38_AE0718SR by konkuristanbul

URBAN COMMONS

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“We are almost there!” she says to her daughter,

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

HISTORY AND OVERVIEW

MEMORY MAPPING

Taksim suffers from neglect. Of all major metropolises in Europe and North America, Istanbul spends the most amount of money on public spaces. However Taksim, once Istanbul’s greatest civic amenity, is currently longing for its glorious past.

1560

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1923

1937-1943

Ayas Pasha, a vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent, established his foundation including a cemetery. When the great plague of Istanbul Ayas Pasha, a vizier of Suleiman the broke out, Ayas Pasha Cemetery Magnificent, established his was extended from Taksim to foundation including a cemetery. Harbiye with the annexation of When the great plague of Istanbul other The Armenian broke cemeteries. out, Ayas Pasha Cemetery Surp Agop (Saint Jacob) cemetery was extended from Taksim to dated back theannexation great plague Harbiye withtothe of of Istanbul in 1560. The and other cemeteries. TheCatholic Armenian Protestant wascemetery also Surp Agop Cemetery (Saint Jacob) located in this areagreat that was called dated back to the plague of “Grand until IstanbulChamps in 1560. des TheMorts” Catholic and late 19th century. Protestant Cemetery was also located in this area that was called “Grand Champs des Morts” until late 19th century.

Selim III began the construction of military barracks in this area for the artillary corps of the new army. building completed Selim The III began the was construction of in 1806, barracks yet suffered considerable military in this area for damage during theofKabakçı the artillary corps the new Mustafa revolt in 1807. was army. The building wasItcompleted repaired under the reign of in 1806, yet suffered considerable Mahmud II and later under the damage during the Kabakçı reign of Abdulaziz in 1860s. Mustafa revolt in 1807. It wasThe building anthe ecclectic style repaired had under reign of with orientalist influences. Mahmud II and later under the reign of Abdulaziz in 1860s. The building had an ecclectic style with orientalist influences.

Aya Triada (Holy Trinity) Church was built in the place where the old Greek Orthodox cemetery was located. The edifice, designed by architect Vasilios Aya Triada (Holy Trinity) Church was Ioannis, stillplace functions asthe a Greek built in the where old Greek Orthodox Church. cemetery was located. The edifice, designed by architect Vasilios Ioannis, still functions as a Greek Orthodox Church.

Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire was occupied by British, French and Italian forces at of thethe end of Istanbul, the capital the First World Ottoman EmpireWar, wasfrom 13 November to 4 October occupied by1918 British, French 1923. and Italian forces at the end of the First World War, from 13 November 1918 to 4 October 1923.

Istanbul was liberated on 4 October 1923. The foundation of the Republic of Turkey was proclaimed Octoberon29,4 1923. Istanbul wason liberated Mustafa Atatürk, the of October Kemal 1923. The foundation leader of the of War of was the Republic Turkey Independence the founder proclaimed on and October 29, 1923.of the Republic, Mustafa Kemalbecame Atatürk,the thefirst Turkish leader ofpresident. the War of Independence and the founder of the Republic, became the first Turkish president.

In his master plan for Istanbul, Henri Prost proposed Park No. 2 as a green corridor that connected Maçka Valley plan to Harbiye, in order to In his master for Istanbul, Henri offer space for No. recreation Prost green proposed Park 2 as a to the residents Istanbul. He green corridorofthat connected designed GezitoPark as aninesplanade, Maçka Valley Harbiye, order to aoffer formal entrance to the green area green space for recreation to from Taksim Square. GeziHe Park the residents of Istanbul. replaced Artillery designedthe GeziTaksim Park as an esplanade, Barracks that weretodemolished in a formal entrance the green area 1940. Mayor Dr. Lütfi Gezi Kırdar from Taksim Square. Park inaugurated parkArtillery in 1943. replaced the the Taksim Barracks that were demolished in 1940. Mayor Dr. Lütfi Kırdar inaugurated the park in 1943.

