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Taksim Urban Design Competition Stage I, Proposal of Design Approach

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1. Physical Interventions and Functional Status An Overview 1.1.

The Beginnings A topographical landmark on the main ridge

1.2.

Early Modern Taksim Plateau From 18th cent.

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A hilltop plateau on the Ridge that defines the Bosporus valley on the western side (Today: from Tünel to Hacıosman). A soft topographical threshold. No structures or urban boundaries yet, that are traceable today.

Graveyards embedded within casual pastures, and mesire areas. Taksim does not even exist as a toponym yet.

First infrastructural developments, for water, health and military, fitted to topographical thresholds. They are still present, as physical bodies or their footprints.

Taksim emerges as a toponym, and slowly transforms into a built demarcation between the settled (Pera) and the rural (Elmadağ)

Emergence of Taksim as a border topos

1.3.

Late Ottoman Taksim Junction

The triangular military exercise area in front of the barracks as a joint between two development zones. Extramural Pera urbanizing fast, densely, and unplanned; Newtown Şişli on a planned grid.

From mid 19th cent.

pre - modern

The Taksim Triangle: Multi-functional, multi-layered urban joint

1.4.

The First Republican Intervention From mid 1920s Rotunda Designed for Symbolic Representation

pre - modern

1.5.

The 2nd Republican Intervention From 1938 on

pre - modern

Extension for symbolic and functional representation

1.6.

Hitting Globalization, Informally From mid-late 1980s

pre - modern

early- modern

early- modern

Northern triangle developed as Talimhane neighborhood. At the pre - modern southern end placement of the republican monument, surrounded by a rotunda: The “second” Taksim square.

early- modern

new ottoman

early- modern

republican I

republican II

Tarlabaşı extended to a 6 lane express drive. Massive clearcutting of ca 350 pre - modern early- modern ottoman republican I historical buildings. Taksim new transforming into a “shapeless” void, Tarlabaşı road into a hard border of segregation; greater republican II new ottoman republican I post - dalan Taksim area in limbo ever since.

Pedestrianization of İstiklal, Taksim integrates with its southside. pre - modern early- modern new ottoman republican I Competition to reorganize Taksim; From 1990’s not realized. With M2 metro line and funicular, Taksim extends into the early- modern republican II new ottoman republican I post - dalan Taksim as a gate to pedestrian underground. İstiklal

1.8.

ECOC 2010 and beyond

post - dalan

republican II

The greater plan, to place a new CBD at the city center only, never legalized. republican II post - dalan The undertaking “CBD from Taksim, to further south” fails due to strong political opposition.

pedestrianized

At the south side: small scale informal manufacturing and migrant residential republican II pedestrian post - dalan functions make way to cultural and leisure time activities. Adjacent neighborhoods begin losing their residential character. pedestrianized Eventization of public space. With limited capital flow, rather slow gentrification.

Taksim as “a gate to İstiklal”, a monofunctional passage.

AKM renewal project in the ECOC 2010 context fails. Taksim becomes a pre - modern early- modern republican II new ottoman republican I interventions, post - dalan battlefield of ambitious the From 2005 Mosque, the second AKM redevelopment and N/S car tunnel change the frame and republican II pedestrianized new ottoman republican I post - dalan Battlefield of constituting icons paradigms. Restitution of the Barracks on top fails due to the Protests, (2013) The interventions are officially labeled“ pedestrianization”. Bus terminals removed. ECOC process triggers investments into art and culture.

early- modern

Symbolic representation of the new nation state, with a choreography of encircling. republica new ottoman republican I Stadium in the courtyard of the barracks used for parades. Restaurants, bars in vicinity; a lively social area.

Extended “third” square: The spatial Third square with “a more serious parameters of Taksim produced. Taksim face”. Kristal Gazinosu safeguards the modern earlymodern republican new ottoman republican post - d as tip ofpre an -iceberg: adjacent Parque Nr 2 smile.

OfficialI choreography hasIItwo with public building program. Gezi, is the performance stages now, the parade pedestrian link in between. republican II pedestrianized new ottoman republican I post - staged dalan on the square. Political function emerges, a tragic milestone: Mayday 1977.

1.7.

The Anti-CBD Reaction

- modern

Alternative use for civic purposes: Festivals, balloons, circus tents are put up. earlymodern new ottoman republic “The first Taksim Square”, shared amongst the actors. From demilitarization (1908) to final demolition (1940), building and courtyard used for social, sportive, and civic purposes.

The booming cultural and leisure time offers attract visitors from all over. The pedestrianized touristification accelerates, imposes heavy impact on neighborhoods. Taksim and İstiklal establish as the unrivaled civic stage of the country; small and midscale demonstrations enjoy public and media attention. Large scale ones (Mayday, The Pride or Womens’ March) remain problematic. The Gezi protests, change parameters of urban politics sustainably.

pedestrianized

2. Taksim, Overloaded

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Expected to Write a Constitution in Stone Republican Taksim was conceptualized to represent a new nation state. Recently, Taksim received nothing but big ideological gestures: The Mosque, the new AKM, the attempted Barracks, the Car underpass. Taksim is expected to be “a model Turkey”, its constitution written in stone.

