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A COMMON GROUND for DIALOGUE 1. URBAN DESIGN CONCEPT 1.1. Strategic Context 1.2. Physical Planning Concept 1.2.1. Transportation System 1.2.2. Green Strategy 1.2.3. Culture, Art and Sports Valley 1.3. Social Context 1.3.1. Scenarios in Taksim 1.3.2. Art in Taksim 1.3.3. Identity Studies 2. TAKSIM SQUARE: KEY ELEMENTS FORMING THE SQUARE AND DESIGN CONCEPT 2.1. Republic Monument 2.2. Taksim Maksem and Water Cistern 2.3. Hagia Triada Church 2.4. AKM Opera House 2.5. Kazancı Hill - Osmanli Street 2.6. Atatürk Library 2.7. Gezi Park 2.8. Taksim Garden 2.9. Taksim Square 3. URBAN LANDSCAPE DESIGN ELEMENTS 3.1. Urban Furniture 3.2. Lighting 3.3. Vegetation 3.4. Softscapes – Hardscapes 3.5. Water Features 4. PROJECT PANELS
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1. URBAN DESIGN CONCEPT
1.2.1. Transportation System Cancelling Underground Traffic on Tarlabasi and Cumhuriyet Boulevards and Moving Transportation Above Ground: Within the scope of Taksim pedestrianization project initiated by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in October 2013, Tarlabaşı Boulevard - Cumhuriyet Street vehicle traffic was taken underground. Pedestrian access to the square and metro from the underpass is provided by stairs and elevators. However, in the current situation, the underground bus stops and stairs are not inviting to reach Taksim and create uncanny areas. It causes a desertion, loss of scale and the undefined void existing in Taksim square to grow. Therefore, traffic has been moved back above ground.
TAKSIM, Istanbul’s most iconic square, is a vital memory space containing references to Istanbul’s urban and social identity, protecting it and carrying it into the future. Due to its identity we believe that this project should not simply be approached as a physical, but social project with multidisciplinary and participatory processes. 1.1. Strategic Context Firstly it is clear that independent site management is going to be essential. It is necessary to create a plural, open-minded thinking environment, an interface continuously enabling active representation of NGOs and users, as well as public authority. It must be a multi-disciplinary, intellectual interface that can establish independent public relations for different public experiences and create a free environment without marginalization or exclusion. All urban and architectural design issues or interventions related to the square should be developed within such a plural and participatory process. Our project proposals should be considered open-ended ideas or contributions meant to start this discussion. If our approach and project suggestions are found beneficial, we embrace being part of this and sharing all that we know and have experienced in the field, particularly with regard to participatory processes. We propose that all architectural, urban planning and landscape design decisions regarding Taksim Square be discussed on large platforms and created in collaboration with the parties and subjects who will design and carry out activities. We believe that Taksim Square will be a living and active public space only if such subjects / actors exist.
Proposing a New Roundabout at the Crossroads in Elmadağ: In order to provide passage control with traffic lights, a roundabout was proposed for the solution of the intersection point of the traffic in Elmadağ after the transportation was taken above the ground, Designing a 200-Vehicle Parking Lot, Using the Existing Elevation Difference Between Taksim Square and Tarlabaşı Boulevard: Using the existing elevation difference between Taksim Square and Tarlabaşı Boulevard, a parking lot for max. 200 vehicles has been designed, which is given access via Tarlabaşı Boulevard and is located under the ground. To discourage access by car to the Taksim Square, we kept parking space limited. Direct connection has been established with areas such as the art gallery, digital arts museum and conference hall located at the ground level of the car park. A New Proposal for The Bridge Connecting Gezi Park with Taksim Garden: The existing pedestrian bridge, which was built in place of the 70-year-old pedestrian bridge designed by Henri Prost and demolished in 2013, connecting Taksim Gezi Park to the street via Asker Ocağı Street, was considered to be removed due to the slope that is technically insufficient for pedestrian flow. The proposed new pedestrian bridge, with a slope of 6%, is more suitable for pedestrian flow and is considered as a green binding factor within the context of the green strategy in a holistic perspective. The proposed bicycle path route is also thought to follow the green route by passing through this pedestrian bridge.
The multi-layered character of Taksim Square is a value and needs to be preserved. The square has been a scene of political and ideological representation since its formation. It would be impossible to consider Taksim a non-place area, free from its symbols. Taksim Square and Gezi Park are seen ascommon ground within our proposal, an urban space for all. In the context of being a place of memory, to be able to read the traces of its past, the experiences and multi-layered character of Taksim Square, we aimed to evoke the qualities of our historical and social memory, to keep them as well as Gezi Park alive by preserving its character.Accordingly, Taksim Square, Gezi Park and Cumhuriyet Blvd have all been re-established spatially and functionally to develop their potential for public use with limited intervention.
A Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge was Proposed on The Route of TF1 Taşkışla-Maçka Cable Car Line: Since the carrying capacity of the TF1 Taskısla-Maçka Cable Car Line, which currently connects Taksim to Maçka, is limited, a pedestrian bridge has been proposed for pedestrians and cyclists on the same route. Thus, it was aimed to connect Maçka and Taşkışla at the same level.
1.2. Physical Planning Concept Throughout its history Taksim has been subjected to operations negligent of their effects on its environment. The negative effects of such operations can still be observed. Further intervention in Taksim should no longer be considered an addition or subtraction, but an articulation and strengthening of its potential.
A Bicycle Route Proposal Starting from Gezi Park, Connecting to Maçka and Extending to Beşiktaş and Arnavutköy: On the green route, which was designed in the original plan of Henri Prost, a bicycle route was proposed, which crosses the proposed new pedestrian bridges and on the route of Gezi Park-Taksim Garden-Cumhuriyet Park-Taşkışla-Maçka-Beşiktaş-Bosphorus.
Our project, in strengthening the relationship between Taksim Square, Cumhuriyet Blvd, Water Cistern and the Republic Monument, the AKM, Gezi Park and the Green Corridor leading from Maçka Park to the square, reconsiders the interfaces surrounding Gezi Park and aims to uncover and make use of its spatial potential.
Connecting the Taksim Metro Exit to The Proposed Museum and Art Gallery Areas: One of the M2 Yenikapı-Hacıosman Metro line exits, which is one of the important transportation arteries of the area, has been connected to the functions of the museum, art gallery and sports hall gallery designed under the Gezi Park.
In accordance with urban acupuncture method, we aim to revitalize unused, idle, isolated and badly used areas, locations and spaces in, under and around the Gezi Park, by creating new functions. With these new functions that we have created in different parts of the Gezi Park, people will have more reasons and opportunities to utilize the park intensively. 2
2AXL3S7B 1.2.2. Green Strategy
1.2.3. Culture, Art and Sports Valley
Important axis on the south of the square, such as Istiklal Street and Kazancı Hill, has connected to the Gezi Park, Cumhuriyet Park and Maçka Park with a green urban spine starting from Taksim Square. This green corridor will unify the different sized green patches with cycles routes and pedestrian access and will create 24-hour live urban open spaces that will be part of urban citizens daily routine.
Taksim Square and Gezi Park will be connected to Harbiye via a new, green bridge, reviving the Green Valley. In the Prost plan exists the idea of connecting Taksim Square and Gezi Park to the Culture Valley with a pedestrian bridge over the Taksim Garden, thereby ensuring the continuity of the green belt, i.e. green spine, extending from Taksim, Harbiye and Maçka Park to Dolmabahçe. Unfortunately, the original bridge was destroyed. Although the new bridge was designed with the idea of a green bridge in mind, it is problematic due to the slightly high slope of the ramp. A new bridge has been proposed to give the impression that Gezi Park is a continuation of the green corridor by establishing a strong connection with a wider, suitably inclined green bridge. Office and service areas for park maintenance and management are located on both sides of the proposed new bridge.
Patch, corridor and matrix methodology is used to interconnect green spaces around the area on the upper scale. New corridors connecting small and medium size patches to large urban patches and Gezi Park has been designed. Depending on the size and width of the street, bioswales will be created along the green corridor and trees will be planted. In these corridors plant species specifically chosen among the tree that can absorb polluted gases and urban dust. Doing this, we are proposing to reduce levels of harmful gases and dust in the surrounding area. Bioswales plants will absorb pollution and chemicals, and will filter the rain water. Moreover, these corridors connecting Gezi Park to other green patches will create unified green space feeling for the pedestrians and cyclists.
Starting from Taksim Garden, the Culture, Art and Sports Valley will be strengthened with the functions of Recreational Outdoor Activities - A Scate Park, Fitness trail etc, which have been newly included in the design. Stopping points will be created for collective public artwork. We define Taksim Square, Gezi Park, Taksim Garden and the Culture, Art and Sports Valley, which is crossed from the garden through a bridge, as an integrated “Artistic Activities Platform”.
Landscape design refers to original plans of Gezi Park and include permeable hard surfaces that will allow and support social interaction and public involvement. Care has been taken to not interfere with any existing mature trees; however severely rotten and dry plants will be removed and replaced with common varieties naturally grow in Istanbul’s climate. Moreover, deformed and unhealthy vegetation in the park will be taken into recovery programs and closely monitored for a recovery. A small number of seedlings from below the platform have been relocated within the park. Sloped landscaping has also been formed to allow for passage under the platform on the square side of the park, which has access to art gallery.