1560

Taksim is the very first public square of the newly established Turkish Republic. It is the place where the soul of water (Maksem) has paved the way for democracy, that is rights, equity and access. Together with Taksim Cumhuriyet Square, Gezi Park has been remembered as the place where the people of all groups claimed their “right to the city”, right to participate in the decision-making processes about the future of their environment. The current conditions of Taksim Cumhuriyet Square and Gezi Park mirror its turbulent past. The conflict between the historic moments we celebrate and the ones we condemn has resulted in the utter neglect of this area. The square where people once gathered, socialized, celebrated and protested, became a concrete desert, a stranger to its people. The once lively park turned into an in-between passage, its greens and historic landmarks ignored. The maltreatment is apparent both in their physical damages and the area’s psychological weight. While many of the problems are visible at the square and in the park, we reframe the problem by focusing on the user, and how they feel. Throughout May-June 2020, we conducted a digital survey where we had both Turkish and international Istanbul residents participate. When asked about current conditions, all answers were either negative or apathetic, and many of the answers included the words “cold”, “grey” and “unsafe”. Although the survey showed that the square and park were both believed to be of great importance - the words “historic” and “landmark” commonly used in its answers - it also presented that currently the area mainly functions as a transfer hub to other areas.

1804

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1918-1923

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1731

1865

1909

1921

The name of Taksim Square comes from the Maksem, the water distributer built for the apportion water toSquare meet the The name of Taksim increasing in thisthe part of comes fromdemand the Maksem, the city. The historical water distributer built building for the that was built undertoAhmet III and apportion of water meet the Mahmut I, isdemand the oldest structure increasing in this part of standing in the square,building together the city. The historical with the water leveling towerIII and that was built under Ahmet located the north of the area. MahmutatI, is the oldest structure standing in the square, together with the water leveling tower located at the north of the area.

Taksim Municipal Garden was opened in 1865, in the place of the old Catholic and Protestant Cemetery relocated in 1853-1854, by Taksim Municipal Garden was the initiative of Istanbul SixthofDistrict opened in 1865, in the place the Municipality. Adjacent to the Artillery old Catholic and Protestant Barracks, first public garden ofby Cemeterythis relocated in 1853-1854, Istanbul, wasof designed M. Deroin. the initiative Istanbulby Sixth District It contained aAdjacent two storey wooden Municipality. to the Artillery kiosk, an orchestra lodge garden and a of Barracks, this first public music hall. Istanbul, was designed by M. Deroin. It contained a two storey wooden kiosk, an orchestra lodge and a music hall.

Following the declaration of the Second Constitution in 1908, soldiers in the Mecidiye (Taşkışla) Topçu Kışlasıof Following and the declaration (Artillery) started the Secondbarracks Constitution in a revolt against the new gov1908, soldiers in the Mecidiye ernment April 13thKışlası 1909. (Taşkışla)on and Topçu Known as “31st March Inci- a (Artillery) barracks started dent”, the uprising wasgovrevolt against the new supressed 13 days the ernment oninApril 13thby1909. Army KnownofasAction. “31st March Incident”, the uprising was supressed in 13 days by the Army of Action.

The courtyard of Topçu Kışlası was transformed into a football stadium in Istanbul. Football matches The courtyard of Topçu were here between Kışlasıplayed was transformed into Turkish teams and in the a football stadium soldiers the occupation Istanbul.of Football matches forces. Fenerbahçe won the were played here between General Harrington cup after Turkish teams and the wining match with soldiersthe of the occupation against the British team. forces. Fenerbahçe won the General Harrington cup after wining the match with against the British team.

