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Taksim Urban Design Competition Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
12 July 2020
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Aerial North
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ITU GARDEN
MACKA DEMOCRACY PARK
HARBIYE GARDEN
Taksim Square, Gezi Park & Atatürk Library are just the beginning. Expand the potential and see the city!
We will create a new Identity & Sense of Place which reflects Indepence, Democracy and Freedom! Vision, Inspiration & “See the City”
Introduction Taksim Square and Gezi Park sit at Beyoglu comprising what is Istanbul’s centre, especially so in the eyes of visitors, and the junction of political, business activity.
the heart of de facto city international cultural and
In the past decades and centuries Taksim Square and Gezi Park has featured in many prominent historical events in Turkey – both good and bad. Especially following the 2013 events the place is urgently looking for a new identity. The area has become known for its more marginal uses, shunned by the city centre and subdivisions, leaving pockets of isolated and unpopular uses which have further tainted perceptions. Taksim has been the subject of decades, if not centuries, of planning strategies and initiatives, many of which failed. A new dedicated competition organization has hastened the change in the pace and scope of opportunity at Taksim. Currently the most important square in Turkey is lost, disorganized and dysfunctional. The identity of the place is unclear, security issues are arising on every national holiday, the relationship to its urban context is weak, there is lack of green spaces, there are no sustainability measures in place, Unfortunately, when compared with other urban squares around the world, the current aesthetics of Taksim Square compare poorly. The place is very dull and without a soul. In addition, the function of an urban square such as Taksim is not clearly defined nor is there a hierarchy of space. The pedestrian flow has been discarded in many ways and use of it is either restricted or blocked by a temporary but still daily present mobile police station It is with regret that families report that are reluctant to visit Taksim due to the above and especially during evening hours due to safety concerns. The “Genius Loci” is clearly missing, and it deserves much more than it is being treated right now! Taksim is a symbol for independence, democracy and freedom. Along with Gezi Park, its congenial partner, it has a fantastic opportunity to become a quality urban space for generations to come. Our Vision The Vision for Taksim seeks to bind the city’s core with its special natural catchment with a new community, featuring human scale development and a vibrant creative culture - an urban habitat that borrows from the best examples of international citybuilding and entirely recreate the brand “Taksim”. A place that captures the imagination of artistic creative professionals to attract small specialist organisations and businesses – especially from gastronomy. It is a place centred on innovation, exemplified by its architecture and streetscape quality. It seeks to become an international iconic destination for local and international visitors, attracted by its colourful, vibrant human-scale attractions and relaxed atmosphere. Taksim Square, Gezi Park, the Ataturk Library site as well as Istiklal and Cumhuriyet Avenues can provide much more quality than they currently offer. In order to unlock their full potential, we propose to expand the project area beyond that currently designated and include the other green areas (as shown on the vision images: “See the City!”) too.
Our vision is to create a place of innate aesthetic appeal, offering an unrivalled range of functions, amenities, cultural beacons and activities within a short walk which also appreciates its history. A lifestyle district that embraces modern values, culture, history, arts & innovation. An interactive environment which is vibrant and alive!
With our design we will unite the two elements with each other by creating a beautiful green gate which will be the link between a new “rising” threedimensional Gezi park with more green areas than currently and the newly redefined Taksim Square.
Creating a new Identity
The revitalized Gezi Park will break out of its “cocoon” and rise to become a three-dimensional park which folds up towards the Monument on the south west corner. The “Rising Park” will become the green walkable roof of the newly designed Taksim Museum which frames the square perfectly with its unique connecting element: “The Green Gate”.
