus / Dolmus / Metro Bus Station
to G
ez iM etr oE ntr an ce
Bus Terminal Waiting Area Dolmus Station
M AK at g kin ar P to
Entrance to Park & Ride
Level -2/-3 Park & Ride 3 sub-levels
端ler 端nik to F
Level -4 Me tro L
ine M2
The surface area of the Taksim area is kept free of additive development to emphasize the quality of the open space. Below the square, spaces are being created for cultural use. With the difference in height between the open square and Gezi Park, three vertical levels are created, which are connected to each other in some places. A barrier-free transition between park and square is achieved by gently warping the terrain at the southern edge. Following another principle of emphasizing the axis towards the Monument, the western edge of the Park is rebuilt and offers new spaces under the park at street level.
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Taksim Square A Common Cosmos
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Elements: A Common Centre Nukleus
Pi
tc
h
Gezi
Axi
s
C
t ul
ur
e
roof / the connecting one
the wet one
the
emphazises the entrance from the park
improves the climate on the square -> cools down the square
a mo
Square
Mo
nu
e qu
me
HUB
s Mo
Forum / the smart one small space educati-
nt
the fit one urban fitness
the calme one place to calm down
the old one
The Centre The inclined square of the centre provides a barrier-free transition between the elevated level of the park, the level of the previous square and the basement level. Apart from its functional aspect, the sloping surface is reminiscent of places like Siena or the Centre Pompidou in Paris, where people enjoy the square as a spacious terrace. At the lowest point of the central plaza the basement is accessed. Here a glazed facade opens the rooms behind it to the square. Artists‘ studios and rooms for initiatives organising workshops and lectures or temporary exhibitions can be accommodated here. The offer is supplemented by gastronomy. These uses have their impact on the facade‘s appearance and the outer spaces, where outdoor exhibitions and cafe tables can be placed. The Centre serves as a space for cultural coproduction and open communication. Neighbouring the cultural spaces in the underground, wide areas illuminated from above provide generous access to the transport infrastructure. The existing basement at the road tunnel will be extended and converted into a Mobility Hub. A clearly laid out sequence of rooms from the central access point via the terminal to the bus, dolmus and taxi platforms and to the metro line will ensure an orderly connection of the various mobility options. A three-storey underground car park below the central square serves motorists to change to public transport and completes the mobility offer.
AKM Hilton Hotel
Gezi Park
Common Centre
Open Square
Hub Access Public Transport Hub to Metro Station
Cultural Spaces to Underground Parking
to Underground Parking
to Füniküler
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De tion
Taksim Square A Common Cosmos
cting roof /one the connecting one the wet one
O4C1T7A7
the wet one the joyfull one
the joyfull one
entrance emphazises fromthe entrance from improves the climate improves on the climate a more on hidden space a more for hidden space for the park the square -> cools thedown square -> cools down the square the square
Elements: Perimetric Places
The nucleus is surrounded by a series of differently programmed spots (or satellites), which integrate the different 4 core themes in their own way. There are places with historical reference, climatic aspect, connecting places or places of activity, whereby the sociocultural reference is present in all places.
the calme one down place to calm down
the old one
Historic Spots
Denkmal Denkmal / the revoluthe old one / the revolutionary one tionary one
roof / the connecting one
the wet one
the joyfull one
emphazises the entrance from the park
improves the climate on the square -> cools down the square
a more hidden space for
The Well
The Monument Nukleus Both the fountain and the monument as formal starting points for the future design of the square remain unchanged. They are places of historical identification of republican and Ottoman times within the overall structure of a contemporary democratic system: two components of a plural system.
the fit one urban fitness
ti-
roof / the connecting one the calme one place to calmfrom down emphazises entrance Climatethe Spots the park Nukleus
roof / the connecting one
the wet one
AKM
Mosque
roof / the connecting one
improve the squa the squa
the wet one Met
ro
emphazises the entrance from the park The Calm The Fresh The Entry the fit one Forum / the smart the calme one urban fitness theplaces calme one Two with a climatic one aspect are inserted into the stone surface of the square, which place to calm down Denkmal / the revoluthe old one offer peace and conscious encounter in the hustle and bustle of the spacious square: placeplaces to calm of down small space educatitionary one as places to stay in the shade of trees or the freshness of the water element. These spots are
the fit one urban fitness
the wet o
the joyfull one emphazises the entrance from Denkmal / the revoluthe old one Connective Spots improves the climate on the park a more hidden space for tionary one the square -> cools down the square Nukleus
improves the climate on the square -> cools dow the square
assigned to the nearby cultural uses, the mosque and the AtatĂźrk Cultural Centre. A canopy marks the entrance to the mobility level below in the northern part of the square. This access is generously covered, so that it serves as a kind of pavilion and meeting place.