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1909

TOP 3 IMPROVEMENTS:

1937-1943

1928

1921

In addition to how people felt about the site, we also wanted to understand what the square and park mean to both locals and tourists today. We conducted an Instagram analysis where we monitored the hashtags shared in Taksim and neighboring areas between the months of May - September 2020. We wanted to observe why people were in the areas, and what keywords they preferred to use to describe their experience and relation to the site. Taksim’s top three hashtags turned out to be “organic bread”, “bread” and “follow me”, showing us the disconnect between the people and the site’s historic value and genius loci

2013 Trees were cut down in Taksim Gezi Park to reconstruct the Artillery Barracks of the Ottoman Era. This prompted byinecologists, and Trees wereprotests cut down Taksim Gezi Taksim and Gezi Park became Park to Square reconstruct the Artillery the focal of point anti-government Barracks theof Ottoman Era. This demonstrations, known as Gezi Events, prompted protests by ecologists, and which across Taksimrapidly Squarespread and Gezi Parkthe became country. the focal point of anti-government demonstrations, known as Gezi Events, which rapidly spread across the country.

1955

Atatürk Cultural Center, designed by architect Hayati Tabanlıoğlu, was inaugurated as the State Opera and Ballet of Istanbul on 12 April.However a fire that Cultural broke out duringdesigned a theaterbyplay, in 1970, Atatürk Center, architect devastated the building, which couldas only Hayati Tabanlıoğlu, was inaugurated thereopen State in 1977. then AKM has been a significant nodeain OperaSince and Ballet of Istanbul on 12 April.However Taksim a multi-purpose cultural fire thatSquare, broke out during a theater play, center in 1970,and an icon of Istanbul. Demolished for theonly purpose ofin devastated the building, which could reopen renovation, the building redesigned by Muratnode in 1977. Since then AKM has been a significant Tabanlıoğlu, hasabeen under construction since and 2018 Taksim Square, multi-purpose cultural center and expected to reopen in 2021.for the purpose of an icon of Istanbul. Demolished renovation, the building redesigned by Murat Tabanlıoğlu, has been under construction since 2018 and expected to reopen in 2021.

1954-65

‘Cumhuriyet Anıtı’, the monument dedicated to the Republic was designed by the sculptor Pietro ‘Cumhuriyet Anıtı’, Canonica the and locateddedicated at Taksim to the monument Square commemorate Republictowas designed bythe struggle for liberation and the sculptor Pietro Canonica the of the young andfoundation located at Taksim Turkish Republic. Square to commemorate the struggle for liberation and the foundation of the young Turkish Republic.

1928

1975

1969

BY SURVEY RESOURCES

1969

1960 The first coup in the

Republic of Turkey took 1960 place on the 27th of May.

The new Constitution first coup in the was approved byTurkey a referendum Republic of took held July27th 1961,ofand placeon on9the May. general werewas held The newelections Constitution on 15 October approved by a 1961. referendum held on 9 July 1961, and general elections were held on 15 October 1961.

Taksim

İstiklal

#bread #organicbread #followme

#sahhaf #bookstagram #tbt

Cihangir

Karaköy

#komik #makara #tbt

#art #photography #karaköy

Dolapdere

Maçka Park

#streetphotography #photooftheday #lifestyle

#dog #nature #labrador

Dolmabahçe

Nişantaşı

#dolmabahçe #architecture #palace

#fashion #ombre #design

Elmadağ

Pera

#nostalji #instagood #photooftheday

#art #taksim #pera

Galata

Sıraselviler

#aktivler #istanbul #turkey

#tattoo #taksim #ink

Galataport

Talimhane

#survivor2020 #photographclub #artwork

#dudak #fillers #‫رغاسکینیلک‬

Gezi Park

Taşkışla

#gezi #occupygezi #istanbul

#itu #architecture #art

Gümüşsuyu

Teleferik

#bag #design #pilates

#nature #travel #maçka

Harbiye

Tünel

#comics #collectibles #marvel

#theworldofdrums #drumsdaily #drumvibez

#fashion

5 4 3

#comics

#nature

#dog

London

NYC

Istanbul

Bombay

#nostalji

Global Green Space Survey: Acres of Parkland / 1000 person

#architecture #streetphotography

#fillers

#gezi

#bread

7 6

#palace

#bag

#tattoo

#sahhaf

#makara

#art

4 3

#theworldofdrums

#istanbul

HASHTAG MAP 0

Toronto

London

NYC

#art

Istanbul

Bombay

Data sourced from Instagram in May - September (2020)

1977 In 1970s, Taksim Square became the

most important public square for 1977 political manifestations in Turkey.