Any factors preventing passage, pedestrian and bicycle transport, visual and access continuity such as transformers, sheds, huts, walls, etc. will be removed. Furthermore, a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting to Maçka Park is also among our suggestions as an alternative. No vehicles will be allowed to enter Gezi Park nor the garden; these areas will also not be used for parking.
1.3. Social Context Taksim has become a public space no longer used by the locals, but mostly by tourists or refugees. Enabling local people to start spending time in Taksim is an important part in bringing the square back to life and cultivating its survival.
Green spine continues with Taksim Garden, where organic form is also kept. New alley that will create blossom every spring has created in the beginning of the Cumhuriyet Park. This alley alone will be an attraction point. Istanbul has a very rich flora and home to more than 2500 plant species. The rest of the park was designed have variety of local and endemic species growing throughout the year and creature towers has placed. The creature towers are an ecological art works that consist of different materials and different size gaps between materials. These features of the artwork will attract bird and creatures to the area and green urban spine will support this with improving connectivity. Nevertheless, use of local and endemic species as well as attracted wildlife aimed to increase biodiversity.
As with all public spaces, the main problem of Taksim Square is that there is no “subjects / actors” to embrace and sustain these spaces. The primary problem is to ensure that people can become ‘actors’ participating / producing instead of being users / viewers. In this way, a sustainable Taksim art and cultural environment can be possible with subjects / actors who are sensitive to the environment they live in, questioning, taking action and having a developed sense of responsibility. This way, democratic reflections of public representation may emerge. We think that collective Public Art production will have a very important transformative function in this sense.
In the square area surrounding the Atatürk monument inspired by original plans. Radial shape dominates to new square and puts monument to centre. Larger green space is designed around the monument and trees that partially covers the North and West side of it have placed.
We believe the group most effective in the square’s revival is the youth. It is very important to include activities that will attract young people among the new functions to be brought to Taksim. For this reason, the opportunity should be created for young people to socialize in this square, and to meet and blend with different cultures. It is necessary to design places and activities where young people can spend time to meet their contemporary needs. In this way, we can increase the number of subjects / actors who will embrace and sustain Taksim.
In total, more than twice as much green space is designed compared to current state of the square.
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2AXL3S7B 1.3.1. Scenarios in Taksim Taksim Square and its inseparable parts: Kazancı Hill, Gezi Park, Maçka Park have been incorporated into our urban design as living, vibrant, safe and sustainable spaces that citizens will bring to life through participatory approaches. The collective production process in which the city dwellers take part, not as not as participatory users, but participatory producers, suggests an exciting and productive daily life.
Providing an “experience” with an approach which is mindful of the production process as much as the result; it may be possible to have an ‘experience’, create an awareness or just create a ‘pleasantness’. We know that the Republic Monument has a central location and importance in Taksim Square. In our opinion, instead of making a new sculpture or a few permanent artistic interventions in Taksim Square and its surroundings, we think that it would be more appropriate to organize local and international artistic events periodically and to make both the process and its results visible with ‘temporary’ installations.
Istiklal Street located on the south axis of the square, has been associated with important axes such as Kazancı Hill, Gezi Park, Cumhuriyet Park and Maçka Park, connecting them into a single backbone that begins from Taksim Square. This backbone integrates the pedestrian, bicycle path, and the green axis, a vibrant, twenty-four-hour active part of daily life for residents. The green axis commences upon entering Gezi Park from Taksim Square, with further points of access along the Taksim Square, Cumhuriyet Blvd as well as Mete Street. With the aim of harbouring traces of the city’s memory in Gezi Park and in alignment with our project approach of it being a common ground, along with there being no construction on the upper level the park has been treated as one and the traces of its original plans have been preserved as a reference. Light, temporary structures have been used in Gezi Park with the aim of being able to meet the needs of various types of public event held at various times throughout the day. The venues located on Mete Street for studying, eating and drinking have been associated with the park while they also provide access to art galleries.
In this way, it will be much more effective for Taksim Square and its surroundings to become an artistic environment that is constantly renewed, transformed and has a transformative effect while strengthening the public identity of the square and maintaining its “common memory” quality. In front of AKM, under the canopy or at many points we designed in the park area and the valley, there is a physical environment for production and display and all kinds of artistic activities as indoor, outdoor, art gallery and digital arts museum. As a result, we consider the subject of Art for Taksim as a ‘lever’ that will re-transform Taksim and propose continuous art. It is a sharing art environment where not permanent but temporary works are produced, displayed, periodically renewed, that will keep “the spirit of the Gezi” alive. An active environment to watch around the world, always creating agenda. In our project, our main goal was to create the “ground” required by such an environment. In addition to the creation of these areas physically, the creation, organization and sustainability of this environment as a ‘soul’ is also a project in itself.
