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TAKSIM URBAN DESIGN
TAKSIM URBAN DESIGN BETWEEN MEMORY, PERMANENT AND (CON)TEMPORARY
Public space constitutes at two levels; from fleeting and common performative action of people, and also via the spirit of the public and the political. Public spirit can be resilient only through a spatiality that grants the chance to last longer than the moment. Public space interconnects two driving forces, one the ephemeral and performative, and the other, stabilizing and solidifying. Public space is an outcome of conflicts and negotiations, accordingly, spatiality should protect negotiations, and be motivational and inspirational. PEOPLE MAKE PLACES, AS WELL AS PLACES INFLUENCE PEOPLE. Urban design shapes public space in the sense of ‘forming’ it. In the case of Taksim Square with a significant symbolic context already, the form needs to follow human movement and fulfill the missing parts. In the sense of informing, rather than instructing or dictating, urban design proposal initially focuses on reading the existing public space, including the evident or ghost traces. For new design solutions to overcome inadequacies and deficiencies while adapting to actual and contemporary needs, the missing and inefficient aspects of the Square, with its surroundings need to be documented and identified, including buildings framing it, the Gezi park, pedestrian and traffic connections, and its extensions along the north and south axis, of Elmadağ, Beyoğlu and Tarlabaşı, of the Atatürk Cultural Centre, because the square is a public space with its physical borders WHAT CONSTITUTES PUBLIC SPACE? Intersection of the global and the local in Istanbul, the multi-layered place bear traces of the socio-cultural history, depictive of Turkey and the country’s transition in time. As in early Republican era novelist Peyami Safa’s “Fatih–Harbiye” (published in 1931), where society’s predicament about East-West conflict in modernization debated from the eye of Neriman: concluding that traditional and eastern values are lost in modernization process, absorbed in extreme and formalistic westernization, and described as wrong westernization. A symbolic representation of the conflict between traditional and modern life of Turkish society and the ideals in power, Taksim has been the litmus of its time and policies.
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MILITARY SCHOOL
CEMAL REŞIT REY CONCERT HALL
SPORTS AND EXHIBITION HALL HARBIYE OFFICERS CLUB
ISTANBUL CONGRESS CENTER OPEN AIR THEATER
MAÇKA BARRACKS
TRT RADIO BUILDING HILTON HOTEL G-MALL
ARIF PASA APARTMANI
DOLMABAHÇE GASWORKS
TAKSIM RESIDENCE
İNÖNÜ SCULPTURE
TENNIS FENCING MOUNTAINERIING CLUB DIVAN HOTEL GEZI PARK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
MECIDIYE GRAND HYATTBARRACKS
SWISSOTEL THE BOSPHORUS
TAKSIM MUNICIPAL MUSIC HALL GÖKKAFES (SÜZER PLAZA)
SHERATON HOTEL
TAKSIM ARTILLERY BARRACKS
ATATÜRK KITAPLIĞI
KRISTAL MUSIC HALL
INONU STADIUM
GUMUSSUYU BARRACKS FLORISTS
TAKSIM WATER DISTRIBUITON CENTER (MAKSEM) FRENCH CONSULATE
BAYONET SCULPTURE TAKSIM REBUPLIC MONUMENT İSTANBUL CULTURAL PALACE (AKM) ETAP MARMARA TAKSIM THEATER HOTEL
AYA TRIADA CHURCH GERMAN CONSULATE TAKSIM ARMENIAN HIGH SCHOOL
PARK OTEL - PERA
Since the 19th century, Taksim has been one of the few places where the city dweller can breathe, although shaped in the limits of a didactic masterplan, the way people adopt, shape, use and manage the public space determine its meaning/s. Space is constructed in a relational way (Massey 1991). Who, how frequent, for how long, doing what, walking, idling, resting… uses the spaces? Beyond architectural and urban planning impacts, ‘meaning’ of Taksim Square - and its boundaries- is shaped by human practice, behaviors and collective memories. Constant reconfiguration of the space and its necessitating gives the character of Taksim Square; recognizing the dynamics of inclusion, particularly ensuring the means that allow individuals and communities to participate in urban life, experiences and practices introduced within the new design will produce new meanings.