Handling the Metropolitan Flow Original Taksim is conceptualized in a shrinking city. This changed. Taksim became the central dolmuş and bus hub of a growing megapolis; adjacent Talimhane, the model neighborhood, a mall for car spare parts.

The infrastructure decisions in late 20th century concentrate both the individual and mass transit flows on a singular corridor. Taksim acquires two contradictory attributes. It becomes the compulsory funnel for everyone moving from N/S bound to go through, while Greater Taksim becomes the unrivaled spot of attraction in the metropolis. The more Taksim becomes accessible, the more demand for access it produces.

The uninterrupted flow is an illusion, only attracting more traffic and congestion. The car tunnel, ironically identified with pedestrianization, causes more problems than it solves both for drivers and pedestrians.

Failure to Integrate The exodus of the minorities took off with “the events of 6/7 September”. From then on, the south side suffered chronic de-investment and run down: A poor entertainment and red light district at street level, a caricature of what it was once, sweatshops and impoverished migrant housing on top. Middle class evacuated the area. The infamous-illegal ‘Operation Tarlabaşı” left behind an urban wound, not healed until today. The unbreachable “boulevard” fostered the segregation between its “gentrify-able” east and “un-gentrify-able” west sides, more than connecting the northern and southern parts of the city. The neighborhood beyond the demarcation line, bordering at the designated project area is the most outdistanced and stigmatized place in town today. The state led “urban regeneration project” 20 years after, underlines and deepens the problem, instead of solving it.

Rejecting the CBD of a Global City: Globalization hit Taksim under unfavorable circumstances and hard. Around 1980 the impoverished southside of Taksim until the shores of the Golden Horn, and beyond, was perceived as a tabula rasa to establish a shiny CBD with high rises, intruded and encircled by express ring roads. That concept was politically rejected by İstanbulites, the CBD moved on. The undertaking produced high costs; Istanbul is still paying.

High Cost of a Haphazard Reaction The ad hoc antiCBD policies focused on saving the physical substance to re-create the urban identity. Greater Taksim, once again had to play the role model for the metropolis. The introduction of the nostalgic tram may have been a naive move; the compulsory transition of all shop signs into “gold on wood” may be remembered with a smile. The historicist wave resulted in the opposite of what it had aimed.

Not only modest structures got refurbished with a pseudo-classical stucco façade: Original classical buildings, or fine examples of 20th century modernism were demolished to be replaced by fake historicist replicas. The trend culminated in contested Demirören and Emek redevelopments, and was terminated with the mass rejection of the Taksim barracks restitution. The stylistic preferences for the Taksim Mosque are likely to seal off 3 historicist decades, enjoying augmented visibility at a relevant spot. Yapı Kredi Cultural Center as well as the new AKM hint at the path to come. A higher cost was paid by permanent functional change of Greater Taksim, since it was promoted as the venue that produces the real identity of Istanbul. Greater Taksim quickly lost residential population and risks so turning into an overtouristified Disneyland.

Overload, Overexcitement, Continued The Mosque and the new AKM will have to handle an increased volume of attention, so will the new museums and cultural centers opening now, making Greater Taksim the hotspot more than ever.

Residential

2.1.1. Maçka Valley Fragmentation

2.1.2. “Operation Tarlabaşı”

2.1.3. Overloadd Ridge Line

2.1.4. Municipal Boundaries

2.1.5 Commercialization

Hotels & Tourism Commercial Cultural

Education Public Use

3. Who is Taksimli?

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3.1. Key Themes and Proposed Team Structure NATURE LEED, Sustainability, Energy Conservation Consultant

MEP Consultant

nature

y

Urban History

mo bil it

Flora

Landscape

Transportation

MOBILITY

ory em m

Fauna

Security

MEMORY

Lighting Consultant

Archeologist

Architecture Team

Archaeology

Landscape Architecture Team

Topography Signage & Wayfinding

Taksim

Users

Community Arts and Culture Consultant

History of Urbanization and Urban Context Main Advisor

Neighbourhood Organizations

Public Art

Transportation Consultant

Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Structural Engineer

Installations

Artisans

Exhibits

un ity

Residents

cu

ltu re

Branding & Wayfinding Consultant

CORE DESIGN TEAM

m m

Events

Urban Design & Planning Team

Preservation

Accesibility

Historic Conservation & Preservation Consultant

Waste Management Consultant

Stormwater

co

COMMUNITY

CULTURE

Community Outreach Team

Institutional Culture & Arts Advisor

The ECOC process (2005-10) was based on a civic initiative, and had a vision of sustainable re-urbanization of the Greater Taksim Area, not at least, as a model for the metropolis. Reasonable low cost interventions would trigger the reestablishment of urbanity in Taksim: Retrofitting the AKM to function as a 24/7 cultural center, ceasing the use of the square as a bus terminal, and Gezi as a car park, and re-establishing the context within Maçka valley. Our main guideline is to reconnect to the same principles using strategies, which are appropriate today, after the big acts of the last decade.

