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1. CONTEXT

MOBILITY

“Who takes Taksim takes everything! ” (Transformation of public squares of Istanbul between 1938-1949) that’s how Professor Birge Yildirim encompasses the strategic value that Taksim Square has for the city of Istanbul. Taksim Square has always been a space for urban transformations. A politically complex space, rich in historical stratifications, and the place that connects and redistributes city flows. Today still a central place for the affirmation of hegemonic power. Local development

LEGEND

policies focused on the construction sector have

main road

cornered the city over time, creating a reduction in

secondary road

public spaces with negative impacts on both ecology

pedestrian street

and democracy. Gezi Park is the symbol of these politics.

pedestrian area

Protests in 2013 triggered by citizens, young people, the

tramway route

middle class, national and local movements have shown

cableway route

that there is a vast, proudly different and united group of

bus stops and rout

citizens that claim their right to the city by recognizing

underground stops and route

Taksim Square as a place of symbolism and identity.

mobility interchange node

FUNCTIONS

MCDONALD

STARBUCKS TAKSIM MAKSEMI REPUBLIC MONUMENT HISTORIC TRAM LINE

TAKSIM HILL HOTEL

BULTUR TAKSIM GEZI PARKI KAFETERYA

ROYAL TURKISH SCHOOLS

HAFID MUSTAFA CVK TAKSIM HOTEL ISTANBUL

ARCHITECURE UNIVERSITY

FOUNTAIN PARK CENTRE

ITU FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING KULTUR BAKANLIGI DEVLET OPERA METRO ACCESS STATION

ISTIKLAL CD.

KITCHENETTE

GERMINAR PALAS HOTEL

RESIDENTIAL

TAXIM HILL HOTEL

Gezi Park 2013 - photo by www.reclaimistanbul.com

THE MARMARA TAKSIM HOTEL

INTENSE TRAFFIC

ABDULHAK HAMIT CD.

METE CD

HAYAT CAFE

PRIVATE OFFICE

BEYOGLU FESTIVAL ALANI

INSURENCE AGENCY

OUTDOR FESTIVAL

MIRALAY SEFIKBEY SK.

SIMIY SARAYI

INONU CD

GARANTI BBVA CUMHURIYET

AUTOBUS OFFICE AGENCY

BIBLOS DOVIZ

CAR PARKS AWAY FROM THE SQUARE

SAVAS&BIBLOS TAKSIM GEZI PARK GEZI CAFE

BANKS

BUDJET OFFICE TU GUMUSSUYU CAMPUS ATARUK KITAPLIGI

SAFRAN RESTAURANT

GAZHANE BOSTANI SK.

LEGEND

FIORE PIZZERIA ITALIAN

INTERCONTINENTAL ISTANBUL STUDYZONE YUTDISI EGITIM

IGDAS OFFICE TAKSIM SEBEKE SEFLIGI

DIVAN ISTANBUL OTEL

GRAND HOTEL HYATT ISTANBUL

cultural, tourist and commercial activities day time local activities


2. ANALYSIS, USE AND USER

BLUE AND GREEN SYSTEM

Despite the criticalities of the square, the decision of making pedestrians part of the square and dedicating more space to soft users was necessary. The complex public transportation network surrounding Taksim distributes users across the city and makes it possible to plan the traffic flow. The oversized spaces give a feeling of being disoriented and the scale is not proportional to humans’ sensory experiences. The functions of the space are divided between areas of interest with a lot of activity, and areas of transit. The south-west area of t​​ he square is more used, full of cultural-, tourist- and commercial activities while the north-east area, which houses functions only open daytime. At the center of this functional imbalance is Gezi Park that represents the attempt of the relationship between the natural and urban environment. However the synergy between the two is questionable and despite high biodiversity, the park is unable to transition into the urban and the coexistence with people. There is great potential for a strong green connection to local values, history and education. Walking in Taksim square creates a sense of disorientation. There is no clear hierarchy of streets and paths, focal points or perspectives, which indirectly produces a social attitude of estrangement. Currently the main human activity taking place in the square is passing through the space. The opportunities for stopping and interacting with the built environment and other LEGEND

people are few and not stimulating. Although there is arguably a negative perception present of a not organically designed

trees

space, the square has always been a melting pot of a heterogeneous mix of ethnic and religious groups, as well as a stage for

natural green

events and periodic exhibitions. The heart of Istanbul is approaching its next urban transform with the main goal of better adapting according to the needs of the people.

accessible green historical fountain

CITIZENSHIP

new fountain historical water channels

2.691

123

15.029.231

26

INHABITANTS OF ISTANBUL (IBB)-2017

MENTAL MAP

“Social life in

LEGEND chaotic area strategic node critical node main landmark

Istanbul is distributed in the districts because the city is too large and transport is difficult. We usually use specific districts such as Kadıköy, Beșiktaș and Beyoğlu

35 “Beyoğlu was the meeting point

236.606

51% 49%

INHABITANTS OF BEYOGLU-2017

SOURCE OF HAPPINESS ISTANBUL (IBB) 2013

of my circle of friends. But it has changed radically from the past. Not only people, but I mean ... places have changed. Now it's ugly. Somehow, it's not for me!