Byzantine period Area of hermitage
First map of Istanbul 1 4 2 2
Settlements outside city walls
1 5 72 Taksim gains a residential character
1 672
Ayas Pasha Cemetary 1 6 8 8 Major hub for city’s water distribution network Maksem
Mecidiye Barracks, Taskisla 1 8 4 8 Dolmabahçe Gasworks, Gazhane 1 8 5 3 Gumussuyu Barracks 1 8 6 1 Taksim Municipal Garden 1 8 6 5 Beginning of public transport in Istanbul Tunel -Taksim Tram
1871
Tunnel line with steam engine starts 1 8 7 5 Governors Office , German Consulate (today) 1 8 7 7
Aya Triada Church 1 8 8 0 Installation of Galata, Tepebasi, Istiklal Street tram line 1 8 83
Modern public transportation emerges at Taksim
31 March Incidents Renovation of Tunnel Beyoglu Station Influence of modernization Taksim Theater Maksim Music Hall Influence of Artillery Barracks’ transformation to stadium
Taksim Square begins to host official festivals Ghazi Day Celebration
Park Hotel Bridge toll at Galata Bridge called Mururiye is cancelled Land use plan of Istanbul by Henri Prost New symbols of the cultural & artistic productions Kristal Music Hall Perret’s Opera House Project Redesign of Municipal Gardens Taksim Municipal Music Hall Artillery Barracks’ demolition Tenis - Fencing - Mountaineering Club Pedestal of Inönü Monument
1 93 0 1 93 7 1 93 8 1 939
1940 1 9 43 1 9 43 1946 First Modern Stadium Inonu Stadium 1 9 47 Stage for the city’s culture & arts scene Cemil Topuzlı Open Air Theater 1 9 4 8 Gezi Park Pedestrian Bridge 1 9 49 19 50
First step to break the spatial continuity of the park Celebrations for Istanbul’s Liberation Official parade in Taksim Square September 6th-7th incidents Majority of non-Muslim citizens in Istanbul First metro project by French Company SGTE abandoned the county
1 9 5 6 Divan Hotel 1 9 5 6 Barbaros Boulevard is opened to traffic
1 9 6 0 Bayonet Sculpture Propagandistic monument of the military coup. 1 9 6 1 Tram’s farewell tour and first trolley buses go to traffic 1 9 6 5 Demolition of Kristal Music Hall
1 9 70 1973 1975
Demolition of Municipal Music Hall Harbiye Officer’s Club Second step disconnecting the park from the city Bloody Sunday Incident marking Taksim Square as a political stage Istanbul Cultural Palace Fire at Istanbul Cultural Palace Foundation stone for 1st Bosphorus Bridge is slayed Monument for the 50th Anniversary of Republic in Gezi Park Removal of Bayonet Sculpture Halicioglu Bridge Sheraton Hotel The Marmara Hotel Ataturk Library Bloody May Day Most massive rally in history to date. Demonstrations by Justice Part & Republican Party Biggest gatherings held by a political Square is closed to all demos and rallies
1 9 79 party until date. 1981 1 9 8 5 Tarlabasi Boulevard 1 9 8 6 Foundation stone for the first light metro system is layed 1 9 8 7 Demolition of Park Hotel
First Sea Buses 2nd Bosphorus Bridge & Taksim - 4 Levent metro line completed 1988 Demolition of Tenis - Fencing - Mountaineering Club 1 9 8 9 Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall Istiklal Street is closed to traffic and nostalgic tram started to operate 1 9 9 1 Swissotel Bosphorus 1 9 93 New Galata Bridge
1 9 9 5 Grand Hyatt Istanbul 1998 1 9 9 9 Suzer Plaza - Gokkafes Construction in the green space between Taksim and Maçka 2 0 0 0 UEFA Championship Celebrations in Taksim Square New Year Celebrations Taksim Square; popular location for celebrations Taksim - Levent Metro line
SYMBOL OF EVERYTHING