The big architectural and urban design gestures at Taksim are comprehensible vis a vis the severity Taksim has taken up from the moment of its very foundation. It has acquired the symbolic value, where the statehood gets a built manifestation. It is no more realistic to expect getting rid of this attribute; the place, simply has it. Taksim is, “where the results gain visibility”: So the underlying process of negotiations should be transparent, democratic. The key actor here is the civitas, the users of place.

NATURE LEED, Sustainability, Energy Conservation

Consultant One should be aware of the capacities of disciplines of built environment: Urban design cannot solve problems but can assist in putting MEPbecome Consultantthe maker of place. When the civitas stood up to prevent further up meaningful framework to tackle them. The civic factor must commercial Disneyland development on Gezi, it demonstrated clear will to get grounded, re-naturalized and use its commons wisely. Their tradition goes back to 80s when first time spacio-politics became an issue, when atHistoric Tarlabaşı, Parkhotel, Gökkafes, top down decision making Conservation & Management Preservation Consultant on space was questioned for the first time. Waste Taksimli today, is mature to participate in the making of space.

Everyday.

Consultant MOBILITY

MEMORY However, Taksim is, in a way,Lighting “far away from Istanbul”: The days are gone and most likely never to come back, when Taksim was -beyond Consultant its importance on higher level- also a local piazza; when the “Taksimli” was a real person living around,Archeologist using the space 24/7. S/he won “a Architecture last historic battle” 30 years ago in the Park Hotel case, and then, simply left. Greater Taksim today is mainly used by offices, the tourism Team kinds and temporalities. Who does belong to Taksim ? Whom does infrastructure and leisure time industry, which attracts users of various Taksim belong to ?

Landscape Architecture Team

The answer today, can only be deduced from a multilayered multi-actor negotiation, as Taksim can only be approached in a multi-scalar Urban Design & Planning Team attitude. Negotiation, involves the dimension of a creative dispute about the urban memory. The “publicity” of Taksim first must be reCommunity Arts Branding & Wayfinding constructed. and Culture History of Urbanization Consultant

Consultant

and Urban Context Main Advisoronly meaningful,

An intervention within the Designated Project Area (DPA) is if it addresses the metropolitan context in general, and the context of Greater Taksim, the impact area in particular. We will call it the Greater Project Area (GPA).

Transportation Consultant

This proposal understands itself as a humble

Civil Engineering & Infrastructure contribution toStructural the newEngineer public negotiation

Scales of Approach Scales of Approach Scales of Approach

3.2. Scales of Approach

on Taksim, which “deserves a better project”.

CORE DESIGN TEAM COMMUNITY

CULTURE

Community Outreach Team

Institutional Culture & Arts Advisor

3.2.1. Metropolitan Area

3.2.2. Greater Project Area (GPA)

3.2.3. Designated Project Area (DPA)

4. Conceptual Framework: Basting the Pieces

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4.0. Basting the Pieces Placemaking by Orchestrating Uses and Synergies The symbolic wars at Taksim are fought. Today, as the big thing is over and the dust settles down, Taksim needs to normalize, reconnect to its civic spirit. Careful reinventions of good old practices, that simply got lost in metropolitan flow, and modest innovative interventions will help re-building urbanity. Back to normalization for Taksim means, basting its pieces together, which fell apart or were made invisible under the severity of big exclusionary ambitions. Back to normalization means, serving its users of all profiles, to allow them to pass on, to meet and build synergies, or to retreat in their paces, according to their wills.

4.1. Rebuilding Urbanity

4.1.1. Symbolic Space

4.1.2. Transitory “void”

4.1.3. Rebuilding urbanity through soft interventions, reorganizing flows and spatial possibilities

4.2 Pass, Meet, Greet, Rest, Retreat

4.2.1 Concentrated flows Transit points

4.2.2.

Thresholds Resting points

4.2.3.

Interrupted flows Retreating points

4.2.4.

Diverging flows Standing & Viewing points

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4.2.5.

Intersecting flows Meeting points

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4.3.7.

Identifying potential program pockets based on current tree survey

4.3.8.

Creating a natural stormwater management via permeable surfaces & remediation ponds

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NATURECOMMUNITY COMMUNITY CULTURE CULTURE

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4.3.4.

Increasing accessibility through topographic interventions

pedestrianized

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4.3.6.