67,1%

health

negative landmark underestimated symbol lighting connected areas inaccessible edge

3,4 % money

1,9% other

Taksim square public green areas connected urban district predestrian access to Gezi park predestrian access to Taksim square

15,3% love

1,9% job

10 % success


Community surveillance means the presence of a cohesive society in which people take care of each other. This initiative comes from the residents themselves (Jacobs 1961).

The complexity is influenced by the density of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as well as by the architectural diversity between ancient, historical, contemporary or new.

AS A PASSER BY

SOCIAL SUSTAINABILTY

“I’m a green square - sustainable and full of life. I’m not the only one! I influence changes that will characterize adjacent public space. I’m not just a place to pass by, but a dynamic one where you can stop and stay, get to know me and feel part of a collective identity.”

A MEETING POINT

OWNERSHIP

FOR PUBBLIC TRASPORTATION

“My story is your story, let’s write the future of our city and society together. My voice becomes the voice of the community. You trasform me and you adapt me to your needs based on what represents you.”

TOURISM

CONNECTIVITY

The perception of safety in urban planning and planning improves physical, mental and social health by promoting social interaction

WORK AT THE SQUARE

3. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

TO EDUCATE

6:00

9:00

PEDESTRIAN FLOWS

15:00

“I want to allow you to reclaim this space. I want you to help making this space one of activity and diversity. You are welcomed and you can voice your needs. I offer a democratic and safe urban space. Together, we connect people and place in one square.”

22:00 24:00

3:00

6:00

Reference : - Ceren Kulkul (2020), “Public Space and Social Polarization. A case study of the New Wave Turkish Migrants with a comparative analysis of Berlin, İstanbul & Ankara”, City Space Architecture. - Taksim Square Time Lapse - 21 february 2020

Like a Scrabble play board, Taksim Square’s concept is based

enriches the square, the historical trees are maintained and

on a multifaceted of key words. Connectivity, Ownership

amplified, Gezi Park unfolds between the nearby streets, the

and Social Sustainability are the main guidelines and integral

new boulevards accommodate trees, bushes and a rain garden

for the design. “Connectivity” is defined in how the main

system.

pathways cross the space, connecting the square and the

The three keywords have been selected from a list of concepts

park and enhancing the experience between Taksim and the

that is strongly connected with the city, the context and the

surrounding neighborhood. This new infrastructure creates

square’s identity. The analysis and the context interpretation

a network of strategic centres. “Ownership” is closely linked

define smaller segments and spaces that characterize Taksim

with the Taksim’s physical and ideological past. The key

through a series of designed and fixed elements, such as

is to identify which historical and symbolic elements are

materials, greenery, water features and paving. In addition to

maintained, emphasized and integrated into the design. “Social

these fixed features, we propose an Abacus of Urban Objects

sustainability” is a fundamental aspect of the project. Taksim from which locals will select the functions of the spaces to Square isn’t only a green area but a sustainable network for

best fit their needs. The selection process is an integral part

mobility and social interactions. The addition of green patches

of the co-creation in the next design phases.


MAIN STRUCTURE OF THE NEW TAKSIM SQUARE & GEZI PARK

4. FUTURE PERSPECTIVES Taksim Square is characterised by areas that provide a different function, form and feel.

“I meditate” is the place of worship characterized by a relaxing area of meditation and introspection through a linear pattern pavement, water elements and natural relaxing essences. “I welcome” is a space for connections, with the metro and tram stops, info-point, signage and shaded sofas with flowering trees. “I amplify” is tied to the political and socio-cultural beliefs characterized by a symbolic circle that is partially surrounded by trees and a series of circular seats “I tell” speaks about the city’s memories. It could host an exhibition space, audio installations or other temporary interventions to show and tell the past, present and future of Istanbul. “I play” is a fun area for all ages with small stages, a multifunctional colourful playground and surrounded by shrubs. “I energize” is enhanced by a hexagonal pattern which defines both pavement and green areas. The geometric seats delimit the flowerbeds with evergreen trees and bushes. It is also connected to a series of bars and commercial spaces under

OWNERSHIP

CONNECTIVITY

SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

NEW MOBILITY

LEGEND main road secondary road pedestrian street pedestrian area tramway stops and route cableway route

