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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 BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION COMMUNITY NATURE CULTURE COMMUNITY
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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.