189 5 1909 1909 1914 1 92 0 1 92 1 modernization 1 92 3 First bus line between Beyazit & Taksim 1 92 7 New social order of the era Taksim Republican Monument 1 92 8 Taksim Armenian High School
SYMBOL OF NATION STATE
Macka Barracks 1 8 2 5
SYMBOL OF MODERNIZATION
1804
Ayas Pasha Cemetary 1 8 0 9
SYMBOL OF GLOBALISATION
Taksim gains a military character Artillery Barracks
19 55
1977
17 32
The French Consulate 179 4
1 9 5 1 Construction of D100 (E5) highway started 1 9 5 4 Hilton Hotel First modern building in International Style
1 9 69
POLITICAL STAGE
Map of Braun & Hogenberg 1 5 2 0
WHERE THE CITY ENDS
1453
SYMBOL OF WESTERNISATION
330
LAND OF HERMITAGE
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2 0 0 3 G-Mall 2 0 0 4 Foundation stone for Marmaray is layed Kabataş - Eminönü Tramline 2 0 0 6 Taksim Residences Taksim - Kabataş Funicular line
2008 2 0 0 9 Taksim Şişhane Metro Station Istanbul Congress Center Held after 32 years for one last time 2 0 10 May Day Celebrations Taksim Square project announced 2 0 13 Gezi Protests Taksim Square; focal point of antigovernment demonstrations Marmaray construction is completed
2 0 1 6 Coup Attempt Taksim Square; ground zero for freedom 2 0 17 Taksim Mosque Contruction Starts Taksim Square gains another religious symbol
2 0 19 Ataturk Cultural Center reconstruction starts 2 0 2 0 Buluşma Durağı Taksim Competition
CONNECTIONS
SQUARE
SUBWAY ROUTE
PARK
TRAM ROUTE
GREENERY
RAILROAD STOPS
CULTURAL CENTERS
FERRY ROUTE
LAND ROUTE
FERRY STOPS
TUNNEL
DIRECTION ARROW
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Pattern of streets, traffic and connections People from different areas, ages, social and ethnic backgrounds in the public realm is crucial for creating an integrated society and encouraging tolerance and a feeling of belonging; Taksim belongs to every İstanbul resident so that it needs to be easily accessible for all. The major buildings with their relevant urban functions and the streets they are located on will be enlivened: the new AKM and its extension, Gümüşsuyu Street, Mete Street, Atatürk Library, Taşkışla İTÜ, Intercontinental, Hyatt and Divan Hotels, bridges of the park, Cumhuriyet Street, Talimhane (1920’s first multi-storey apartment buildings now segregated hotel zone) , The Marmara, Aya Triada Church and its border now mainly occupied by several fast-food shops cornering Sıraselviler and İstiklal Street, Maksem and the new Mosque behind, the florist’s spot before Tarlabaşı Street. Greenery and trees of the Square will also spread to all connecting streets, in continuity.
Par Gue k ll
Ke uk e P ar n h of k
Cen
tra lP
ark
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Hiy ib Par a k
Hyde Park
The Gezi (Promenade) Park is located in lieu of the former site of the Halil Pasha Artillery Barracks, constructed nearby the “Frank and Armenian graveyard (Grand Champs des Morts), in 1806 with an extensive open drill-ground. Transformed into Taksim Stadium in 1921, the barracks were demolished between 1939 and 1940 as part of Henri Prost’s plans to build Taksim Gezi Park, completed in 1943.
Stanley Park
TOO SMALL FOR A PARK
Starting from Taksim Square entrance, geometrically designed esplanade ended with Taksim Garden designed in a free style with meandering roads, contrasting with the geometrical layout of the esplanade. Considered as a pioneer of the French urbanism, Prost’s master-plan imposed a heavy interventionist burden on historical structure of the city criticized by Le Corbusier in 1948.
