Taksim Urban Design Competition
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SERBEST SAHALAR OR FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
GREEN SPACE IN CITIES AROUND THE WORLD
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Compared to other significant metropolises, Istanbul stands out as a city that lacks public green spaces, bringing into question the wellbeing, health and overall quality of life for its urban inhabitants. Research indicates that dynamic public life, supported by a robust network of diverse public spaces, has tangible benefits, from improving mental and physical health, fostering community cohesion, increasing economic value, and reducing violence and crime. Paramount to public life is a well-connected system of parks, plazas and public spaces. The competition area includes a key node in Istanbul´s public realm network as observed by Henri Prost in 1942 when he completed his largest public park proposal, Park No 2, which connected Takism Square with Maçka Valley. However, different planning decisions and large hotel developments have jeopardized the continuity of parks in the master scale of Istanbul. In this proposal, the valuable relationship between Maçka and Gezi Park is restored and considered as the starting point of a larger scale public greenspace development for the whole of Istanbul.
OSLO 68%
Honoring the rich historical context of the competition site, the proposal aims to celebrate the past while simultaneously looking towards a more sustainable and just future. During the 17th and 18th centuries the area supported a water distribution center, coffee houses, promenades and cemeteries and in the early 19th century Taksim Square achieved a military function with the construction of the Artillery Barracks. Later abandoned, the military structure transformed into a successful public space and became Istanbul’s first football stadium in 1921 and a platform for cultural celebrations and events. The Peninsula’s historical significance for the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires led the state to choose the Beyoğlu-Taksim region to establish a new modern identity. In 1941, Henri Prost proposed a public space that linked his design with the topography of the Barracks with a focus on incorporating modern values such as open spaces and cultural programming. The city of Istanbul promptly adopted the concept of “Serbest sahalar,” implying a freedom of movement. However, today, many of these historic traces have been lost in time and only a few elements reflect Prost’s original plan for Taksim. These layers of history, full of possibility, become an intrinsic part of the design and celebrate the collective memory of the place. The natural landscape of the site, before the city expanded, is recovered to extend the green network within the urban area. A projection of the inner courtyard from the Artillery Barracks is incorporated through a light and open canopy structure. This performative and permeable structure serves as a central node for programs and activities within the park.
SYDNEY 46%
Currently, the park faces major challenges related to accessibility and comfort. The park is disconnected from the city with dramatic changes in elevation that form a barrier with the surrounding context. The previous attempt to connect the various levels of the park with numerous stairs fails to provide universal access and excludes an entire community of users. This proposal addresses the challenge by integrating a continuous, gently sloped surface that connects the distinct areas and supports accessibility for all users. Focused on creating comfortable microclimates that encourage people to spend time in the park, the proposal considers dynamic water features that help mitigate hot air temperatures and serve as a kinetic element within the playgrounds. Designing within a holistic framework, the landscape approach for this proposal considers the historical Gezi Park by Henri Prost as a starting point. The historical axes of the original proposal are brought back as main pathways and emphasized by the landscape design. Gezi Park today supports a rich and diverse ecosystem with numerous native trees and plants. The proposal maintains all of the existing vegetation and proposes increasing the number of trees and plants (558 new trees) to transform Taksim into a new green lung in the center of the city. Areas of vegetation are implemented through a series of green pockets that extend from the center of the park, with mature trees and dense vegetation, into the city, where the trees decrease in size and the green pockets gradually transform into hardscaping. A canopy structure, finished in polished steel, reflects the surrounding greenery and seamlessly merges with the park through a system of irregular columns that integrates with the forest tree trunks. This performative structure supports integrated solar panels and a rainwater collection system on the roof. These systems provide the electricity required for both the lighting across the site and the irrigation needed for the landscape. The permeability and openness of the structure creates an interconnectedness between the city and the landscape.
ROME 39%
ISTANBUL 2%
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Beneath the canopy structure, a variety of uses are contained within a series GREEN NETWORK THROUGH HISTORY of flexible pavilions. These are designed as light, transparent structures that Green areas at the beginning of XX century support the daily life of the park. The contemporary programs will feature cultural, educational and recreational uses. The pavilions are designed as adaptable structures that can be modified depending on the needs of the city and the users. Additionally, the pavilions serve as a point of connection for the numerous ephemeral events that will be organized underneath the canopy structure throughout the year which provides shade, protection from the rain and, most importantly, a defined place where a large number of people can gather easily. As a flexible space, the park becomes a platform for numerous events that can range in size, from small bazaar-like events to large cultural gatherings. The potential uses within the park suggest infinite opportunities.