The continuation of the backbone continues with the Taksim Garden and the organic form of the garden has been preserved. Cumhuriyet Park has been considered as a natural green area where endemic plants bearing the traces of the city’s natural vegetation can be grown in the seasonal cycle. A pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting Maçka Park to Beşiktaş is located near the cable car. Florists have been repositioned with reference to the Crystal Casino in Taksim Square, where a radial ground arrangement is planned by taking the Republic Monument to the center. Urban furnitures as seating elements and buffets are planned and the square, which is equipped with lighting elements, is available to the citizens for 24 hours.
As a team, we prefer to take an active part in every stage of the realization of this project, not only by ‘designing’ but also by participating in the process with all our knowledge, suggestions and energy, as a sustainable strategy. We are proposing an art installation and a memorial plaque in memory of the 34 people who were stuck and squeezed on the junction of Kazancı Hill at the square on May 1, 1977, and died. Before this memorial element was put in place, as an art installation; a huge pneumatic sphere with its form and red color, referring to the earth sphere, which is the emblem of May 1 will be placed above the street, stuck in between buildings in the memory of those who died by being squeezed. This public art installation performed by an international artist, which we have taken the permission to refer. This public artwork exhibited only temporarily by the artist in different cities of the world, in different contexts as a project.
1.3.2. Art in Taksim We imagine Taksim as an international and intercultural art space and environment in the future. Art in public space, concepts of public art, and the answers to the questions of “How should art be in Taksim? Where? How should it be produced? How should it be represented?” are our ‘key’ concepts. Taksim Square, “The place of everybody and everything”, “a ‘place’ in the memory of the urbanites and the city” will be a temporary home for local and international artists and art groups. It also has the potential to be a ‘place’ where public art is brought to life through collective production by discussing it in participatory, transparent processes on common platforms.
Another artistic suggestion we think of for the area is to create a massive body of water that will constitute a figure of 1 on every May 1 from the water spray dry pool nozzles we designed in front of AKM. As a result of the superposition of this image with the red colored spherical hall of AKM in the background, the emblem of May 1, which was previously placed on the front of the AKM during the May 1 events; red earth globe and the May 1 text will be resembled.
We define Taksim Square, Gezi Park, Taksim Garden and the Culture, Art and Sports Valley, which is crossed from the garden through a bridge, as an integrated “Artistic Activities Platform”. Contemporary public art can be performed in many ways. There are many open, semi-open and closed venues where artists can organize activities according to their approaches and the themes to be determined on the Artistic Activities Platform route. If we consider art in the public sphere not only as an object of display, but as a transformative process, as an intervention. In this context every place and everything can form the ground for this artistic production. This can also be an installation or a performance.
Every year artistic installations or competitions can be organized to keep alive the spirit of Gezi Park and May 1st, while referring to the concepts of peace, human rights, labour, solidarity, and freedom.
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1.3.3. Identity Studies Taksim Square, as a reflection of the layered structure that is the sociocultural history of our society, has held an important place in the history of the Republic and modernization process. Taksim Square contains many meanings and has been considered in regard to its place in the city’s memory as well as to all of its layers. It is for this reason that we call our project “common ground”. Taksim is the common ground among all differences. Its identity is known for being a (common) environment for these differences. It is a place for coming together. It is a dynamic, changing and change-making environment. In our project, as it represents the contemporary principles and values of the Republic, we defined the identity of Taksim Square in accordance with its potential to become a COMMON GROUND, and treated this as the defining element in our dynamic ground and urban reinforcement design. Everything taking place upon this ground now and in the future should have the ability to be freely formed, the ability to form its own language and identity, and within this context, the ability to find an environment in which to freely present and express itself. Taksim is our common ground and place of freedom to the extent that it is able to maintain an identity formed and changing within participatory, sharing processes, that can bring many different languages and identities together.
The monument’s base and fountains originally designed by G. Mongeri will be restored. The green landscape elements added to strengthen its circular composition. Meanwhile, the axial alignment between the Republic Monument and Cumhuriyet Blvd has become visible through the restoration of above ground vehicle traffic. The platform connecting Tarlabasi with the square in circular form also refers to the Republic Monument at its center. The colonnade façade of the crystal casino, which was built with reference to its rotunda when the Republic Monument was built, was an original architectural element of that period in the square. In reference to the traces of the colonnade of the radial facade which later collapsed, a radial colonnade was designed and a flower market created under the canopy of glass prisms. As a radial space within its surroundings it has strengthened the definition of the monument architecturally. Landscaping in reference to the monument has also been created at the entrance to Istiklal Ave. Among the buildings to be redesigned, the façade of the first building looking towards the square has been set back and designed with a curved colonnade to serve as a background to the monument.