Tian
anm
en S
Taksim Garden was connected to Park No. 2 with a pedestrian bridge built in 1949. Not intercepted by vehicle traffic, a promenade was at the center of the newly planned housing settlements. Park with continuous green space Park No. 2 (covering an area of 30 ha (74 acres) between the neighborhoods of Taksim, Nişantaşı and Maçka extending to Bosphorus including the Dolmabahçe Valley) converted into “Conference Valley”, constitutes a green corridor within the city and encompasses important cultural structures of the city. A second area was to be opened for settlement was the valley between Maçka and Beşiktaş, whereas a third was the area that descended from the slopes of Kurtuluş to Kasımpaşa. A viaduct to be constructed was to connect this new settlement directly to Taksim.
s Sq uare
TOO BIG FOR A SQUARE
+ THE SQUARE
Time
Piazza San Marco
Taksim Gazinosu (Municipal Club by Rüknettin Güney, 1938-40, demolition 1965 later Sheraton/ now Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel constructed in 1968) was built on the northeastern corner of the park.
Red
Trafa lg Squa ar re
Squa
re
a de Plaç unya al Cat
qua re
= THE PARK
The foremost intention of the design is to create essential green belts and spots intervened within hard landscape and water elements that will draw the contours of pedestrian flow whilst allowing moments of pause via urban furniture as the prolongation of the setting. The notion of free spaces (les espaces libres) that Prost frequently used in his reports encompassed all public open spaces, including parks,
?
promenades, esplanades, panoramic terraces, boulevards, as well as sports areas. As noted by Prost himself, green areas are regarded as an indispensable prerequisite of creating “healthy cities”; the Taksim Gezi Park will be rejuvenated by a green lawn for people to relax and to step and play on, as turf can be installed at large areas exposed to heat gain.
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PARK AS AN URBAN GUIDE Keeping the integrity of the park and its symmetrical original design (Jardins à la française) and retaining and enriching the trees, green will be enhanced and optimized at all levels of the project, stretching out into the Square, and connecting streets as well. Considering long-term management of green areas perennial herbs and flowers may be a feasible choice. Providing an extensive view of the Bosporus, Urban terrace by the edge of the park before the pedestrian bridge linking the park to Elmadag, will be revived. A wide terrace rise above the steps at the Taksim Square Entrance, according to the original design, aiming to view the ceremonies held at the square and to create a monumental entrance to the park. As part of this terrace space, the mid-size Museum of Taksim is planned as a sunken structure above which a reflection pool is symmetrizing the trees, the sky and the people, just before the marble stairs descending towards the Square, also with an alternative access at minus one, where bus stops are now placed. Extending the greenery and adding to the softscape, a green stair-amphi will be annexed to the existing set of stairs, facing the Square; the interpretation is a provision for the performance setting designed amidst the square.
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A PLACE FOR EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING While globalism processes overwhelm the true meaning and cultural values of urban spaces in every city, Taksim Square need to welcome community engagement and social interactions allowing for encounters of diversities, establishing the ‘urban as urgent utopia’, as Lefebvre voices. As an initial step, Taksim Square need to wriggle out its uncanny void that is, most of the time, filled with passersby with no specific direction. Everyday interaction may smooth out differences; the physical meeting spaces of cultural, political, economic, social and individual means will born out of the democratic and welcoming approach, the space will evolve to with diversification as a result of flexible/adjustable program.
URBAN SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY The competitions are re-organizing the role of state, market and civil society in determining, creating and transforming public spaces; in the context of place-making, actors of practices shape and better the perceived image of space. Upon emergency of social sustainability, as architects we are responsible to make suggestions about formulation of the ‘urban agenda’ built on principles of recognition, integration, and observation. Aiming sustainable communities and to maintain a constructive dialogue, in designing the public space, the process and decision-making should be reflexive and multilateral.
