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BIOTOPE TAKSIM Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
green system / transportation system / spatial concept / atmosphere / accessibility / disabled people / lighting / materlial
lighting / material
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A/ contemporary of Henri Prost’s vision/ safety for Taksim Square/ and Park: spatial concept / reimagination atmoshpere / sense of place / atmosphere spatial concept spatialGezi memory / creating / curating a habitat promotes of humans, flora/ and fauna. accessibility / disabled people that / and security the joyful community proposed functions lighting /
BIOTOPE
MEYDAN
PROST
green system / transportation system
public space / spatial memory /
urban integrity / green system /
public space / spatial memory / sense of place / atmosphere / safety and security
material
urban integrity / green system / spatial concept / spatial memory / proposed functions / lighting / material
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Urban Integrity To identify the urban centre for Istanbul is almost impossible. As the city’s major tourism, leisure, cultural and mobility hub, Taksim Square is a strong candidate, as a place from where other parts of the city are within easy reach.[1] Seven roads meet here, as well as the most important pedestrian axis, İstiklal Caddesi. Transit is provided via metro, funicular, tram, and various bus lines. Throughout the decades the square was a focal point of changing urban manifestations related to competing political visions manifested in the erection or demolition of buildings of symbolic value.[2] The speed of motion, the spatial patterns and intensity of use offer different perspectives as to how far Taksim resonates within the city and what perceptions of the square its users have. Our proposal therefore applies a curatorial approach using elements that exist either in physical form or in memory, adding parts that engage and inspire the experience of the square.
BIOTOPE Inclusivity for all: men, women, young and old, able and disable together in a place for plants, trees, bushes, grasses, insects, birds, animals. “A biotope is a habitat of a community of organisms living in the same area (…) characterized by similar ecological conditions.”[3] Embracing all creatures that co-exist with humanity in the urban jungle. Taksim Square and Gezi Park – the remaining patch of the former green crescent of Istanbul – shall remain an ‘urban living room’ with a taste of the wilderness that inhabits and supports the needs of flora and fauna for the joy of both humankind and nature: an urban biotope. MEYDAN “Perhaps, as a physical space, the meydan comes closest, this day and age, to what Hannah Arendt calls ‘space of appearance’ in the polis, where being in public is synonymous with politics. Istanbul’s Taksim Meydanı is such a space, a product of the clash between citizens and authorities that have attempted to remake the meydan to reflect their political agendas since the founding of the Turkish Republic.”[4] Instead of a functional space for transition, where large number of people merely pass by, the square should become an urban space for spending time for everyone. A place, where just being around, there is the potential to express oneself and engage with community. PROST “Besides its power in symbolizing Republican era and Independence War, Taksim Square and Gezi Park had also become the symbol of new society, a new secular and European society through geometric architecture, sculptures, trees, pools, and of course women next to men as a response to 19th century characteristics of Beyoglu - but this time redefined through the Turkish identity.”[5] Our ambition is to continue, review and revise Henri Prost’s idea for the development of Taksim as the green lungs for the surrounding urban areas while applying contemporary European public space development principles.
References [1] Mathias Bochow, Theres Peisker, Karl Segl and Hermann Kaufmann: Modelling of Urban Biotope Types from Hyperspectral Imagery Using Fuzzy Logic, in: Proceedings of the 2nd Workshop of the EARSeL SIG on Land Use and Land Cover [2] Sera Tolgay: Meydan Politics: Taksim in Flux after Gezi, source: jadaliyya.com, 2015 [3] Günay, Z.: The power of the public in remaking the space: Reflections from Istanbul’s Gezi, 6th Asian Conference on Arts and Humanities, 351-364, Osaka, Japan, 2-5 April 2015 [4] Taksim Square: The Animist City source: https://saransaran.tumblr.com/post/55453602896/taksim-square-the-animist-city [5] A S Kubat, O Ozer, F Belgin Gumru & G Argin: Evaluating the impacts of an urban design project: Multi-phase analyses of Taksim Square and Gezi Park, Istanbul in: SSS10 Proceedings of the 10th International Space Syntax Symposium
Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
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Urban Integrity
18th century 18th century
19th century 19th century
2017-2020 2017-2020
20252025 -
? 1910 - 1930
1930 - 1950
1910 - 1930
1950 - 2020
1930 - 1950
French formal garden French French formal formal garden garden
- celebrative - celebrative - celebrative - geometrical, strict aesthetic - geometrical, - geometrical, strict aesthetics strict aesthetics - Henri Prost’s European - Henri - Henri Prost’s Prost’s European European ideaidea idea - axis, - focal axis, points focal points - axis, focal points - exclusive - exclusive - exclusive
1950 - 2020
2025
2025
Generative gardengarden Generative Generative garden - everyday use - everyday - everyday use use - network - network - network - defining diverse functions - defining - defining diverse diverse functions functions - creating - creating multiple multiple environments environments - creating multiple environments - inclusive - inclusive - inclusive
Do not Dostep not step on the ongrass! the grass!
Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
Use it! Use it!
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Increased green surfaces
2020 2020
2025 2025
17%
45%
Urban Green Network 17 %
45 %
Istanbul is home to some 15 million people. The scale is an asset and great liability at the same time. Pollution and stress on one hand and vibrancy and energy of the city on the other. Only about 9% of the city area is covered by green space: 4.98 square metre for each citizen. In comparison European top scoring green cities have 3-5 times larger share. According to the WHO, an ideal city requires 9 square metre of greenery per capita to maintain quality of life.[6] Urban and regional planning during the past decades worldwide prioritised economic targets. The deterioration of urban life, together with the adverse effects of climate change, demonstrate that achieving ecological balance is a prerequisite for economic and societal development. The protection and the development of the natural seems the only option to sustain liveability for people, plants, and animals.[7] Our proposal would like to extend the green area by transforming the vast stonecovered place into a new hybrid space that embraces nature instead of conquering it while maintaining its urban character.
[6] Ozgur Tore: World’s Greenest Cities revealed, source: ftnnews.com [7] Bülent Yılmaz, Sümer Gülez and Latif Gürkan Kaya: Mapping of biotopes in urban areas in: Scientific Research and Essays Vol. 5 (4), pp. 352-365, 18 February 2010
increasinggreen green areas areas increasing diverse microclimate diverse microclimate water water
tall grass, grass,flowers flowers tall lowergreen greenlayer layer lower insects
plants
infrastructure infrastructure for for spending spending time timeininTaksim Taksim 2 capita ISTANBUL m2 m per ISTANBUL- 4,98 - 4,98 per capita
BIOTOPE
birds crown crown level level
people
small mammals
WHO - 9,00 m2 per WHOrecommendation recommendation - 9,00 m2capita per capita
stone woods, stonegardens, gardens, woods, undisturbed areas undisturbed areas
EU average - 21,00 m2 per capita
EU average - 21,00 m2 per capita
Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
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ARMENIAN CEMETERY
ARMENIAN CEMETERY
TAKSIM MUNICIPAL PA
During the 18th century cemeteries located on and around the site of Taksim. During the 19th century military barracks were erected, but their surroundings remained open spaces. By replacing the building with Gezi Park, Proust’s plan extended the green area, while the military training ground was built on and the area gradually evolved into its present density. Later new hotels further reduced the open green space.
TAKSIM MUNICIPAL PARK
Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
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2020 2020
2025 2025
Public Space pedestrian transit transit lines lines “A good city is like a good party — people stay longer than really necessary, because they are enjoying themselves” — Jan Gehl
spots for spending spending time time
“Urban happiness is a concept of design that gives a perception of a place to the people experiencing it that motivates them to spend more time there and to opt to return there to savour same experience again and again.”[8] Joy, fulfilment, and pride in what we are and what we stand for are important traits of human life. This freedom of self-expression can only be achieved if a general sense of security and safety is provided. A busy area during daytime gives the perception of safety, and certain measures – e.g. good lighting – extend this sense for the night-time when the area is less frequented. Sensory experiences allow to remember and identify with a place. These are not limited to the aesthetics, or the geometry of a place. The functional and symbolic interpretations are fundamental factors for understanding.
[8] M.Sepeiriss: The Role of Public Space to Achieve Urban Happiness, in: International Journal of. Sustainable Development Planning Vol. 12, No. 4 (2017) 724–733
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Proposed Functions
Public spaces have three traditional functions: meeting, market, and movement. Historically these functions shared the same space in a fine balance. This balance has been greatly upset especially by the expansion of vehicular traffic. Cities that successfully implemented strategies to achieve balance again have seen exponential growth of human activity in public spaces. Today city centres revive their traditional functions and develop as urban playgrounds, recreational and social meeting hubs. A key quality of these spaces are choice and option.[9] The curatorial approach to revive Taksim Square proposes interventions that facilitate interactions on the square, and thus co-creating with and by its users an accessible, secure and comfortable space, where everyone is part of the joyful experience.