2. TAKSIM SQUARE: KEY ELEMENTS FORMING THE SQUARE AND DESIGN CONCEPT The following elements which give the square its character were evaluated individually and in relation to one another. 2.1. Republic Monument One of the most important elements in the square and that which gives the space its meaning is The Republican Monumentbuilt in Istanbul to represent the Republic immediately after its founding. In addition to depicting the main figures that made the Republic come to life and telling the story of its foundation, it also represents the concept of the “REPUBLIC”, defined by its fundamental principles such as freedom, equality, democracy, superiority of law and laicism. That these principles and values remain the most important common ground among our society today and in the future is an indispensable requirement to being a modern society. Due to these values and the importance they represent, the Taksim Republic Monument was designed by P. Canonica to be placed in a central position and face the four cardinal directions. The “rotunda base” designed by G. Mongeri strongly reflects both this centrality and radiality. Subsequent interventions in the area have, unfortunately, negatively affected the scale, central position and perception of the monument. In order to restore the Republic Monument, the reason of the existence of Taksim Square, to its former strength, and to emphasize that the Republic is our society’s common value and ground. We focused on suggestions to emphasize its central position and strengthen its relationship to the square. We have treated the square first as a “ground” design. The composition of the radial ground arrangement centered around the Republic Monument holds together and forms an environment for all of the architectural elements around the square representing different periods and various cultures. With this radial setup, the entire square is designed “on the ground” to increase the awareness of “our common ground”.
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2AXL3S7B 2.2. Taksim Maksem and Water Cistern
2.7. Gezi Park
The TaksimMaksem and Water Cisternare particularly valuable to the square as its oldest structuresresponsible for both its name and defining boundaries. The surroundings of the Maksem buildings will be cleared of any parasitic structures, and 2 historical fountains as well as a set of cascaded pools, originally added to the front of the cistern in the ‘40s, will be restored.
Gezi Park has been preserved in accordance with the geometrical design of its period. Care has been taken to not interfere with any existing mature trees; however severely rotten and dry plants will be removed and replaced by common varieties naturally growing in Istanbul’s climate. Moreover, deformed and unhealthy vegetation in the park will be taken into recovery programs and closely monitored for a recovery. A small number of seedlings from below the platform have been relocated within the park. Sloped landscaping has also been formed to allow for passage under the platform on the square side of the park, which has access to art gallery.
To ensure that the association of these structures with water and Taksim’s name are visible, various other water features have been included in the square’s landscape. 2.3. Hagia Triada Church
At the corner of Gezi Park where Taksim Garden and Mete Street intersect, using the existing elevation difference, a dining hall / canteen was designed under the existing terrace and a cafeteria at the upper terrace level. It is thought that this place will create a social environment for everyone who uses the square and the park, especially students, who will be able to meet their nutritional needs under appropriate conditions.
The Hagia Triada Church is one of the square’s defining architectural elements with its domed mass and pedestal consisting of shops. The historical shops’ façades, signage and sunshades need to be renovated and uniform. The terrace, which forms their roof and continues along Sıraselviler Ave, can also be incorporated into public use. In order to create more visual harmony between the church and square, any unfit commercial structures creating visual pollution around the church have been redesigned with ownership statuses in mind.
The public WC, located along the Gezi Park façade facing Taksim Garden, has been rearranged; it was enlarged and made suitable for disabled access.
2.4. AKM Opera House
Located at the corner where Gezi Park intersects with Taksim Garden and Cumhuriyet Street, the existing volume of technical services have been reorganized and transformed into a cafe that can also serve the park. A large gym was designed which can house many people, just below this cafe. This area can be reached from the study area and also from the metro station.
The AKM Opera House is one of the square’s most important, symbolic structures. To enhance the relationship between the entrance of the Opera and the square, differences in ground level have been reconciled, bringing them back in line. The new green landscape of the square set in axial relation with the AKM building has the same width as the globe of the concert hall and creates a strong visual connection.
The area located under the two symmetrical viewing terraces within Gezi Park were also used and redesigned as cafe and kiosk areas that would serve the central area of the park. One of the kiosks also provides a passage between Cumhuriyet Street and the interior of the park.
We have designed a dry fountain which can be used on different occasions and events in front of AKM. An artistic suggestion we think of for the area is to create a massive body of water that will constitute a figure of 1 on every May 1. As a result of the superposition of this image with the red colored spherical hall of AKM in the background, the emblem of May 1, which was previously placed on the front of the AKM during the May 1 celebration events; red earth globe and the May 1 text will be resembled.
