URBAN COMMONS
AE0718SR
“We are almost there!” she says to her daughter, pushing the stroller on a beautiful sunny day on Istiklal Caddesi. As she nears the end of the avenue, they see children playing at the water fountains behind the Cumhuriyet Aniti. Parents and grandparents are watching, seated on the benches where it’s cool and relaxing because of the shade and the water mist. The square is a mix of calm and excitement, with people resting, playing, taking pictures, and visiting the info desk to learn what’s new at the park. She turns the stroller to follow the ramp up the Cumhuriyet Sanat Muzesi, where they had such a fun time last weekend in an art workshop for toddlers. As they reach the top, the plaza opens up around them. Children, elders, locals, and tourists are looking down into the museum through the sloped skylights. They continue, moving around people, and between trees to get to the playgrounds that are filled with musical swings and toys. She settles on a shaded bench to watch her daughter play. Near her she sees people passing: couples walking their dogs, individuals jogging, and groups of students chatting. After an hour of play, she decides to go on a walk in the park so that her daughter can rest in the stroller. As they exit the playground and continue into the park, the landscape shifts, leaving the joyful social sounds behind and greeting them with serene tunes of nature instead. Her steps lead them to various art installations scattered around in the park, providing glimpses into its rich history. The path takes them to another open area where they see people, lined up for the show taking place at the open theatre. Suddenly the energy is back, crowded with young professionals, art enthusiasts, curious souls who are clustering near the theatre and food vendors. They continue in the same direction for a bathroom break and refreshments. They end up getting ice cream to enjoy at the viewing terrace; an urban balcony with an unparalleled view overlooking the Bosphorus. As the sun starts to set, she sees the lights accenting the park and sparkling throughout like fireflies. Distant sounds from center stage signal live music is about to commence. She looks over to her daughter who is happily eating ice-cream and showing hints of her nearing bedtime. The park seems to be just getting started, but they might head home she thinks. Or maybe, they could stay just a little bit longer.” We envision a square reunited with the people and a park enlivened with its cohesive community. A destination that co-creates with its guests, a house that celebrates the culture. Through architectural and urban interventions that promote accessibility, adaptability, and arts, we revitalize Cumhuriyet Meydani and Gezi Park, to become Istanbul’s focal point of practicing democracy and inspiring the future.
1