[9] Winning back public spaces, source: https://www.publicspace.org/multimedia/-/post/winning-back-the-public-spaces
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Proposed Functions
Old-New Taksim Municipal Garden North-South main axis
- metropolis scale urban area - mass events - book festival, gourmet festival - outdoor cultural events
- urban park functions - playgrounds, dog park - English landscape garden typology - buffer zone
Atatürk Library Park
- protected area - calm, quiet park for relaxation - bird park with open-air bird fields and free-flight walk-in aviaries
Gezi Terraces
- designated area for lookouts, observation and relaxation
Traffic Park
- reorganized public transport hub - infrastructure for reducing heat island effects
Gezi Park
- the existing structure of the French formal garden overlayed with the functionality of the Generative garden - protected green area - urban habitat for numerous species
İstiklal and Sıraselviler streets
- pedestrian streets with shopping and cultural facilities
Maksem Square
- urban plaza with water facilities
Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
Taksim Park
- transition between a paved urban plaza and a dense green park - green and water infrastructure for reducing heat island effects
Republic Monument
- core of transformation - place of collective memory
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recreation
music dance yoga classes
organised masses
eating-drinking
playground
strolling
water chillout zone
shopping
enjoy nature
urban lookouts transit traffic destinations kiosks market book festival
cafe
waiting (stand)
restaurant
waiting (sit)
food truck food festival mass events
gathering
meditation
Proposed Functions
grill places picnic places chatting
educational trail
Heat island reduction strategies Urban water management
Green layers - one and two-level green above underground structures - three-level green (trees) wherever possible - lettice structure for higher green coverage, where otherwise not possible - lowev level green areas are natural habitats for insects - wooden areas are habitats for small mammals, birds - root zone filtering
Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
- storing and using water on site - capture and use rapid stormwater - use vegetation for filtering purposes - harvest water in a decentralized system - bioswale infrastructure - humidifier generators on sunlit areas
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Spatial Memory / Sense Of Place / Atmosphère areas organised along an axis areas showing network organisations
According to Kevin Lynch the identity of a place is defined by unique and recognisable architectural, spatial, material features. Smells, sounds and visual patterns invoke emotions associated with the complex sensory experience. The sound of water, leaves, birds, and vegetation that also filter the noise of traffic and urban activities offer relief for people. In a similar fashion naturally occurring smells of water, grass, flowers define the ambience of a place. “The place becomes symbolic when people for different reasons make it their own, achieving a sense of belonging. The presence of elements of tangible and intangible characteristics strongly contributes to that process of recognizability.”[10] Creating spaces for slow pace activities - walking around, sitting, watching – offer refuge from today’s hectic life while allowing the mind to reflect on the symbolic power of the place as well as one’s own belonging to the place and the city.
[10] M. Sepeiriss: The Role of Public Space to Achieve Urban Happiness, in: International Journal of. Sustainable Development Planning Vol. 12, No. 4 (2017) 724–733
Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
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Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
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Visual And Tactile Experiences
The possibility to perform actions that are not part of normal day-to-day life in public – walking barefoot on a thin layer of water or joining a spontaneous music performance – creates the feeling of joy and freedom. Using surfaces – both natural and built – that invite tactile experience and by creating an environment that welcomes experimentation and community activities, the place becomes a spectacle: a source and enabler of joyful experience. A similar result is achieved by the creative use of lights (and shadows) throughout the square and the park. Our proposal transforms Taksim square into a composite mesh of man-made and natural elements, tangible and elusive, creatively curated to inspire the mind and soul individually and as part of a community.
Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
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Blurring boundaries - urban lookouts over Gezi Park - terraces around the perimeter - gradient green surfaces - periscopes
Accessibility, Safety, Security lookouts green + paved transition redesigned edges periscopes
(underground)
The accessibility of the space refers to how welcoming the space is. People may access the space the way they feel comfortable, regardless of their physical, mental or social circumstances. The presence of multiple activities, the timing and rhythm of use guarantees vitality, security, and sustainability of a place. Allowing activities that engage all – play games, exercise, just walk around, sit quietly, and enjoy the vibe, or be active part of a performance taking place – creates the unique experience of place.[11] Multiple small-scale interventions and installing activity ‘generators’ both increase the accessibility of the square for people living with impaired hearing, sight or other physical constraints providing the comfort of orientation and movement even without assistance. The multi-sensory experience beyond the visual enjoyment also play a part in making the place accessible for all. Public art tends to create convivial atmosphere for people to express their true selves and interact while experiencing ‘togetherness’. [11] Thejas Jagannath: The Importance of Public Spaces, source: https://medium.com/@thejas009/the-importance-of-public-spaces5bb49ba6c000
Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
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Reorganised junction - more pedestrian surface - tunnel entrance
Transportation System
Parking system
Replace Gezi Park parking Limited traffic zone - reduced speed limits - pavement change
One of the most strategic modernisation aspect of Henri Prost’s Istanbul plan was the proposal for a circular artery. The new boulevards created a new image by not destroying, but gradually blurring away old Constantinaple while embracing the idea of a modern Turkish metropolis. Taksim Square became an important transport hub.[12] The segregation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic and the multi-level circulation benefitted the square but has created problems, especially at the edges where transport modes meet and has left areas intact where the use of space by different transport modes remained in a conflicting situation (e.g. parking vehicles and drop-off zones), also the current setting does not accommodate the traffic and multi-modal accessibility of the new mosque and the cultural centre complex. With help from our transport expert we propose a systematic analysis and reevaluation of the current movement and parking patterns and offer a rationalization of surface use with the ambition to ease the conflicts by systematic physical rearrangement and smart traffic management solutions.
[12] Derek H. F. Ho: Istanbul (1936-1951) / Transportation Reform of Istanbul and its role in the Modernization the City, source: fac.arch.hku.hk
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Design Strategy Taksim Square at present is mostly a transition zone. Our aim is to make it habitable and attractive to inspire people to stay longer. It is achieved by a layered approach to transform the current layout of the square and the park by enlarging the floral cover and increase the density of nature present. The multi-layered vegetation will embrace visitors – also by help of built floral structures – and transform transit pathways. By introducing water – pools, vapor surfaces and fountains – we temper microclimate and retain and recycle rainwater managing extreme stormwater as well. Bioswales and porous surfaces help solve temporary stormwater overflows and retaining rainwater to irrigate the green areas. As curators of the space we modify how the space is accessed – calming speed and orienting vehicular access of individual and mass transport modes – and establish new links in three dimensions – elevated walkways, look out points – offering new angles of vision –, terraces and new connection from Gezi Park to Atatürk Library. We also slow down and ease traffic in front of the Cultural Centre. Using various forms of art, we connect the underground with the surface and create viewpoints from above. The proposal redefines the main structural axes and frame grid zones. The ‘generators’ – sculptural forms with a purpose – also outline various activity zones (temporary and permanent uses). Sculptural surface treatment and using the vegetation and street furniture are part of a ‘land art’ environmental design. Nighttime activites are enabled by multi-level lighting fixtures installed. Multisensory experiences are planned that give aesthetic pleasure when viewing but offer joy beyond the visual. The proposed interventions are enablers: hidden smart infrastructure supports temporary events (water connections, electric sockets), the forms accentuate spaces for activities – planned and ad-hoc. Lamps, fixtures use minimal energy by photovoltaics and smart grid management. We reduce waste and reuse materials: cladding, lighting fixtures, street furniture is repurposed, and sustainable sourcing of any new additions are proposed. Technology, materials, and nature perform according to an artistic concept. All areas are accessible for people with disabilities – wheelchair users, people with impaired sight or hearing – and there is no barrier to enjoy the space regardless of social status or financial position. There are opportunities that bring joy to everyone – citizens & visitors alike. Stage 2 cross-disciplinary team Architect overall design responsibility, key curator and project manager
Ecologist selection of plants and key advisor on natural habitat and sustainability design
Landscape Architect design of green areas, open spaces, landscaping, sustainability and accessibility design specifications Urban Designer overall design responsibility, integration/coordination of urban planning, design and technical feasibility aspects Traffic Engineer advisor on pedestrian, micromobility, public transport, city logistics, and transportation safety design specifications Visual Artist advisor on urban design and installations, key responsibility for sculptures & structures/ installations specifications
stay longer!
preparing for climate extremes
accessible for all
Taksim Square Urban Design Competition
respect other species
curatorial design process
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