However, the celebrations of In 1970s, Taksim Square became the International Worker’s on for the 1st most important public Day square of May, turned into a massacre, political manifestations in Turkey. caused by shootings on leftist However, the celebrations of demonstrators who were International Worker’s Daygathered on the 1st in a of the May,square. turnedRemembered into a massacre, “Bloody First of May,”on this event has caused by shootings leftist marked the collective memory. demonstrators who were gathered in the square. Remembered a “Bloody First of May,” this event has marked the collective memory.

2011 The pedestrianization project of

2015

(demolished in 1940), in The pedestrianization project of addition to was removing busto the Square part ofthe plans stops, and shifting the traffic reconstruct Topçu Barracks underground tunnels. (demolished invia1940), in addition to removing the bus stops, and shifting the traffic underground via tunnels.

met with the resistance of citizens in 2015 Taksim Square. Helicopters fired on

the Square was part of plans to 2011 reconstruct Topçu Barracks

The coup attempt on 15 July was

2019

the gathering around Taksim The crowds coup attempt on 15 July was Republic met with Monument. the resistance of citizens in Taksim Square. Helicopters fired on the crowds gathering around Taksim Republic Monument.

İmamoğlu as Mayor 2019 of Istanbul.

Election of Ekrem

Election of Ekrem İmamoğlu as Mayor of Istanbul.

Hotel Integration

Regional Culture and Nature Walk Gezi Park is the Gate to the green cooridor envisioned by H. Prost. Restituting the continuity of this system of parks is of utmost importance, both for the life quality of citizens and as an uninterrupted ecological corridor.

Atatürk Library Integration

Theitslandscape Intercontinental Hotel treats the park as a back yard on 3 edges. around the library prevents it from fulfilling its potential This hard edge condition also contributes to the unsafe feel of the Park Intercontinental Hotel treats the park as a back yard on its 3 edges. AKM Integration This hard edge condition also contributes to the unsafe feel of the Park With three lanes width and fast traffic flow Mete Cad acts as an urban barrier between AKM and the Main Square Park Parking Hotel Integration Fragmentation of Allowing Green vehicular Space parking inside the parkIntercontinental disrupts its function Hotel treats the park as a back yard on its 3 edges. Existing Green spaces of Gezi Park is excessively divided, segregated Lack of Access Thisand hard edge condition also contributes to the unsafe feel of the Park Lack of Access compartmented. Lack of free green space disallows people to interact. Elevated Park is accessible to all Elevated Park is accessible to all

Hotel Integration

Non-existing Programming Lack of activities on site prevent it from being a destination

Lack of Access Elevated Park is accessible to all

Trees Space of Green 16 Neglected 3 Fragmentation 11 Lack of Safety - Underlit Areas

Lack of Access

Malnourished and Park incoherent canopy divided, design issegregated not in line with Existing Green spaces of Gezi is excessively and the original HenryLack Prostofdesign. Especially recently planted adds to a chaotic compartmented. free green space disallows people trees to interact. Fragmentation of Green Space spatial relationship . Existing Green spaces of Gezi Park is excessively divided, segregated and Lack of correct lighting in the park discourages night usage compartmented. Lack of free green space disallows people to interact.

Elevated Park is accessible to all

7 1

How might we create a destination that is welcoming and inclusive?

2017

2013

Site Area Scale Comparison

Global Green Space Survey: Acres of Parkland / 1000 person

Toronto

1980

2017 Designed by Şefik Birkiye and Selim Dalaman, Taksim Mosque is still under construction. Designed by Şefik Birkiye and Selim Dalaman, Taksim Mosque is still under construction.

BY SURVEY RESOURCES

#photographclub

DESIGN PROPOSAL

1980 Following a coup d’état headed by the Chief of the General Staff, for the next three years the Turkish armed forces ruledd’état the country Following a coup headed by through National Security the Chiefthe of the General Staff, for Council democracy was the nextbefore three years the Turkish restored with ruled the 1983 armed forces the Turkish country general throughelection. the National Security Council before democracy was restored with the 1983 Turkish general election.