Reconnecting Gezi Park to adjacent green and pedestrian axes

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DESIGN MOBILITY MOBILITY MEMORY MEMORY NATURE

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4.3.5.

Reliving urban memory through paths, interactive experiences and viewpoints

4.3.3.

Expanding on-grade public bus and tram access

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DESIGN

CULTURE

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post - dalan

CULTURE PRODUCED

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4.3.2.

Improving pedestrian access and bike paths as a series of loops

COMMUNITY NATURE MEMORY

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republican II

NATURE MEMORY MOBILITY

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4.3.1.

Utilizing key urban axes and sightlines

MEMORY MOBILITY DESIGN

MOBILITY DESIGN

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4.3 General Site Strategies

5. Metropolitan Connectivity

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5.1. Centrality vs Connectivity

5.1.1. Urbanization in Political Context (1923-1945)

5.1.2. Urbanization in Industrial Context (1945-1985)

5.1.3. Urbanization in the Context of Financialization (1985- )

The inherited multi-centrality of the bustling Ottoman Capital is obsolete. Connectivity is not on the agenda of the mono-centric city, the public transport infrastructure is shrinking. Boulevards are built, however as elements of beautification.

The mass transit system is dismantled, just when its most needed, the mobility is handled individually, as the city grows. The planned boulevards are realized, now as transit roads to serve the individual motor vehicles. Büyükdere drive connects Taksim to the newtown Levent. The west side of the ridge is developed industrially.

The first highway ring is built to connect the 3 industrial arteries.

CBD emerges in the industrial zone Levent, while Istanbul grows beyond 10 million. Specific areas for different central functions emerge, they all line up on the central N/S axis, Taksim acquires the qualities of a central hub, being at the geographical center of the N/S corridor. Its attractivity rises constantly, regardless of crises of any kind.

5.1.4. Multifocal Lattice The metropolitan area today is a multifocal lattice with many subcenters; multi-directional connectivities are needed: However, the ridge axis through Taksim remains today, a major carrier that both attracts and must handle excess transit load, which is not specifically targeting Greater Taksim.

N/S bypassing strategies must be developed, to take pressure away from the axis on the ridge.

In terms of an efficient pedestrianization within the Greater Taksim, the GPA must remain comfortably accessible 24/7 by means of public transport: Need for motorized private access must remain reserved for exceptional circumstances.

5.2. Precision in Travel Targeting Levent Axis 3 (Northern Lines)

Line 1 Line 3 Line 2

Balat

Line 4

Gayrettepe

Harbiye

Maçka Dolmabahçe Taksim

Taksim

Axis 2 (Cross-Bosphorus Lines)

Üsküdar Axis 1 (Coastal Lines)

Kazlıçeşme

5.2.1. Bypassing Taksim Per Mass Transit

5.2.2 Recalibrating Mass Transit Axes Terminating at or Looping around Taksim

Line 1 : (Under Construction) Kabataş-Mecidiyeköy-Mahmutbey-Esenyurt - The line helps both with bypass and specifically targets Taksim (Via Kabataş funicular line)

Decreased Bus Lines Along the Ridge - Due to increase of bypass capacities, some transit bus lines and/or trips using the road infrastructure via Taksim will be obsolete.

Line 2 : (In Planning) Kazlıçeşme-4. Levent-Cross to Asia - Parallel line from N to SW, bypassing Taksim/Yenikapı Line 3 : (Proposed) Northbound offspring of the LRT/Metroline Eminönü Alibeyköy, from Balat on.

- Connecting the Golden Horn Docklands via Piyalepaşa, Courthouse, Upper Cendere Valley with Levent 4 Line 4 : (Proposed) Northbound city tramline from Docklands-Maçka via Dolapdere-Osmanbey M2 Line - The 2 Valleys Maçka (existing) and Golden Horn (emerging) are similar in functions: Cultural / Educational / Convention: Due to close proximity, synergy effects and increased traffic in close proximity to Taksim to be expected.

New Express Bus Lines via New Tunnels off Dolmabahçe - The new tunnel infrastructure off Dolmabahçe towards Cendere (existing) and Levazım and further north (in development) must be efficiently utilized by public bus system both to bypass and specifically target Taksim.

New Bus Lines Using the Privileged Taksim Surface Shortcut - Conditions at the underground bus stops inside the Taksim tunnel are discouraging pedestrian access to Taksim.

- The surface ground of Taksim to be used by public buses.

- Overground passage from Gümüşsuyu (İnönü/TakıZafer) to Tarlabaşı/ Cumhuriyet and vice versa will be enabled.

- The privileged time saving access conditions of public transportation over private vehicles will encourage use of the public infrastructure.

- New lines will be established to use these connections.