We are creating a new identity which reflects the open mind and unique hospitality of the Turkish people and their love for freedom and democracy which will result in an undoubtedly unique Spirit of the Place (Genius Loci) which it deserves. The Istiklal Monument and its role The Istiklal Monument at its current location appears to be ‘pushed’ into a corner where it tries to catch attention of the Taksim visitors. It is also negatively accompanied by various commercial barracks, temporary stalls which look unappealing along with security fences in the background. We understand that the location previously (back in the 1950s) was framed by buildings and was sitting in a different environment. But during the past 70 years the Taksim area has undergone a major transformation and the monument’s meaning as well as its presence has been weakened - also due to some disproportionally large structures (for example Taksim Mosque, Marmara Hotel, Ceylan Hotel etc.) in the proximity. In order to underline the monument’s importance and its historical meaning, we propose a small intervention which will have a major positive impact on the entire area and create a new beautiful sense of place. The importance of the monument needs awareness, therefore we propose to move it slightly in line with the axis center of the newly build Ataturk Culture Center (AKM) and the newly redefined “Cumhuriyet Boulevard” which sits on the west side of Gezi Park. At the same time, we will place the monument on a pedestal/plinth and lift it by 3 steps (50cm) in order to enhance the vistas from all directions. It will become a unique focal point from Siraselviler (from South), from the AKM (from East), from Cumhuriyet Boulevard (from North) and from the start of Tarlabasi Boulevard. The presence of the most important statue in Turkey must be improved. With this minor intervention, significant value will be added to the space and Taksim will receive the recognition it deserves - a strong statement which will lift the spirit. Creating Connections The Cumhuriyet Avenue and Istiklal Avenue are the most important streets in Turkey but are currently disconnected from each other. By gently relocating the Istiklal Monument to its rightful place and the introduction of a new “Cumhuriyet Boulevard” a strong link between the most important avenues in Turkey will be created. Currently Gezi Park and the Square are blocked by constantly ongoing construction works on the white stairs but also the “permanently temporary” Police station on the top of those stairs. This hostile environment is creating unrest among visitors and is separating the two entities.
The Rising Park
The existing white steps will be re-integrated at the entrance of the “Green Gate” and bind Gezi Park with the square becoming a beautiful green beacon as well as a destination. The green roof of the museum will be fully accessible on which people can walk up to the top and enjoy the fantastic views on over the square towards the monument or watch the amazing sunsets over Istanbul’s horizon. The iconic design of the new “Taksim Museum”, with its walkable green roof, will frame the square and park alike but also act as the link: “The Green Gate”. The roof of the museum will visually be linked to the secondary AKM building, which sits on the north side of the main building and between the existing buildings on Mete Street. The height of the new museum building will not be exceeding the height of any surrounding buildings. The west edge of the park will be moved by approximately 8 metres westwards, increasing the width of Gezi Park and enhancing the sense of enclosure of the redefined pedestrianonly “Cumhuriyet Boulevard” – an important connecting element of Gezi Park with the Talimhane neighbourhood. The newly formed areas within Gezi Park, derived from the natural movements and the flow of the people travelling through the park. Along with the interlacing of the grid of Talimhane grain, the park becomes a special place with diverse pockets within the park. The new amphitheater at the centre will become its Oasis.
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Currently the area is soaked in concrete. Shy interventions by putting pot plants are showing the desperation for green areas and the creation of a microclimate which is necessary for a healthy public realm. The new “Rising Park” with its congenial partner, the Green Museum building and the integration of soft surfaces into hard surfaces will have a long lasting and sustainable effect on the space. Along with the new green on the hard surface, the integration of a creek is a beautiful way to bring quality to the area. The idea is based on the historical water distribution in the Taksim area which name derived from “Taksim etmek / to distribute (Water).” The creek springs from the historical Maksem building runs along Cumhuriyet Boulevard down to the junction of Divan hotel. The creek also will run down along Istiklal Avenue to Tünel accompanied by a line of trees. These effective interventions will provide an excellent natural cooling during hot summer times and become a the “Beautiful Journey” from the junction (Asker Ocagi / Cumhuriyet) all the way to Tünel with a stopover at Gezi Park and Taksim Square. Restaurants / Cafes The newly and redefined Cumhuriyet Boulevard will become a vibrant pedestrian promenade. It will be an attractive and buzzing place to be with beautiful restaurants and cafes of international level which will act as a catalyst for the entire area. International awareness and a New Brand Istanbul, in particular Taksim needs to reinvent itself. It needs to put itself again in a positive spotlight, by establishing a world class destination in the world’s only city which sits on two continents - connecting Orient and Occident. This is Istanbul’s chance to enhance its brand awareness and become once again a global precedent.