The area of the park was diminished with the construction of big hotels. First, Hilton Hotel was built The area of the park was in the Park no. Later a diminished with2.the national competition of construction of big hotels. architecture was opened for First, Hilton Hotel was built ainsecond that the Parkhotel no. 2. Later a replaced the Municipal national competition of Music Hall in was Taksim architecture opened for Bahçesi. a second hotel that replaced the Municipal Music Hall in Taksim Bahçesi.

How might we engage the public and inspire the future?

1975 Designed by architect Sedad Hakkı Eldem, the building was commissioned by Vehbi Koç Foundation as a complex featuring libraryHakkı and Designed abymuseum, architecta Sedad exhibition The was building that has Eldem, thehalls. building commissioned been usedKoç as Atatürk Library, by Vehbi Foundation as a depending complex on IBB since 1981, is aafavorite place of featuring a museum, library and university exhibition students. halls. The building that has been used as Atatürk Library, depending on IBB since 1981, is a favorite place of university students.

CURRENT IMPRESSIONS OF TAKSIM:

How might we honor the spatial memory and restore the genius loci?

1969 On February 16th, a demonstration was organized by 76 youth groups of left wing, to protest against the On February 16th, a arrival of the USwas 6thorganized Fleet at demonstration Istanbul. Thegroups protesters were by 76 youth of left attacked by rightagainst wing the wing, to protest groups. arrival of the US 6th Fleet at Istanbul. The protesters were attacked by right wing groups.

1954-65

The improvements the respondents want are directly linked with the feelings they have about Taksim Cumhuriyet Square and Gezi Park. While a significant majority reminisced about the green which once dominated the area, nearly half of the respondents wanted to see less police, indicating the mental association of police presence with the violent events in Taksim’s history. The survey was thus instrumental in understanding the emotional consequences and implications of such an historic timeline.

1955 The mob attacks known as 6-7 September Incidents were directed primarily to Istanbul’s Greek minority. The mob attacksLooters known as 6-7 plundered shops and Septembermany Incidents were properties belonging to the directed primarily to Istanbul’s non-muslim citizens in Istiklâl Greek minority. Looters Avenue andmany Beyoğlu. plundered shops and properties belonging to the non-muslim citizens in Istiklâl Avenue and Beyoğlu.

Lack of Access Elevated Park is accessible to all

10of Urban Furniture 12 Lack

Lack of Safety - Police Presence

Lack of Access Elevated Park is accessible to all

15 Underground Bus Terminal

Current design does not support wellness, and lacks air and light

AKM Integration With three lanes width and fast traffic flow Mete Cad acts as an urban barrier between AKM and the Main Square

Lack of Access Elevated Park is accessible to all

Current design does not support wellness, and lacks air and light

15 Underground Bus Terminal

Policing the square Not enough restingofareas on the creates square an air of tension. Police being too visible promotes lack of safety

Non-human Passing Centered Through Design Colossal pedestrian The square hardscape mainlydoes acts as notameet transfer human pointneeds and lacks reasons to pause

Cumhuriyet Monument Integration Past interventions on the site decentered the monument, leaving it too much on the way of everyday commute making it invisible to everyday eye. Monument deserves an intervention to promote its importance and value.

13 Taxi Squatting

Without designated spaces, taxis block the traffic flow

IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS

Lack of Access Elevated Park is accessible to all

AKM Integration With three lanes width and fast traffic flow Mete Cad acts as an urban barrier between AKM and the Main Square

Fragmentation of Green Space

Non-existing Programming

Existing Green spaces of Gezi Park is excessively divided, segregated and compartmented. Lack of free green space disallows people to interact.