6. Understanding Needs of the Greater Project Area (GPA)

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Greater Taksim comprises of neighborhoods in “walkable distance” that are interconnected with Taksim in terms of both historical urban development and current functionality. Ottoman Taksim was the joint between Pera and Şişli, Republican Taksim had integrated Maçka valley but turned Pera its back, The World City encompassed Beyoğlu, while remaining cut off from Maçka.

Connections to each neighborhood today comprises of a particular mixture of links in terms of topography, urban development and planning history, mutual social and economic impact and functional interdependency. A functional and integrated GPA is an essential component to reestablish the publicity of Taksim.

Greater Taksim is in spite of the comparable small size (less than 4x2 kms) functionally and socially extremely diverse, indeed a model city in itself. GPA will make a good inner city for Istanbul.

6.2. The North and East: Repairing the physical, programmatic and ecological disconnection

6.1. The West/Southside: So Close So Far !

Tackling the Social Disconnection Since the 19th century, the ridge demarcates segregation. Tarlabaşı operations made it explicit, pushed them downhill. Agenda is reintegration.

6.1.1 Elmadağ Elmadağ a neighborhood of arrival, considered a temporary residential area en passant.

Need: Soft neighborhood renewal strategies, generation of public space and social infrastructure to foster communal ties

Taksim Hill was conceptualized as an indivisible section of the program in the Maçka valley, however decision makers later wanted them cut off.

With the re-establishment of the AKM, the necessity of programmatic re-integration becomes visible.

The will to protect Gezi demands the ecological corridors re-established.

Pedestrians and bikers demand flowing access.

6.2.1. The Harbiye Axis An axis dedicated to pedestrians and bikers potentially exists. A border problem at the discretionary power of Greater Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

6.2.2. Maçka Valley Taksim square and the valley will be relinked by 3 pedestrian paths, a bike lane and the new tram line. For accessibilities, public negotiations will be necessary.

6.1.2 Kurtuluş Multicultural historical urban atmosphere, attractive for a young creative population. Isolated topographic location seperated by a valley.

Need: Direct connectivity

6.1.3 Dolapdere Large scale up-market redevelopments on former industrial and logistics grounds in utmost proximity to Taksim.

Area of harsh contrasts, risk of social tensions.

Need: A visionary social program of inclusion.

West

6.1.5 Tarlabaşı Stigmatized multifunctional township, well functioning self organized socioeconomic networks Need: Sustainable neighborhood development programs

6.2.3. The Taksim Cemetery Block / AKM It must be safeguarded that the planned gallery / passage to Atatürk Library remains accessible to public 7/24 East

6.3. The Functional Disconnection Production of Identity by “Living There” Policy6.1.1 recommendations: The Taksim Cemetery Block * Establish a new fused mahalle officially named “Taksim” 6.1.2 Maçka Valley surrounding the square 6.1.3 The Harbiye Axis * Hotel, pension, airbnb, etc. concessions be frozen 6.2.1 Elmadağ * Moratorium on all redevelopments for non-residential 6.2.2 Kurtuluş functions 6.2.3 Dolapdere * Listing buildings 6.2.4 Tarlabaşı * Support programs via İstanbul Development Agency for return 6.2.5 Kasımpaşa residential to permanently

6.1.6 Kasımpaşa The historical antidote of Pera, or lower Pera.

Need: Better connect to uptown Taksim.

6.2.6 Western Galata 6.3.1 Still somewhat a neighbourhood

6.1.7 Western Galata Production site: handcraft meets design and commerce.

Need: Official recognition, support, regulation to be made visible as a model

6.3.2 Not a neighbourhood anymore 6.3.3 Taksim Neighbourhood South

6.3.1 “Still Somewhat a Neighborhood” Ayaspaşa / Cihangir: Left-over reservoirs of living at Taksim. * Improve life quality in terms of mobility and the public space usage * Introduce public services to lower car dependency * Make Gezi and Maçka better, and enjoyable * Create quality of stay at the Taksim square: Make Taksim a local piazza again 6.3.2. Not a Neighborhood Anymore Talimhane, Cemetery block, Sıraselviler, Beyoğlu, Eastern Galata, Karaköy Talimhane: Former model neighborhood at Taksim exclusively touristified, semi gated.

Support residential use.