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RE-MIND MAP
Water
Green
Hardscape
Design Border
Urban Mass
Underground Connections
Read Perceive Understand Connote Actual Lost Escape Resist Wait Walk Way Stop Every Any Ways Traces Mind Collective Personal Accidental Planned Strategic Earth Time Water New Old Existence Missing Secretive Revealing Surface Daylight Dark Link Haphazard Coincidental Order Form Rhythm Border Passage Engage İnvolve Attach Interlink Of-f borders Access Arrive Stroll Flâneur Why I How Between Permanent Temporary Fast Forward Remote Constant Join Nod Connect Crossing Concept Chronology Visit Revisit Movement Layer Strada Excursion Street Tree Shopping Happenstance Meeting
Body Story Fraction Fragment Organic Geometric Linear Modern life Scale Speed Mobile Inspiration Play Art Established Vivre-ensemble Ritual Peacetime Rush Environment Human Rights Capital Aesthetics Democracy Common Space Place Property Infrastructure Target Intuitive Casualty Formal İnformal Object Other Vicinity Link Green Garden City-park Promenade Landscape Cityscape Definition Direction Function Vision Route Sign İdentify ıdentity Belonging Reality Possibility Permutation Curating Material Memory Architecture Multilayered Multidisciplinary Demography Social Economy Technology Methodology Resilience Continuity Durability Sustainability Consumer Urban Culture
Policy
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Museum of Taksim
View from Gezi Park
Introduction of bicycles to Gezi Park Re-vitalization of the historical Gezi Park Outdoor perfomance stage across Gezi Park stairs
Preservation of the main circulation axis from Osmanbey to Taksim Creation of a new commercial axis
A Cafe in Gezi Park
Museum of Taksim
PUBLIC ART The use of public art within the park is encouraged, including competitions. PUBLIC HEALTH & SPORTS Exercise opportunities, multi-purpose recreation facilities in the park is encouraged. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS Playgrounds for kids, including pools and water play sprinklers are encouraged in the park and in the Square. URBAN LIGHTING There’s something magical about city lights that influence perceptions, feelings, and even, behavior. Besides aesthetic it’s an issue of ensuring safety and orientation. The safer the lighting, the longer people will stroll through the streets or sit outside. Illuminating the urban spaces, durable and low maintenance, hidden elements of lightning will be preferred. SECURITY & CRIME PREVENTION Enhanced surveillance, ample lighting and compatible planting - not taller than 1 meter- is recommended.
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Cumhuriyet Street / Green Boulevard
Shops and Gallery Spaces on Green Boulevard
Green Boulevard facing the Republic Monumental Statue
Temporary Kiosks on Green Boulevard
Shops and Gallery Spaces on Green Boulevard
Metro Exit on Green Boulevard
BUFFER ZONE Benefiting level difference (again) on the Cumhuriyet Street which will be green boulevard by afforestation, the edge of the park is allocated for shops and kiosks with a cantilever extending from the park to form their roof system. Streets, squares and parks are not the only public spaces but public life takes place also in the markets, bus stops, metro stations and all kinds of public events, all of which offering varying degrees of interaction that
may also be “small-scale meetings” in these everyday places, which can generate a wide range of economic and social transactions. Social interaction, encoded into ‘different daily routines and practices’ define the notion and the role of the urban space. Variations in the physical manifestation generate variety in movement and people, thus social meaning, as well.