Hotel Integration Intercontinental Hotel treats the park as a back yard on its 3 edges. This hard edge condition also contributes to the unsafe feel of the Park

Despite the neglect, this vast public land couldn’t be stripped of its virtues. Geographically, as a plateau, Taksim is the single connector of its surrounding neighbourhoods. Physically, with their iconic landmarks, vast scale, green landscapes, transportation infrastructure and historic moments of human rights advocacy, Taksim Cumhuriyet Square and Gezi Park have the foundations to become Istanbul’s urban commons. We believe our responsibility towards this spatial gem is to nurture where it is neglected and induce a natural flow of life, while following the footsteps of its original design.

Atatürk Library Integration The landscape around the library prevents it from fulfilling its potential

Lack of activities on site prevent it from being a destination

Park Parking Allowing vehicular parking inside the park disrupts its function

Urban Commons is a collection of subtle architectural and urban interventions that give Istanbulians:

ACCESS - A public space that is inclusive of and equitable for all. A place that meets everyones’ needs and prioritizes their well-being.

Non-human Centered Design Colossal pedestrian hardscape does not meet human needs

10 Lack of Safety - Police Presence

Policing of the square creates an air of tension. Police being too visible promotes lack of safety

Lack of Safety - Underlit Areas Lack of correct lighting in the park discourages night usage

12 Lack of Urban Furniture

Not enough resting areas on the square

ACTION - A place in the making with all its stakeholders. A destination with diverse programming that adapts to the times and what people want.

ARTS -

A cultural hub that educates on history through arts and social sciences within “Museum of Urban Memory”, as well as temporary indoor and outdoor exhibitions throughout the park.

13 Taxi Squatting

15 Underground Bus Terminal

Without designated spaces, taxis block the traffic flow

Current design does not support wellness, and lacks air and light

Passing Through The square mainly acts as a transfer point and lacks reasons to pause

16 Neglected Trees

Malnourished and incoherent canopy design is not in line with the original Henry Prost design. Especially recently planted trees adds to a chaotic spatial relationship .

EDGE TRANSITIONS

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ACCESS

1. Access to History: Conservation Strategies

The buildings and structures that are representative of their period in their artistic/ architectural style, or those obtained as a result of a competition is conserved in conformity with their original design. Taksim Gardens and Gezi Park is proposed as a Cultural Landscape Heritage Site with reference to UNESCO World Heritage Convention, as they are designed landscapes, associated with the aesthetic understanding and the cultural life of Istanbul in the mid 19th and mid 20th century respectively.

3. Proposed Functions

2. Access to Mobility: Pedestrian Access

PedestrÄąan Flow The square and park will remain a pedestrian area. New and redesigned pathways will spread out in multiple directions, activating an increased number of pedestrians to walk and wonder through. Crossings at car roads are improved and by replacing the hard edges of the park with subtle slopes and ramps, paths have been made accessible to people of all abilities. Because priority is given to the freedom of the pedestrian flow, designated roads for other vehicles, such as cars and bicycles, are not proposed at this stage.

2. Access to Mobility: Vehicular Access

Vehicular Access Connectivity: improve access and movement. The complex changes of level in the park is an opportunity to configure the intermediate space between city and park, between public and private, between individual and group activities. We seek to create a more fluid passage and soften transitions without blurring the edges, but instead thickening them. Favoring ramps to stairs because they are accessible to all. The ramp taking you from Cumhuriyet Cd. to the upper promenade at Gezi provides a sequence of perspectives that unfolds as one ascends or descends.

4. Access to Public Spaces: Focal Public Areas

Roaad widths are decreased to 7m in Mete and the turns are made sharper, favoring calmer traffic. This results in a natural slow down, which will be safer for the pedestrians who also gain terrain in pathways. Street car parking is prohobited, and directions are given to organized car parking closeby. Transportation needs for the project will heavily rely on existing public transport and the proposed pedestrian network. The team deliberately avoided proposing drastic changes to the current infrastructure, and rather applied light interventions