7. Re-integrating the Greater Project Area (GPA)

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7.1. Creating a Continuous Innovative Tram & Pedestrian Backbone

Green Network in Synergy with “Inner City” Pedestrian Backbone

Taksim PSH

Pedestrian Area

Odakule PSH

7.1.1 A Continuous, “Serviced” Pedestrian area - Integrates the GPA as an “inner city” - Pedestrians and inner city public transport systems (tram and bus) will share the same surfaces. (Bankalar, Meşrutiyet, İstiklal, Taksim Square, Congress Center) - Any kind of comfort people expect from using cars will be rendered by public Pedestrian Service Hubs: PSH’s are entry ports, interfaces of vehicled and pedestrian mobility, service and logistics centers enabling modality exchange - Service facilities, welcoming safe, cozy, comfortably connected, free of barriers, accessible

New “Airline” Connection to Kurtuluş

Serviced Pedestrian Area

Maçka Park & Congress Center Meşrutiyet Street

Taksim

Maçka

Bankalar Street

a. For Vehicles: Designated areas to arrive, wait, depart - drop off/pick up areas for private vehicles, shuttle and tourist buses, minivans and delivery trucks - taxi, and dolmuş stands, bus stops and terminals - parking b. For Goods, Packages and Parcels: Transfer and temporary storage areas

7.1.2. Tramline Maçka/Karaköy Karaköy

- Modern light city tram suitable for pedestrian areas - Bankalar – Meşrutiyet section - Tested rail track, served İstanbul for almost a century - Pedestrianized with integrated Pedestrian Service Hubs - Şişhane, Takızafer, Mete, Taşkışla in traffic flow - İstiklal, Congress Center in pedestrian zone - Behind CRR, joins with the Maçka-Docklands bypass line - Elevated special track until Terminal Maçka

Extended Tram Line Dolapdere Haliç Docklands Taksim

7.1.3 Creating a Topographical Intranet for GPA

Dolmabahçe Kabataş Karaköy

Intranet Public Shuttle Rings

Intranet Public Bus Lines and Stops

- Steep Topography: GPAs major handicap to integrate - Shuttle ring-lines / frequent services with mini and midi coaches - Reduce individual car and cab rides - Relate to disconnected neighborhoods in slopes and valleys,which are dependent on individual mobility - Integrate the cultural institutions, which create a high demand for short distance trips within the GPA - Utilize the 19th century street infrastructure : direct links between the ridge and the valleys

8. Redesigning Mobility Infrastructure at the DPN

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8.1 Improving Pedestrian Access to DPA

Green Network, Bicycles and Pedestrians

- Extended sidewalks at tunnel entrances by removing private vehicular “u turns” at the Elmadağ and Tarlabaşı tunnel entrances - Closed off vehicular tunnel underpass exit at Asker Ocağı Street to extend and repair the northern edge of Gezi Park back to its original state - Accessible cross circulation paths through Gezi from Elmadağ to Gümüşsuyu - Interconnected bicycle and pedestrian loops from Gezi Park to Maçka Valley and Harbiye

8.2 Rerouting vehicular Access at DPA

“The Oculus”

Public Parking

Taxis

AKM Public Parking

P

- No private vehicles, taxis or shuttles to be allowed at tunnel entrances to Taksim, u-turns impeding pedestrian access to be removed - Traffic for cancelled bypass underpass exit at Asker Ocağı Street rerouted via western perimeter of Talimhane - Private parking consolidated at AKM, Habertürk Building and Divan Hotel public parking garages to remove curbside parking around Taksim and discourage private vehicular traffic around the square - On demand taxi stands to be placed at Gümüşsuyu, Talimhane, Elmadağ, and AKM East exit, with a taxi terminal at existing underground vehicular tunnel

P

Public Parking

8.2.1 Key Intersection Diagrams

Taxis

P

Taxis

Vehicular Rerouting “The Oculus”

Taxis

Street level Vehicles and Taxis

Surface Bus Stops

8.2.1.1 Tarlabaşı

8.2.1.2 Elmadağ

8.2.1.3 Mete Caddesi

Surface Bus Stops

8.3. Public transit lines and stops relocated to street level with a new transit center connection

Surface Bus Stops

Street Level On grade public bus and shuttle transportation lines

- Public bus and shuttle only lanes to be formed on street level connecting Cumhuriyet Street, Tarlabaşı Boulevard, and Tak-ı Zafer Street to allow holistic public transport integration of GPA to Taksim.

- Bus lines to operate on grade with barrier-free characteristics to minimize interference with pedestrian flows on site.

- New multi level transit connector next to Republic Monument to connect new street level bus and shuttle line stops, new extended tram line stops and underpass taxi and private shuttle stands at tunnel intersection

“The Oculus”

8.4. İstiklal Street tram line extended to Maçka Valley via Mete Caddesi

Street Level Extended urban tram line

Relocated subway Entrance “The Oculus”

Funicular Relocated Street Level access

Loading / Unloading

B1 Vehicular underpass with taxi and private shuttle stop, access to street via the “Oculus”, direct connection to funicular station, loading dock for events

8.5. Existing vacant zone of vehicular underpass utilized for private shuttles, taxis and as back-of-house loading dock for events and commercial programs on street level Funicular B1 Direct Connection Taxi & Private Shuttle Hub

Funicular Station

B2, B3, B4 Funicular and subway platforms

- Nostalgic tram converted to a modern, mini urban tram line to be used as a continuous spine extending from historical Bankalar Street in Karaköy, historically planned Meşrutiyet Street, utilizing the existing axis on İstiklal Street, running around the rotunda and extending to the culture and eco valley of Maçka Park via Mete Street.