the wet one
the joyfull one / the smart Forum
one improves the climate on Activea more Spots hidden spaceeducatifor small space the square -> cools down the square
the fit one urban fitness
the calme one place to calmForum down/ the smart one small space educati-
the fit one the old one urban fitness
Librar
y
The Playground
The Pitch
The Forum
Denkmal the revoluthe old one The active spots / bring new uses to the course. The pitch and the playground as dynamic, youthful tionary placesone where people play, watch and have fun. The forum as a complementary place to
the library, a place of encounter and exchange with seating possibilities and the possibility to use it as a stage. The Playground and Forum as rear spots also emphasize places to rest and gather in less central locations around the square. These spots are already located within denser green areas and integrate the Taksim into the superordinate green structure. Additional to the larger programmed spots there are several smaller spots that serve as connecting elements between the square and the mobility level below: the entrances and the light points. The entrances provide access to the underground and metro levels. They are widened to allow daylight to enter the basement and make it more pleasant for passengers. In contrast to the entrance spots, the light points provide a visual link between the square and the mobility level below. These transparent elements embedded in the plaza surface offer a view of the metro level during the day and illuminate the plaza area in the evening.
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Taksim Square A Common Cosmos
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The Playground
Asker Ocag i Stre et
Cum hurie t
Stre et
Bridg e
Elements: Integrative Layout
The Forum H In ote te l rc on tin en ta l
Shop s
Public Library The Well
Repu blic B oule vard
Mete Stre et
Gezi Park
Hub
Shop s
The Pitch
Acce ss
The Calm
lv. si B a b arla
Common Centre
Culture / Gastro / Mobilty
T
Open Square An Entry
Shar ed S pace
Atatü rk K Merk ültür ezi
The Monument
Shar ed S pace
Acces Sublevel
Water Rese rvoir
Taksim Mos que
Shar ed S pace
The Entry
The Fresh
Marma ra Hot el Inönü St.
Hagia Triada Churc h
Sirase lviler
St.
v. lal A Istik
Site Map / Scale 1:2000 10/15
Taksim Square A Common Cosmos
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Scenario: Diversity of A Square
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Scenario: A Variety of Use relax
play stroll retreat
shop
view
rest exhibit
eat
distribute
talk
commute
pass pause drink
visit
Everyday Scheme The square offers space for a wide range of uses in accordance to the visitors or commuters needs. It can appear as a space for transit, play or rest. Match
Open Air Bar Concert
Screening Vernisage
Performance
Celebtration
Cultural Events Different spots provide different opportunities for cultural group activities, which can take place simultaneously.
Gathering
Mass Event Bigger gatherings of people will concentrate on the open square that is extended due to sloped transition towards the park. The highest point of the centre might serve as a stage.
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Scenario: Night and Lighting Dance
Gala Evening
Arthouse Show Meze Bar
Night Tour
Night Scheme The general layout of lighting creates an atmospheric but safe illumination. Main elements are emphasized, while light poles accompany the main pathes through the park.
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Vision: A common Istanbul
Our vision for the redesign of Taksim Square is to create a place where all the city‘s residents are represented and which reflects the city‘s diversity: a common cosmos.
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Prospect: 2nd Stage
Climate Designer
Architect & Urban Designer
Scenografic
Artist
Landscape Architect Mobility Expert
Light Planner
Organization Chart: Design Team 2nd Stage
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Mosque Taksim
. Av al ikl Ist
eservoir Water R
The Calm
Hagia Triada Church
Entry
M
The Monument
Siraselviler St.
Skylight
Shops
Shops
Cumhuriet Street
Republic Boulevard
Skylight Access Mobility Hub
Active Front
Skylight
The Entry
Acces to Metro
Common Centre
An Entry
Culture / Gastro / Mobilty
The Playground
Acces Cultural Spaces Shared Space
l Marmara Hote
Skylight
Gezi Park
Elevator
Acces Parking
M
Seating Stairs
The Well Connecting Bridge
Water & Flowers Semi Public Restaurant
Open Square
Asker Ocagi Street
Hotel Terrace Sloped Transition
The Pitch
Play & Sport
The Fresh Water Elements
Park Balcony
nü Inö
St.
Acces Parking
Shared Space
Mete Street
Hotel Intercontinental
Acces Parking
Atatürk Kültür Merkezi ce Shared Spa
s ITÜ Taskisla Campu
The Forum Lecture & Debate
N
Public Library Site Map / Scale 1:1000