Urban Activities The new amphitheater with its iconic canopy is a fantastic opportunity to integrate a unique activity space. Which can be used for open air events such as cinemas, theatre plays, little concerts or art and cultural events. The park will also provide different types of great functions (ie. Sculpture park, Zen Garden, Urban Farming Areas, Exhibition Space for young artists and designers etc.) and host “green diversity”. At the corner of Mete Street, a new feature restaurant will be placed on the corner adjacent to the Ceylan hotel which will have beautiful views towards the Bosphorus. Bike lanes on each side of the park and square will also be introduced along with bike and scooter rental stations. Sustainability There is a fantastic opportunity to enhance the green areas and habitat of Taksim by using innovative solutions which can add tremendous value to urban life, public square and the park.
History Water/Maksem Vista
Freedom Democracy
Edge
Vista Square
Vista Boulevard
Flow
Rising Corner
Old Park
Calm
Frame
Gate
View
Mind Map & Opportunity
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N CHAOS
TY VI TI EC NN CO
LOST
PERMEABILITY
ADJUST LOCATION TO GAIN PRESENCE
WRONG LOCATION OF TUNNEL ENTRANCE
AXIS/VISTA
AXIS/VISTA
M
?
LOST STEPS
AXIS/VISTA
IDENTITY
POLICE STATION
DEPOT
M
M
WANT TO BE A PARK
OLD PARK NICE TREES WEAK CONNECTIVITY
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SPREAD THE NORTH
IDENTITY
FLOW
ENHANCE
60% HARDSCAPE LOST IN PARK LINE OF TREES
VIEW
Plan View W
W
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Aerial from South - Edge Condition T
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Aerial from North - Identity Unclear O
Aerial from South-West - Scale of Surrounding
Aerial from North - Historical Destination
SWOT Analysis - Current Condition
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S
STRENGTH
S
STRENGTH
W
WEAKNESS
S
STRENGTH O
Diagrammatic Analysis
OPPORTUNITY
T
THREAT
Historical Elements
Identity
Hub
Traffic
Great Location
Aesthetics / Appearance
Sense of Place
Security / Safety
Large Space
Functions
Cultural Centre / Heart
Shading
Good Infrastructure
Connectivity
Vibrant Community
Cultural Assets
Square Framing
Unique Destination
Service Areas Weak (WC, Tourist Info etc.)