My new circle squares will host temporary art installations

bus stops and rout underground stops and route

I meditate

mobility interchange node

*

I energise

SECTION A-A’

I play

*

I welcome

*

*

I am mediterranean

*

I amplify

I tell

*

I am biodiverse

I share

T

I teach

*

80.47

i TAKSIM SQUARE

80.06

TAK-I ZAFER CD. WITH TRAMWAY AND VEHICULAR ROAD


the western part of the park. The configuration of the Park provides change in the cross-section, the eastern gentle

SECTION B-B’

slope is maintained and a roof garden on the western side is added. “I am mediterranean” expresses the cultural and geographical matrix of Istanbul: mediterranean scrub and typical markets which suggest a warm atmosphere.

“I share” is dedicated to the convivial culture and the community belonging with the possibility of sharing books, tables and the outdoor gyms. “I teach” amplifies the presence of the library with greenhouses and spaces that will be able to engage different age ranges.

“I am biodiverse” explores the greenest area and aims to increase the presence of bees, bugs and birds. Existing trees are preserved and different high footbridges of new trees allow people to enjoy the foliage. The sustainable approach of the project leads to rethink the mobility around Taksim. A new green tramway, partly following the original route from Galata Tower to Taksim square, connects the area with many cultural and strategic points (ITU Faculty of Architecture, Taşkışla station, Open Air Theatre, Congress Centre). The tramway is bordered

T T

81.97 80.76

by two pedestrian-cycle paths and the vehicular mobility is deflected at Miralay Sefikbey St. The new mobility network is also on par with the new green boulevards that

80.06

NEW SQUARE WITH ART INSTALLATION GEZI PARK

METE CD. WITH TRAMWAY AND CYCLE-PEDESTRIAN PATHS

suggest future scenarios for sustainability in Istanbul.

SECTION C-C’

82.34

78.46 77.52 GEZI PARK URBAN ELEMENTS FROM THE ABACUS

BARS, SHOPS AND ATELIERS


ABACUS OF URBAN OBJECTS

PAVEMENTS

DESIGNED AND FIXED ELEMENTS

I meditate

i

I welcome

I amplify

Travertine

GREEN ELEMENTS

Linestone

I tell

New Trees in the park

Blooming Trees

Tree Protector

Trees in pots I play

Trees in above ground flowerbed

Colorful Bushes

Mediterranean Scrub

Meditative Bushes

I energise

I am mediterranean

Plants for biodiversity

Greenhouses

High Footbridges

WATER ELEMENTS

Sounding Plants

I share

Ground-level Fountain

Water mirror

Fountains

Rain garden

5. ABACUS OF URBAN OBJECTS

I teach

The Abacus of Urban Objects is the toolkit to involve the community in the design of the public space. The Urban Objects have the scope of designing the square in a human scale perspective. The aim is to solve the feeling of vastness and creating instead a strong sense of belongings. Urban objects emphasize project’s pillars with their form, light and plants. The Abacus is divided in ten categories which define the main characteristic of Taksim Square. Each category contains five suggestions of Urban Objects that locals can use as a toolkit to design their own space. Citizens can add or modify elements to answer their needs. All the Urban Objects dialogue with pavements and vegetation as part of the design of the square. Most of the elements include shading and lighting systems in order to create a safe and comfortable place.

i i

I am biodiverse


6. PARTICIPATION PROCESS Co-creation and citizen involvement in local governance, can guarantee informed decision making and a higher success rate for

a toolkit the team will organize a series of workshops to involve the community and actively participate in the design. The

urban development projects. Drawing on Arnstein’s participation staircase (1969) “The degree of citizen participation ranges

community will design portions of the square by placing different elements representing needs and functions onto a map.

from the lowest form of involvement; information, to inform citizens of the agenda, through consultation, dialogue, decision

Using the workshop’s results a temporary design solution will be designed in one portion of the square and collect qualitative

making to the highest degree of participation: co-governance or co-creation” the second phase of the design process will

and quantitative data about the use and the users in the intervention. Knowing the users and uses of the space will allow the

work it’s way up the staircase towards co-creation. The interdisciplinary team has the ultimate goal of using the participation

team to focus, emphasize and ultimately dedicate resources to factors that make the design liveable and healthy based on how

process to bridge people from different social groups and design together a democratic public space that people want to use

the community understands and experiences the new design. Perceptions of a space vary among individuals as they interpret

and stay in. Designing a public space requires tailoring solutions to the local context in which they are intended, which again

and give meaning to the physical design and activities that are taking place. Giving people the opportunity to share their

require tapping into the local knowledge, resources and experiences of the citizens. Using the Abacus of Urban Objects as

experiences will help build and strengthen the identity of the neighborhood and the people within it.


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