The circular pool in Gezi Park and the flower band around it, which was added later by changing its original design, were removed. This area is considered an urban space available for use 24/7 and will create an environment for various outdoor activities. The traces of the original octagonal pool were kept and outlined with water nozzles embedded in the ground. This dry pool area can be used for concerts, artistic installations, exhibitions, collective sports, market area, meeting area, etc. whereby actively participating in the park both visually and physically while not being used as a water element. Thereby, it has gained the quality of a public space that offers a wide variety of outdoor usage alternatives. Undoubtedly, these activities will spread throughout the park. In order to allow different uses at different times, the necessary warehouse and production areas have been located in the evacuated Tunnel area, which can be accessed from the metro entrance in Taksim Garden.
2.5. Kazancı Hill - Osmanli Street We are proposing an art installation and a memorial plaque in memory of the 34 people who were stuck and squeezed on the junction of Kazancı Hill at the square on May 1, 1977, and died. Before this memorial element was put in place, as an art installation; a huge pneumatic sphere with its form and red color, referring to the earth sphere, which is the emblem of May 1 will be placed above the street, stuck in between buildings in the memory of those who died by being squeezed. This public art installation performed by an international artist, which we have taken the permission to refer. This public artwork exhibited only temporarily by the artist in different cities of the world, in different contexts as a project.
Around the dry pool area, the traces of the pre-existing flower band are maintained with an artistic canopy design that defines this event area and gives the audience and participants a sense of a relatively protected and defined space. The surfaces of this canopy of artistic character designed as a steel structure rising in symmetry from the ground will be covered with corten steel.
2.6. Atatürk Library
Patch, corridor and matrix methodology is used to interconnect green spaces around the area on the upper scale. New corridors connecting small and medium size patches to large urban patches and Gezi Park has been designed. Depending on the size and width of the street, bioswales will be created along the green corridor and trees will be planted. In these corridors plant species specifically chosen among the tree that can absorb polluted gases and urban dust.
The Ataturk Library’ssurrounding walls have been removed and the empty green space beside it reclaimed with a canopy servicing the bus stop as well as a kiosk and outdoor seating.
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Doing this, we are proposing to reduce levels of harmful gases and dust in the surrounding area. Bioswales plants will absorb pollution and chemicals, and will filter the rain water. Moreover, these corridors connecting Gezi Park to other green patches will create unified green space feeling for the pedestrians and cyclists.
Furthermore, Taksim Square and Gezi Park will be connected to Harbiye via a new, green bridge, reviving the Green Valley. In the Prost plan exists the idea of connecting Taksim Square and Gezi Park to the Culture Valley with a pedestri an bridge over the Taksim Garden, thereby ensuring the continuity of the Green belt extending from Taksim, Harbiye and Maçka Park to Dolmabahçe. Unfortunately, the original bridge was destroyed. Although the new bridge was designed with the idea of a green bridge in mind, it is problematic due to the slightly high slope of the ramp. A new bridge has been proposed to give the impression that Gezi Park is a continuation of the green corridor by establishing a strong connection with a wider, suitably inclined green bridge. Office and service areas for park maintenance and management are located on both sides of the proposed new bridge.
Important axis on the south of the square, such as Istiklal Street and Kazancı Hill, has connected to the Gezi Park, Cumhuriyet Park and Maçka Park with a green urban spine starting from Taksim Square. This green corridor will unify the different sized green patches with cycles routes and pedestrian access and will create 24-hour live urban open spaces that will be part of urban citizens daily routine. The main entrance to this green corridor is Taksim Square and it will allow access from Cumhuriyet Street and Mete Street. The projected green corridors on the South-West and North-West of the square will improve the connectivity with the Golden Horn.
Any factors preventing passage, pedestrian and bicycle transport, visual and access continuity such as transformers, sheds, huts, walls, etc. will be removed. Furthermore, a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting to Maçka Park is also among our suggestions as an alternative. No vehicles will be allowed to enter Gezi Park nor the garden; these areas will also not be used for parking.
Landscape design refers to original plans of Gezi Park and include permeable hard surfaces that will allow and support social interaction and public involvement. It was aimed to fulfill space requirements for public events such as workshops, exhibitions, fairs, and sports activities, placing temporary light structures on these permeable hard surfaces. Green spine continues with Taksim Garden, where organic form is also kept. New alley that will create blossom every spring has created in the beginning of the Cumhuriyet Park. This alley alone will be an attraction point. Istanbul has a very rich flora and home to more than 2500 plant species. The rest of the park was designed to have a variety of local and endemic species growing throughout the year and creature towers have been placed. The creature towers are an ecological art works that consist of different materials and different size gaps between materials. These features of the artwork will attract bird and creatures to the area and green urban spine will support this with improving connectivity. Nevertheless, use of local and endemic species as well as attracted wildlife aimed to increase biodiversity.