- Tram to run on shared vehicular roads along Mete Street to encourage slow, pedestrian friendly traffic flow. Precise path of tram connection on Taksim to be studied further to minimize disruption and existing mobility.

Subway Station

- New traffic intersection at tunnel underpass proposed to slow traffic flow at proposed transit center connection, and allow shuttle & taxi traffic in both directions from drop-off pickup pedestrian area.

8.6. Underground funicular and subway vertical and horizontal circulation connected - New underground connections created between funicular station, subway station and proposed underground taxi & shuttle hub to create better cross-transit flow for pedestrians - Inviting, open ground level connections created at new transit center and funicular street level entrance to augment sense of place and arrival.

9. Designated Project Area

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9.1 Spatial Choreography Pedestrian & bicycle access to Maçka Valley, area of memory View, Meet: Pedestrian Bridge Meet: Gezi entrance steps, closed off tunnel exit at Asker Ocağı, extended sidewalks

Rest, meet, greet Enjoy the Atatürk Library Gardens, open to all

Rest: Taksim Gardens Natural water infiltration Basin Taksim Communal Gardens & Multi Purpose Pavilions

Gezi gardens dog park

Viewing platform to Cumhuriyet Promenade Community center, info & security point bicycle parking Civic Center, Subway connection, B1 level event staging, loading dock

individual space

The Cultural Mile & Linear Festival Space Gezi oasis, open space

Meet: Talimhane & Gezi mini amphitheater Collective space Workshops, fabrication and artisans: Culture is when, a washing machine is dismantled in a backyard of Tarlabaşı and its parts live on in other machines.

A craftsman in Galata meets an engineer to find a solution together.

Cafe, outdoor seating

View: Gezi platform overlooking Taksim square, underground connection

raised surface, civic center

playground bicycle parking

New Surface and underground transit connector: The Oculus & Canopy Take the Pedestrian seriously!

Gezi Terasse: Vista point overlooking Istanbul under an ancient tree Remediation Pond Performative Ecology Gezi, is actually a flower pot, a former piece of urban land, which nature was allowed to gain back. It did the job amazingly well.

We will underline how good that unique ecosystem performs.

It will allow participatory observation in the middle of an urban oasis.

Historical Mile An archaeology of yesterday: To help reconciliation Former decisions and interventions have been exclusive in character, with a total attitude. What if we broke the vicious cycle? Dechiphered former interventions, made them visible?

Archaeological dig site of Topçu Barracks foundations Mixed soft-scape & hardscape area in front of AKM - slower flow and a place to be

Interactive water feature Celebrate, allow !

Taksim ows its very existence to water. It will be a place to celebrate water. It will be a place where it will be allowed.

Raised ground leads the way to light and meaningful connections to the funicular station below, without compromising the square’s spatial integrity

Commercial edge of İstiklal to be simplified and given architectural definition, without compromising the privacy or ownership rights of Aya Triada Church.

Viewing terrace overlooking Taksim at Marmara Hotel, open to all as a public amenity

9.2 Use scenarios

9.2.1. Flow Active ground for movement

9.2.2. Quotidian Spontaneous meetings & transient uses

9.2.3. Weekly Communal, local uses & gatherings at small scale

9.2.4. Monthly District uses & events at mid scale, holidays, festivals

9.2.5. Seasonal Changing of spatial character through nature

10. Taksim As a Volume

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10.1. Sectional Transformation of Taksim

5 4 3 2 1

10.2. Proposed Section Interventions

10.1.1 The Beginnings

10.2.1. Tak-ı Zafer Edge - New surface connection for Funicular Station - Interactive water feature at Maksem

10.1.2.

Taksim Plateau

10.1.3.

Taksim Junction

10.1.4 pre - modern The First

pre - modern

early- modern

early- modern

new ottoman

new ottoman

republican I

republican I

republican II

republican II

post - dalan

Republican intervention

early- 10.1.5 modern The Second Republican intervention

new ottoman

10.1.6 Hitting Globalization

republican I

new ottoman

republican I

republican I

republican II

republican II

pedestrianized

10.1.7 The Anti-CBD reaction

republican II

pedestrianized

post - dalan

10.1.8 Post-ECOC

post - dalan

pedestrianized

republican II

po

10.2.3. Behind Gezi Steps - Archaeological dig site at Historic Barracks foundation - Raised surface at Gezi Park with civic center program - Vertical circulation for transit connections - Gezi View Platform overlooking Taksim Square

post - dalan

10.2.4. Gezi as an Oasis - Gezi Park Social Space - New East-West Pedestrian Bridge across Gezi Park - Mini amphitheater / plaza connecting Gezi Park with Talimhane pedestrian area

pedestrianized

post - dalan

post - dalan

10.2.2. The Square - New transit center connecting underpass taxi drop-off and shuttle stop with street level public buses, shuttles and extended tram stop