2. Access to Mobility: Transport Intervention T1

PLAN 1/2000

NO STREET PARKING NARROW WIDTH PROMOTING 40km/h

SHARPER TURNING RADIUS NATURALLY SLOWS TRAFFIC

URBAN SPACE CONCEPT T3

T4 ROAD BUMP FOR CONTINOUS PEDESTRIAN FLOW

M METRO ENTRANCE IS INTEGRATED WITH MUSEUM Intervention 3 LOBBY WHILE RESTORING ORIGINAL Raised Surface - 7m HENRI PROST RAMP 40km/h Max. Speed:

T5 ROAD LAYOUT REVISED FOR SAFER TRAFFIC FLOW

TAXI STANDS ALLOCATED ON EASTERN LANE TO AVOID PARKING AT U-TURN

Unity: strengthen the flexibility and cohesiveness of the spaces. The current symmetrical parterre composition at Gezi Park is about imposing order on nature. It creates fragmented spaces to look at, rather than be in. We propose a large wide open space that is flexible and occupyable. Resiliency: Integrating economic, social and cultural policies is paramount to urban resiliency planning. Resilient policies underlying Taksim are turned into actions through the creation of the museum, cafĂŠ, playground, art walk that bridge the cultural / social / ecological / economical gap.

URBAN INTEGRITY CONNECTIVITY

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4. Access to Public Space:

Safety and Security

Lack of sense of safety is one of the main problems that prevent people from feeling comfortable and spending more time in Gezi Park, especially at night. Jane Jacobs famously wrote in order for a street to feel safe “there must be eyes upon the street, eyes belonging to those we might call the natural proprietors of the street” (Eyes of the Street, 1961) In line with such notion, “Eyes on the Park” is the urban design strategy proposed to enhance the sense of safety in Gezi Park and other public open spaces around it. In addition to night lighting and other measures to increase visibility, allowing vitality through public open spaces, robust programming and activities will promote the sense of safety and attract people to the park. Eyes on the Park: Sense of Safety in Gezi Park The proposal applies following methods and interventions: Increasing accessibility and attractiveness to increase the number of users of Gezi Park as people’s sense of safety increases with the presence of other people using the park. Providing visibility of the park from Cumhuriyet Avenue by keeping its green edge open to the street, except for the façade of Taksim Art Gallery building. Providing a proper lighting design in the park in order to increase the sense of safety and enable the use of the park at night. Increasing the variety of activities that will take place in different hours of the day to enhance the attractiveness of the park day and night, which will contribute to the sense of safety in the park. Decreasing isolated and dark locations to encourage 24h hour access to the public space for all, without fear of crime.

4. Access to Public Space: Wayfinding and Signage

5. Access to NATURE: Green Strategy

Accessible wayfinding signage for pedestrians is provided on site through digital and analog elements:

While Gezi Park already offers many benefits to the neighborhood and city, there are aspects that need to be strengthened to further improve the environmental quality (air and water quality), and promote the economic, physical, and social well-being of Taksim’s communities. Gezi has the potential to create wildlife habitats, further reduce exposure to ultraviolet light, experience nature, improve health, create jobs and provide educational opportunities, and increase land value.

1. Orientation: several touchscreen maps at the entry points to the site, providing the user with information on the current location. A kiosk is located at the north side of the Cumhuriyet Avenue, providing general information for internationals and Turkish arrivals coming from the airport bus transfers. 2. Navigation: signposts with text, pictograms and audio support are located throughout the site. By displaying the several activities on site, the signposts work as navigator and as activator. Multiple locations throughout the park provide WiFi and charging stations, giving access to the internet for easier navigation. 3. Monitoring: digital transport information panels with audio support are located at the metro, bus, minibus, and airport bus stops. 4. Identification: recognition of the Museum of Urban Memory (MuseUM) and the Taksim Art Gallery (TAG) through the use of logos and titles, that will also be used in their online branding. Facilities such as public toilets will carry both text and pictograms. Temporary activities can be identified through the use of changeable textile banners, flexible to daily, weekly or seasonal events, festivals and lectures.