2.9. Taksim Square Taksim Square,although pedestrianized, is not alive. People use the area not to stay, but to pass by. The monotonous hard surface, conceptless landscaping, lack of accessible public spaces through ground level and the lack of an architectural definition all contribute to its unsatisfactory appearance. A square is defined by the architectural strength of its surroundings, welcomeness, and the atmosphere of a porous public space providing a variety of attractions. Gezi Park, as the most decisive architectural element defining the square, is a public space, but its monumental stairs and ramps leave it insufficient to define the square architecturally. The same is true for the park’s relationship with Cumhuriyet Blvd. Following the demolition of the shops that ran along it, ground level differences further weakened the relationship between the park and street.
2.8. Taksim Garden The Taksim Garden, Gezi Park and Taksim Squarehave been carefully regarded in terms of their original plans and architectural characters. The square reclaims its greenery, trees and seatings as well as a dry spring fountain water feature in front of the AKM were incorporated into our suggestions.
In addition to being a public green space and open platform, Gezi Park has the potential to positively impact Taksim through its interfaces with the Square and Cumhuriyet Blvd., Taksim Garden and Mete Str. Since our project is mainly aimed at uncovering and employing current potential, existing platforms and ground level differences have been evaluated and based on them new indoor, outdoor and underground spaces have been designed.
The Taksim Garden has been reorganized in reference to its original, organic lines and the Elmadağ entrance door reopened. Care has been taken to not interfere with any existing, mature trees. An original playground has been integrated into the garden.
The only above-ground architectural and symbolic element added to the square is an appealing urban canopy. To increase the sense of space at the interface between the Park and the square, we have proposed a colonnade of triangular prisms, mirror finished stainless steel columns aligned so as not to obstruct the view of the park from the square, nor the square from the park. The colonnade layers contribute to the architectural and spatial definition of the square while constituting the urban canopy’s bearing structure at the front of the platform. The prismatic and reflective surfaces facing different directions create a constantly changing, dynamic and atmospheric moire-like surface effect. The multicolored canopy placed upon the colonnade like a carpet and covered with light structured, transparent ETFE material, turn both the square and the Gezi platform into a stage: an inviting, inclusive, multicolored, open and symbolic scene.
Currently, access to the park from Elmadağ and Asker Ocağı Str is very limited and uninviting. As we suggested to cancel the tunnel, the closed Corner entrance to Taksim Garden has been reactivated. Access has been made easier and more attractive by connecting it with Asker Ocağı Str, along stairs, by a wide green ramp. Starting from Taksim Garden, the Culture, Art and Sports Valley will be strengthened with the functions of Recreational Outdoor Activities - A Scate Park, Fitness trail etc, which have been newly included in the design. Stopping points will be created for collective public artwork.
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This intervention will keep the existing platform and ceremonial space from being left idle. These areas will be brought into public use, invite people in, bring them together, and be available for use 24/7. The curved platform designed under the canopy and named the see saw, collects people in an environment of meeting and dialog, and by way of a set of stairs leads down into the art gallery, multi-purpose halls, conference hall, workshops, cafeteria, digital art museum and metro station below. With its artistic, sculptural, symbolic and joyous structure, the see saw, both above and below, acts as an experience area, interfaces to access these public spaces.
Moving Traffic Flow between Tarlabasi and Cumhuriyet Boulevards underground has caused a look of desertion and loss of scale; therefore, traffic has been moved back above ground. No other changes have been made to the surrounding streets. However, there will continue to be no vehicle entrance to the square from Tarlabasi Blvd directly. The majority of the now ineffective underground tunnels will be transformed into a digital art museum and VR experience space. A smaller portion will be used as service, staff and visitor parking. To discourage access by car, we kept parking space limited. The museum and parking will be accessible through the existing metro station.
Gezi Park’s interface with Cumhuriyet Blvd is another of its potentials. Utilizing the level difference between the park and street, we created a linear arcade in addition to public spaces horizontally and vertically behind it, made up of study halls as co-working spaces, workshops, cafes, exhibition halls, bookstores etc. Interconnected with the facilities created below the platform, this will provide a 24 hour environment of cultural activity. We performed a very precise study to integrate all of these public spaces into the underground below Gezi Park without changing its original design; destroying any existing, mature trees and causing any architectural or technical problems.
3. URBAN LANDSCAPE DESIGN ELEMENTS 3.1. Urban Furniture Urban furniture as seating elements and buffets are planned and the square, which is equipped with lighting elements, is available to the citizens for 24 hours. Around the Republic Monument, the concrete seating elements that rise from the “ground” are radially positioned in relation to the monument. In other parts of the square and in the park, parallel, linear and continues concrete seating elements were placed along the lawn and pedestrian areas.