Green Assets
Edge Conditions
Sustainable District
Green Spaces
Green Potential
Branding / Marketing
New Brand
Microclimate
New Urban Life
S
Scale of Surrounding Current Aesthetics Air Pollution The Current Image of Taksim
T
CITY
Aerial from South-West - Large Space
PARK
Traffic Issues - Blocking Permeability
SWOT Analysis - Current Condition
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Design Evolution
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Aerial Sketch from South-West
Aerial Sketch from North-East
Approach & Inception
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SUN DIRECTION WINDS FROM SEA
Sun / Wind Directions
PUBLIC INDOOR PUBLIC OUTDOOR AS SHARED SURFACE CIRCULATION / ACCESS LANDSCAPE PUBLIC
TO SQUARE TO PARK TO BOULEVARD TO BOSPHORUS TO MONUMENT
Views / Vistas
AMPHITHEATRE MUSEUM FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Zoning
Functions
UN
CREEK GREEN AREAS WATER AREAS
Green and Water Areas
SAFETY BUNKER FIRST AID / INFIRMERY POLICE STATION FIRE STATION GATHERING POINTS
DE
RG
RO
UN
D
Security & Disaster, Health & Safety
Design Diagrams & Narrative
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M F M
PEDESTRIAN ROUTE VEHICLE ROUTE SHARED SURFACE
M METRO
F
FUNICULAR
TRAM
HAVAIST & BUS / UNDERGROUND
BUS STOP
TAXI
DOLMUS
Access
Transportation
NETWORKING WITH VENUES BRIDGE PRIMARY VENUE SECONDARY VENUE
MAIN ROUTE FROM HARBIYE TO PARK & SQUARE MAIN ROUTE FROM BOULEVARD TO PARK & SQUARE SECONDARY ROUTE MAIN ROUTE FROM METE STREET TO PARK & SQUARE
Connectivity
Permeability 5
4 5
6
4 2
3 1
3
1 2 3
OLD PARK BOUNDRY NEW EXPANDED PARK BOUNDRY
Expanded Gezi Park Area
TAKSIM REPUBLIC MONUMENT GEZI PARK STAIRS ABSTRACT SCULPTURE
4 5 6
THE STATUE OF PEACE FOUNTAIN NEW SCULPTURES
OLD LOCATION NEW LOCATION
Monuments
Design Diagrams & Narrative
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Taksim Museum and Square from Mete Street
Cumhuriyet Boulevard
Outdoor Lighting
Surface
Waterfeature
Outdoor Lighting
Surface
Waterfeature
Atmosphere & Materials
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Aerial South-West
Gezi Park - Green Terraces and Amphitheatre
Green Wall
Walkable Green Roof / Rising Park
Green Terraces
Canopy
Creek
Amphitheatre
Atmosphere & Materials
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FIRE STATION
410 m2
POLICE STATION
410 m2
INFIRMERY
230 m2
TECHNICAL AREAS
260 m2
PARKING AREA
6,000 m2
MUSEUM AREA L 00 2,927 m2 MUSEUM AREA L 01 1,966 m2 MUSEUM AREA L-01 3,838 m2 TOTAL 16,041 m2
B
3
2
1
5
4 6
B A
A
Basement Floor Plan (Level +77.00) 1:2000
Section AA 1:2000
Section BB 1:2000
URBAN INTEGRITY
OUTDOOR RECREATION
CONNECTIVITY
PUBLIC SPACE BIODIVERSITY
VIEWPOINT
Taksim Square
Parking & Security Areas
SPATIAL MEMORY
Harbiye
Conceptual Section
Sections
RD VA LE
IST L IK
17
N
U O IB AS AB RL TA
YEDI KUYULAR STREET
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AL ST RE ET
FREEDOM PLACE
MAKSEM WATER GARDEN
ET
17 ISTIKLAL PLACE
M
CU
T
IYE
R HU
E STR
CUMHURIYET BOULEVARD
SIRASELVILER STREET
8
8 15
ISTIKAL MONUMENT
1 2
2
4
4
ET
E TR
15 TAK-I ZAFER STREET
M
OS
1 WALKABLE ROOF / MUSEUM 2 RISING PARK TERRACES 5 12
IK GL
YA
S
SA
N DU
4 OLD PARK 6
TAKSIM SQUARE
16 11
ET
E TR
3 LAWN
10
7
14 13
5 GEZI BRIDGE
ASKER OCAGI STREET
IS
L AN
6 MEADOW 7 KIDS PARK 8 FOOD AND BEVERAGE 9 BOTANICAL GARDEN 10 CITY GARDEN
9
3
8
11 SCULPTURE AREA 12 AMPHITHEATER
METE STREET
13 POOL
T
EE
NU
INO
R ST
T
REE TASKISLA ST
14 FOUNTAIN POOL 15 METRO BOX 16 THE GREEN GATE 17 STAIRS TO UNDERGROUND
Masterplan 1:1000
1053TZYX CLIENT
CORE DESIGN TEAM
LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER PROJECT TEAM: ARCHITECTURE TEAM URBAN DESIGN TEAM LANDSCAPE TEAM
MASTERPLANNING AND REGENERATION DESIGN FOR RETAIL / WORKPLACE /BUSINESS / INDUSTRY
LEAD LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
MASTERPLANNING AND REGENERATION DESIGN FOR EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE
LEAD URBAN DESIGNER
MASTERPLANNING AND REGENERATION DESIGN FOR ARCHITECTURE AND PUBLIC REALM
LEAD ARCHITECT