10.2.5. North End of Gezi - Viewing platform at Gezi Northeast corner - Natural remediation pond - Gezi Pavilion, relocated subway entrance, event staging area & dedicated loading dock at vehicular underpass

10.2.6. Asker Ocağı Street - Expanded pedestrian bridge over Asker Ocağı Street - Closed off underpass tunnel exit, extended sidewalk zone along Gezi Park Elmadağ edge

ped

11. Taksim, A Multilayered Connector

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Pedestrian Passage to Maรงka Park

Community pavilion, info and security point, bicycle parking Event staging & service lift

Funicular connection

Taxi & Shuttle Stand

The Oculus, street level pedestrian connection

11.1. Quotidian Flows Everyday Taksim

11.2. The Oculus, a multilevel transit connector

11.4 Section through Oculus and Funicular Station

11.3. Funicular Ground Connection as a topographic element

12. Taksim, An Urban Commons

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Taksim Neighborhood Communal Gardens

Gezi Grounds, softscape cafe, seating communal space next to new civic center

Workshops, fabrication, and small scale artisanal production stations

Existing structure removed to provide open access to mosque under construction, a new entrance tied to TarlabaĹ&#x;Äą with a pedestrian bridge over the vehicular underpass

12.1. Weekends in Taksim Locals, families, communities and urban visitors

12.2. Reunion, Gezi and Talimhane stitched again as parts of a whole

12.4 Section through Cumhuriyet Caddesi and Heart of Gezi Park

12.3 The West finds its place, workshops and artisans under the Gezi Shell

13. Taksim, A Place of Memory

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Memory wall featuring interactive installations, information boards and artwork relating to the history of Taksim along Mete Caddesi

Archaeological dig zone for historical Barracks along Mete Caddesi, accessible passage from Gümüşsuyu to Gezi Park by removing barriers

Remembering Prost’s Stairs at Taksim Gardens Elmadağ Corner, extended sidewalks thanks to closed off tunnel exit on Asker Ocağı Street.

Cumhuriyet Street Tarlabaşı Boulevard vehicular underpass entrances to remain but be adjusted for sidewalk width optimization.

Repairing the Southwestern edge of Gezi Park & Prost’s ramps back to their original footprint, creating a shaded street level subway connection (escalators and elevator), as well as a viewing platform at the park level overlooking the Republican Monument, Maksem, the Mosque and Aya Triadad Church

13.1. Living History Citywide celebrations, commemorations

13.2 Digging Down, Archaeology site for Historic Barracks

13.3 Looking Back, Experiencing Living History Through Key Vistas

14. Taksim, A Performative Ecology

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YALANCI AKASYA (19)

ALACA YAP. AKCAAGAC (52) CESITLI TURLER (59) PORSUK (10)

CENNET AGACI (7) OYA AGACI (16)

PITOS (38) SIGLA (5)

AT KESTANESI (10) AKCAAGAC (33)

KURTBAGRI (37) ALEV AGACI (13)

MESE (28) FISTIK CAMI (19)

KIRMIZI YAPRAKLI ERIK (15) KAFKAS IHLAMURU (19)

GUMUSI IHLAMUR (31)

LEYLANDII (39) TIJLI ZAKKUM (18)

HERDEM YESIL MANOLYA (48) LONDRA CINARI (63) DOGU CINARI (127)

GEZI PARK | TREE ANALYSIS | TREE SPECIES

GULIBRISIM (10)

DISBUDAK (20)

A performative landscape, a naturally filtered retention & remediation pond as well as a social infrastructure for users to enjoy and cool off

14.1. Spring Blossoms Abound!

Citywide Nature Festival Celebrating Native Blossoming Trees Species

Stormwater Remediation

Bioswales

14.2 Gezi park as a social and ecological infrastructure

Terracing

Temporary Structures

Outdoor Spaces

14.3 A Space for everyone, an interactive waterscape for kids, pigeons and adults

15. Taksim, A Cultural Topography

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A 16 meter wide linear event space with stepless one-way public transit lanes on each side separates the pedestrian promenade from the activity space. An amphitheater carved into Gezi Park’s footprint based on visual axes from Talimhane reconnects the two sides of Cumhuriyet Caddesi, and provides a new moment to rest, breathe and gather. Service lifts from each side of the promenade, nestled under the shell of Gezi Park connect to the new loading dock and staging area on the vehicular underpass, facilitating event mobilization without affecting street level flows.

15.1. A New Decade Taksim welcomes a new era. Visitors from the city, country and the globe gather in a series of events to celebrate the return of the iconic balloon!

Removable paving with supply lines underneath allows for infrastructural and structural needs of events and temporary structures to be easily catered to.