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Taksim Square is a unique, multi-layered urban square with deep historical and political values for Turkey. In the spatial configuration of the project, the square maintains its function for public gathering. The landscape design and integration of vegetation allows space for a large opening in front of Prost’s original stairs, which are maintained as they engage with the public life of N the square and serve as both a stage and informal seating area. In terms of materiality, the square will reuse the granite that was recently implemented Green areas proposed by Henri Prost to restore large areas of the site, in a newly designed surface design. The Atatürk Library was initially designed by Sedad Hakkı Eldem as a multifunctional complex including a library, museum and art galleries, however, only the library program was built. Today, while this building has a privileged view over the Bosphorus, the park is enclosed and the building cannot be fully enjoyed by the city’s inhabitants. This proposal aims to highlight the architecture of the building by extending and embracing the viewing platform. The fences that enclose the area are removed and the proposed landscape merges with the urban setting. The existing trees are maintained while an additional fifty (50) trees are added to create a lush and green public space. The topography in this area is transformed into a smooth and fluid surface with an embedded amphitheater looking towards the Bosphorus. Istiklal Street, which will become one the main entries into the future urban park, has recently become a harsh experience for pedestrians following the removal of a significant number of trees. A recent project that placed artificial N grass above the rails has not solved the problem, and the need for a greener street is critical. Within the proposal, a row of Tilia trees continue along Istiklal Street and create a green axis that extends the green network throughout Green areas today the city. The Orthodox Church, featuring a green oasis with its lush gardens, will be more deliberately connected with Sıraselviler Street and an urban terrace will be created to emphasize the relationship between the city and its rich heritage. Taksim Square and Gezi Park will facilitate stronger connections within the surrounding context and improve the relationship between the city and nature. No longer just a pedestrian transit pass or transportation hub, Taksim Square will transform into a diverse, 24/7, dynamic public space and become a city destination throughout the year, carrying the historical traces of the past and the collective memory to future generations. This aspirational proposal can become a reality with a motivated and multidisciplinary team that works closely with the local community. The design process will be an inclusive, accessible and open platform where the city of Istanbul determines how an urban park in the 21st century should be. N
ARCHITECTS
AI - MEDIA ARTIST
DATA SCIENTIST/ PROGRAMMER
PARTICIPATORY PROCESS INVOLVING LOCAL COMMUNITY
Taksim Square as the connector of Istambul Green Network
LIGHTING DESIGNER
CULTURAL CURATOR
HISTORIAN
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER MECHANICAL ENGINEER ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER URBAN PLANNER
Team organization chart
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
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HISTORIC LAYERS
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1. 1. NATURE AND PROMENADES During the 17th and 18th centuries the area supported a water distribution center, coffee houses and promenades. A natural setting with great views over the Bosphorus.
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3.
2. MILITARY BARRACKS In the early 19th century the area achieved a military function with the construction of the Artillery Barracks. After being abandoned, the void of the structure became very popular and all types of events were held here.
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3. TAKSIM SQUARE AND GEZI PARK In 1941 Henri Prost proposes a radical change with an open public space that would improve the quality of life of their users. The concept of Serbest Sahalar or freedom of movement is introduced.
4. 21st CENTURY TAKSIM All the previous layers in history have provided positive attributes to the collective memory of the place. This proposal brings them back and unifies them under one single element, the continuity of the public space.
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LANDSCAPE STRATEGY Tree specie (Latin name)
Existing trees
Presence in the park
Proposed trees
Leaves
Height
Canopy spread
Platanus acerifolia and orientalis 286 22% 219 Deciduous 30-50 m. 15 - 20 m. Acer negundo 164 13% 79 Deciduous 10-25 m. 10-12 m. Pinus pinea and spp. 116 9% 80 Evergreen 12-20 m. 6-12 m. Tilia rubra 90 7% 64 Deciduous 12 m. 6-9 m. Magnolia grandiflora 74 6% 10 Evergreen 21 - 35 m. 15 m. Prunus ameniaca and ceracifera 65 5% 12 Deciduous 6-8 m. 4.5-6 m. Quercus Ilex Rubra 47 4% 17 Deciduous 21-28 m. 9 - 24 m. Robinia pseudoacacia 29 2% 11 Deciduous 12-20 m. 7-10 m. Sophora japonica 25 2% 13 Deciduous 4-6 m. 3 - 6 m. Laurus nobilis 14 1% 92 Evergreen 4.5-12 m. 4.5-9 m.