The arcad and the spaces behind it, organized along Cumhuriyet Blvd, are designed as a digital library & study halls, bookstore & museum shop and a cafe where young people and everyone else can come, sit and work throughout the day. Tablets will be provided to access the library content. The facades of these spaces are made of foldable panel glasses so that under the right weather conditions, these spaces can be fully opened to the street. This feature will make the permeability of the space and its “free” openness for public use more prominent physically. Likewise, it will be possible to reach the park by going up through these spaces, or descending to them from the park.
Inside the Gezi Park, seating elements in the dry pool area and the surrounding activity area, are not stationary, instead they are mobile. Armchairs have been placed to be used for different activities according to the need. 3.2. Lighting It was aimed to fulfill space requirements for public events such as workshops, exhibitions, fairs, and sports activities, placing temporary light structures on these permeable hard surfaces.
The square area surrounding the Atatürk monument is inspired by original plans. Radial shape dominates the new square and puts the monument to the centre. Larger green space is designed around the monument and trees are placed that partially cover the North and West side of it. Using trees, we have emphasised the Atatürk monument, and have created shaded areas for people to sit, socialize and enjoy the square. Moreover, much larger green patches were designed leading to Atatürk Cultural Centre and Cercis trees (judas tree) have placed in radial form. Cercis tree symbolizes İstanbul and especially Bosporus. This radial beam leading to Atatürk Cultural Centre leads people towards the Bosporus with its symbolic tree. Every spring, cercis tree will add its beautiful color to the atmosphere of the square. At the end of this symbolic path there is a dry fountain. People could sit on lawn surface and enjoy watching the fountain shows. When the fountain is turned off, the space is transformed into an activity area. The activities squeezed out of Atatürk Cultural Centre can be undertaken in this area. This platform can be also used for public installations.
Special lighting fixtures will be designed as triangle prism shape in accordance with canopy’s colonnade. It will be arranged to strength the radial position of the square and will be located in the park and on the square. The multilayered glass block floorings have been placed in the ground to provide natural daylight for the underground closed spaces at intersections of new designed facilities and the park (along the base of the canopy, the podium area, and the block of study halls along the Cumhuriyet Blvd). The floor of podium in Gezi Park is equipped with glass blocks with photovoltaic modules. During the day, these blocks act as an installation which stores up solar energy and projects an interactive and entertaining light show during the night. In order to increase dramatic light effects in the park area and the Taksim Square, pv power lighting elements are provided. Some luminaires embedded in the ground as footlights. 3.3. Vegetation
The vast majority of the square is covered with permeable surfaces, and small green gaps are designed throughout the square to increase drainage capacity. In total, more than twice as much green space is designed compared to the current state of the square.
Although there are many different varieties of plants in the area, the vast majority of the trees in the area is decidious. This is one of the main reasons for the park lose its greenery and green identity during the winter season.
We wanted the square and its streets of pedestrians and vehicles to be on the same plane level, vehicle lanes to be marked on the ground, and the entire area to serve as a common ground.
Moreover, we have increased the number of varieties with rich flowers in the area, in order to achieve much richer experience of flowers and smells in different seasons. We have added plants, which are suitable for Istanbul’s climate conditions. This would reduce time, money and energy spent to the management and provide much more sustainable green spaces to the area. 8
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The number of coniferous plants are very low in the area. This does not seem to be matching some of the basic rules of landscape design. Coniferous plants will be placed to increase green feeling of the area during the winter season. Majority of the coniferous plants were placed on the borders of the park to create enclosure and acknowledgement in some areas, as well as screening unnecessary views. 3.4. Softscapes – Hardscapes The vast majority of the square is covered with permeable surfaces. In accordance with our paving design, permeable concrete, and natural stone in a slightly different color tonalities will be used. Besides lawn areas, pebble stone in variety of sizes will be used for paving in pedestrian areas. Small green gaps are designed throughout the square to increase drainage capacity. As is known in urban areas absorption of heat by materials increases the temperature in the urban environment. We call this urban heat island effect. Non-permeable, reflective and heat absorbent materials produce more heat in the urban areas. In order to reduce urban heat island effect, we have created large lawn areas on the eastern direction of the square and around the Republic Monument and the dry fountain area in Gezi Park. At least twice as much soft surfacing materials were used compared to current situation. This would dramatically reduce the heat produced by the square and green spaces with trees in the square give public an opportunity to sit, talk and socialize with other people in an urban crowd. 3.5. Water Features To ensure that Taksim’s name are visible, various other water features have been included in the landscape. A dry fountain has been placed in front of the AKM. People could sit on lawn surface and enjoy watching the fountain shows. When the fountain is turned off, the spaced is transformed into an activity area. The activities squeezed out of Atatürk Cultural Centre can be undertaken in this area. This platform can be also used for public installations.
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