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Conceptually ‘Taksim project’ represents the unification of all Istanbul bringing every aspect of the city into a single meeting point, it is the most influential position for all Istanbul; its inhabitants and visitors alike. Our aspiration is to reflect this mergence and convey the two dominant West-East elements into a single and central point, highlighting the accomplishments of both components in one representative central zone. To this end, the name ‘Union square’ will replace Taksim as a symbol of the transformation. We will unify the triangular Taksim Union component of the design into the park to create a oneness giving the sense the park, square and newly positioned flag are unified.
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Our intention is to bring alive the current space surrounding the Repubic Monument (Statue), by better linking Union Square, the Republic road making the area a more pedestrian friendly place by incorporating and constructing a new small introductory Istanbul-city museum and cafĂŠ spaces for people to gather and shop for traditional items by creating boutique shopping facilities that provide a focus for people to meet before and after coming to the center. Our project intentionally combines the concept of the shops-museum into the area presently known as Gezi-park thereby encompassing all.
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FORMINGPROCESS OF FIXED FUNCTION BUILDINGS
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This concept uniforms the present multi-access points into one focal location thereby making ‘traffic’ more manageable and efficient while at the same time allowing for better use of previously undervalued spaces. Access to this single exitentrance will give an ‘open feel’ that users can access from all major points of the Union square: AKM Istiklal, park etc. This single open access point will provide a focal, centralized and conceptually welcoming entrance-exit that unifies.
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To fully incorporate and to include the whole of the Union Square an extension of the present Tramway system will permit a more inclusive element to the proposed site. Its existence will allow access to all regions of the development that will benefit users and may inspire future expansion thus unifying a still greater segment of the city. By creating a one-way system modifications to the Mete Street road will reduce traffic congestion.
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The ultimate and primary mission of this project is to extend the present green areas and use the essential elements of the current park but enhance the existing features by using more visually striking elements to manage Union Park’s open green spaces. The project embodies a calm tranquil green area for all, a respite from the stresses of the city. A central green haven with cross pathways for simplified use and seating that allow reflection and contemplation while at the same time permitting effortless access to all the sites now unified.
GEZI PARK INSIDE VIEW
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