Gezi Park today supports a rich and diverse ecosystem with numerous native trees and plants. The proposal maintains all of the existing vegetation and proposes increasing the number of trees and plants (558 new trees) to transform Taksim into a new green lung in the center of the city. Areas of vegetation are implemented through a series of green pockets that extend from the center of the park, with mature trees and dense vegetation, into the city, where the trees decrease in size and the green pockets gradually transform into hardscaping. Trees, shrubs and perennials are combined to foster urban biodiversity and control the city center’s microclimate.
Deciduous
Evergreen
Existing trees
Laurus Nobilis
Pinus Halepensis
Cercis siliquastrum
Acer Negundo
Sophora Japonica
Tilia Rubra
10
Quercus Ilex
20
Platanus Acerifolia
Height
30 mt.
N
Scale 1:2500
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CONCEPT STRATEGIES
CONTINUOUS FLOOR
GREEN NETWORK CONNECTION
One of the main problems of use and accesibility of the current park is the height difference between the surroundings and the green space. A continuous floor is proposed to solve all the connections through soft slopes in order to improve the accesibility and connectivity of the park and the city.
The central location of the site offers a unique opportunity to be the starting point and the connector of all Istambul green public spaces. The proposal enlarges the existing green framework and extends its limits to be able to penetrate into the city and connect the surrounding green areas.
Services Accomodation and food sevices Culture, arts and enterteinment Health services Religious Education
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONNECTION
PROGRAM/USES
The site offers a unique opportunity to connect and learn from the past. From the previous layers of the site to the rich cultural atmosphere that is currently located around Taksim. Istanbul citizens and visitors will be able to wander historic walks or enjoy cultural events all connected around the square.
The new program proposed under the canopy structure will enable a desired destination and a succesful use of the center of the park. The reduction of private car traffic will benefit the other uses existing on the site to engange with the public space and create a more liveable area.
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PERFORMATIVE STRATEGIES
Bus stop Tram Bike paths
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Comfort level
Bus routes
NW
NE
E
W
Metro M2 SE SW
Metro F1 Underground connection
S
Environmental temperature
Wind direction yearly
TRANSPORTATION
CLIMATIC CONFORT
The succesful public transportation system already existing on the site is exteded with the addition of new bus stops and timely connected with other modes of transportation. Bike paths are proposed as a key mode for a sustainable infrastructure and a shared system of electric bikes is suggested for the success of the proposal.
The northeastern winds that are predominant on the site are crucial for the climatic confort and the temperature balance on the square. The landscape strategy together with the canopy structure will enable to lower the high temperatures of the summer and to provide shelter and raise temperatures in the winter.
Solar panel Wireless network Meeting point Shared car Electric car charging station Intelligent streetlight Interactive screen Sensor monitoring system
LIGHTING AND SECURITY
SMART CITY
The open and continuos floor proposed in the project will allow a clear view throughtout the park and increasing the security with a controlled monitoring system. The canopy structure will be lighted up with solar energy and the rest of the street lights outside of it will be powered by the sustainable source.
The connectivity throughout the site will enable an easier and integrated system that will benefit the experience of the users. From sustainable modes of transportation around the site to interactive devices allowing the visitor to learn about the place or find out details about the cultural program proposed in the square.
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SECTIONS
Section A
Scale 1:1000
Section C
Scale 1:1000
Section D
Scale 1:1000
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Section B
Scale 1:1000
C
A
B
D
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DAILY LIFE
AL C
RAMADAN DINNER
T
AR
INTERNATIONAL EXPO
Scenario 2: International Expo /Concert / Art fair
TIV
ARKE
Scenario 1: City Parade / Open air cinema / Food market
TU F
CONCERT
UL
ES
F
RE
OPEN AIR CINEMA
T
AIR
O FO D
M
CITY PARADE
FLEXIBILITY OF USES
DEMONSTRATION
Scenario 3: Ramadan Dinner /Demonstration / Culture festival
PASSIVE STRATEGIES
The canopy incorporates solar panels that supply energy to the lighting system of the square, and to the irrigation system of the park. The reflective ceiling improves the ambient light.
The canopy and the drainage system in the pavement grid collects rainwater, storing it in an underground cistern for use in irrigation and public toilets.
Section A
Floor plan detail
In summer, the water is pumped through the pavement to moisten and refresh the lower layers of air in the plaza by means of evapotranspiration.
The canopy structure allows for the integration of devices and lighting to reduce the visual impact of these and allow a connectivity network of wifi, Taksim App or light sensors.
Section B
scale 1:500
Roof plan detail
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