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Reconsructing trade units on Cumhuriyet Street
Green terrace with Bosphorus view
Cumhuriyet Street is a green boulevard open to possibilities
Trees as extension
of Gezi Park
Trees stetting the boundaries
Museum of Taksim
following the lines of Prost’s Gezi
Multi-functining units; micro gardens, seating, gathering, playing, bicycle parking, also logdes during performances
Canopy sheltering exiting florist; flower bazaar
Havas bus stops and offices relocated under the tunnel. Reflecting pool contributes to AKM’s main entrance piazza, reflecting the city’s major arts and culture scene
Extension of historic stairs +
Extension of green of the Park
Reflecting pool commemorating water distribution function of Maksem
Reflecting pool as an element of memory; original project of Canonica which was never built due to budget constraints
Multipurpose city stage
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Green Plaza
Scenario 1: Amphi (facing AKM)
Capacity: 2000 sitting 5000 people standing
Scenario 2: Stage
Capacity: 1800 people standing (900 sqm open platform)
Scenario 3: Stage
Capacity; 1350 people standing (900 sqm open platform on various levels)
Scenario 4: Canopy
Scenario 5: Amphi (facing Gezi)
Capacity; 1800 people standing (900 sqm semi-open platform)
Capacity; 5000 people sitting 2500 people standing in front line
MOTION IN ARCHITECTURE: RETRACTABLE PERFORMANCE INFRASTRUCTURE Accessibility of urban public spaces absolutely determines the living conditions for people. Technology provides new opportunities. 21st century knowledge of mechanics, robotics and electrical systems allow for the new opportunities and opening up the unique structure. In terms of “retractable city”, located amidst the square, the performance platform contributes to the possibility of constructing alternative spatiality with efficient infrastructure that can be rationally managed and operated —without harming the environment, urban services and resources. In terms of spatiality, both human and urban level, maximizing the urban space whilst gaining an open air facility for shows, concerts, theaters, exhibitions and various performances. Endeavoring to find urban forms that can accommodate present day ways of life and at the same time maintain the qualities of the customary urban patterns, the platform will establish urban relationships within the urban tissue, without impeding regular flow. Awarding the freedom to make and re-make and without occupying the plot permanently, the performance stage will set a pioneer sample during pandemic(s), communicating the citizens at outdoors.
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ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL The World Health Organization estimates that about 15% of the world population in the world live with some form of disability; over 80 million people stop participating in social and economic life; people over age 75 suffers disabilities; in addition, unprecedented demographic changes due to general aging of the world population, suggests that these figures will increase. Therefore, urban spaces should be actually accessible and respond to XXI century’s social needs.
PEDESTRIAN/VEHICLE FLOWS
EXISTING PEDESTRIAN FLOW
EXISTING VEHICLE FLOW
PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN FLOW
EXISTING VEHICLE FLOW
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TAKSIM URBAN DESIGN ‐ INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION
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666734at’s SECOND STAGE PROPOSED ORGANIZATION CHART
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM)
THE ARCHITECT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM TAKSIM URBAN DESIGN ‐ INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION (“Design Lead & Coordination”) 666734at’s SECOND STAGE PROPOSED ORGANIZATION CHART
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URBAN PLANNER (must) Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) LANDSCAPE DESIGNER (must)
STRUCTURAL DESGIN
INFRASTRUCTURAL DESIGN
MECHANICAL‐ELECTRICAL DESIGN
CONSULTANTS THE ARCHITECT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM (“Design Lead & Coordination”) TRAFFIC CONSULTANCY URBAN PLANNER (must) PEOPLE FLOW MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY LANDSCAPE DESIGNER (must) ENTERTAIMENT AND CONSULTANTS PERFORMANCE CONSULTANCY
STRUCTURAL DESGIN ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING DESIGN
TRAFFIC CONSULTANCY SECURITY CONSULTANCY
INFRASTRUCTURAL DESIGN FIRE SAFETY CONSULTANCY
PEOPLE FLOW MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING
SUSTAINABLE/ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN * “Leed Neightbourhood Certification might be considered in line with Client requirements”
URBAN SOCIOLOGY CONSULTANT EPIDEMIOLOGIST SUSTAINABLE/ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN * “Leed Neightbourhood Certification might be considered in line with Client requirements” URBAN SOCIOLOGY CONSULTANT
ENTERTAIMENT AND MECHANICAL‐ELECTRICAL DESIGN PERFORMANCE CONSULTANCY “The Proposed Organisation scheme is a preliminary scheme for information purpose; to be further developed and finalized upon appointment and mutual agreement with the Municipality.” EPIDEMIOLOGIST ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING DESIGN
SECURITY CONSULTANCY
FIRE SAFETY CONSULTANCY
SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING
“The Proposed Organisation scheme is a preliminary scheme for information purpose; to be further developed and finalized upon appointment and mutual agreement with the Municipality.”