MASTERPLANNING AND REGENERATION DESIGN FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
PROJECT DIRECTORS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND LEGISLATION
TRANSPORT PLANNING
MARKET AND ECONOMICS
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GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM
SUSTAINABILITY
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM CLIENT LOCAL AUTHORITY PROJECT MANAGER
GOVERNMENT DEPTS AND LOCAL SUPPLIERS
PROJECT CONSULTANTS LOCAL PLANNING EXPERTISE TRANSPORT PLANNING INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTLITIES PLANNING CULTURAL EXPERTISE ECONOMY AND MARKET STRATEGISTS ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING
URBAN PLANNING
1053TZYX ARCHITECTURE LANDSCAPE URBANISM MASTERPLANNING
COMMUNITY DESIGN
PROJECT TEAM
LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES - COUNCIL - MUNICIPALITY ETC.
- PLANNING DEPARTMENT - TRANSPORT ROADS / RAIL / AIR - UTILITIES / ENERGY - WATER / DRAINAGE / WASTE - COMMUNICATIONS - SAFETY AND SECURITY ETC.
INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTS MASTER PLANNERS URBAN DESIGNERS
ARCHITECTURE
- REGIONAL AND NATIONAL DEVELOPERS - REGIONAL / INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS
LEAD DESIGNER 1053TZYX
BRAND AND IDENTITY
KEY PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
DISCIPLINE TO DISCIPLINE MEETINGS / WORKSHOPS On this project we will be working closely with our partners and the client in order to achieve the most successful solution. This project offers an excellent opportunity to utilize our expertise and skills on new developments and sustainability of our company. Our proposed team of masterplanners, urban designer, public realm designer and architects will form an integrated and multi-disciplinary team with a strong trackrecord of delivering major developments and masterplans.
Our Core Team A key part of producing a successful master plan for this project is establishing a good working relationship with local partners and the wider team. As master planners and designers we are used to working with many other consultants and our approach to delivering high quality master plans is to listen, understand and respect the expertise and knowledge of the wider team. To ensure a good working relationship and understanding the master planning team for this project must combine our professionals with the knowledge of external consultants. If we are appointed for this project a priority will be to discuss in detail with the authorities and the client how the project will be managed and the areas of work for each consultant. At this stage we expect that we would be responsible for:
Our Core Team Architecture, Urbanism, Masterplanning, Landscape, Graphic Design Position
Role
Experience
Managing Director / Founder
Project Director / Lead Architect Lead Urban Designer
25+ years
Director / Founder
Lead Architect
20+ years
Director / Founder
Lead Designer
15+ years
Lead Masterplanner Director of Masterplanning / Landscape 25+ years Lead Urban & Landscape Designer Director Marketing & Communication
Lead Marketing Consultant
15+ years
Director Graphic Design
Lead Graphic Designer
15+ years
Project Architect
Project Architect
5+ years
• Client Liaison (with input from local partner) • Site and Context Data (and assisting in the analysis of the information with local partner) • General Submissions and consultation with Government Departments • Advice on Masterplanning and Architectural Standards • Advice on Masterplan issues, opportunities and constraints • Contributing to master plan workshops and reviews • Contributing to architecture & engineering workshops
The above core team would be backed by project designers and technical/graphic/production resources. All Team members will play an important role in developing the design; levels of input will vary across the team but within the key design team, the project director and the lead designer will have a consistent presence throughout the project.
Organization Chart