New trees and sq.m of planting will be added to create microclimates on Cumhuriyet Avenue and Taksim Square. Attention will also be given to selecting high albedo paving. The actual concrete hardscape of the square is softened by the use of green surfaces that will be applied without hindering the square’s main function as a space of public gatherings, while creating a more pleasant experience. The Republic Monument will be circulated by trees and create an urban room, bringing shade and

5. Perceptible Information: In addition to audio supported tools, the proposal also includes texture changes in the triangular pavement, in order to help way

Additional street lights and lighting beams in trees to increase sense of safety Enhancing pedestrian level lighting to allow night-time walking and provide a greater sense of safety. A branded new parks organization for the parks of Istanbul to change the perception of patrol on site and promote a sense of security. Incorporating robust programming and activities on site to promote livelihood, lessening the need of cameras by increasing the eyes on the park.

Fountain

Taksim Art Gallery

General Park Map

Bus Stop

07 Installation

02 Republic Monument

09 Atatürk Library

05 Taksim Art Gallery

01 Taksim Square

08 Atatürk Cultural Center

06 Kids Play

03 Mosque

Art Gallery

Library

Arts & Crafts

Museum

Kids Play

Ticket

Bus Stop

Wifi

Flowers

Subway

Charge

Street Food

Information

Escalator

Lift

Bike Park

Escalator

Accessibility

Kids Play

05 Museum

Park

City Museum Cafe

Art Gallery

City Museum

Public Library

09 06

E-Scooter

Istanbul Gezi Park

Museum and Art Gallery

Istanbul Gezi Park

Museum and Art Gallery

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Car Park

PARKS OF ISTANBUL

GREEN FOR ALL

Stairs

Exit

PARKS OF ISTANBUL GREEN FOR ALL

Garden

5. Access to Nature: Sustainable Practices WASTE MANAGEMENT Recyclable Wastes

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Heating-Cooling Systems Energy Monitoring and Energy Data Management Smart Grid System Renewable Energy - Solar Energy Lighting Comfort and Management

MATERIALS Recycled Materials Local Materials Rapidly Renewable Materials Healthy Materials Selection

4. Access to Public Space: Lighting Strategy

Material SRI Analysis

INDOOR AIR QUALITY COMFORT

Stairs

Lavatory

protection to the monument and respecting its original landscape design. “The trees around the monument not only created a peaceful refuge for me, but also reminded me of the historic significance of this masterpiece. I used to walk past by it everyday on my commute, knowing it is there but never paying attention. Now I am more aware of its details!” At the center of Gezi Park, the parterre, that had originally formed a sunken central space without trees, is reinterpreted as a unified common green, protected from the hustle of the surrounding city. This large green area will be used as a polyvalent open space. The park will therefore provide a cool, comfortable, and clean environment not just within its boundaries, but also as a “heat sink” and a vast air cleaning machine for the neighborhood. The design also seeks to combat air pollution by planting additional trees where possible. Trees help to settle out, trap and hold particle pollutants (dust, ash, pollen and smoke) that can damage human lungs. They also absorb CO2 and other dangerous gases and, in turn, replenish the atmosphere with oxygen. Trees remove gaseous pollutants by absorbing them through the pores in the leaf surface. Particulates are trapped and filtered by leaves, stems and twigs, and washed to the ground by rainfall. Preserving historical features of the park and minimizing the design intervention will offer environmental and energy savings over demolition and new construction

The trees of Gezi are part of a bigger sustainable urban design strategy, which plays an active role in the creation of a sustainable and healthy living space on an urban / regional basis, a design with reduced environmental impacts and an infrastructure that is energy / water efficient. It enables the determination of sustainable strategies and the creation of areas sensitive to human and nature. In case of obtaining Green Building and Green Neighborhood certificates for the buildings in the project area, it provides points gain up to 15% directly. Due to the existing sustainable systems and designs, it is easier and less costly for the buildings in the project area to obtain green building certificates, while also increasing their value. The proposal incorporates sustainable practices in all design interventions, from the selection of the architectural locations at city scale to the detail of material selection at the building scale. Designs made in open areas have a determining feature in the proposal’s impact on the environment. All new designs proposed within the open spaces function as a whole mechanism and are part of an integrated process.

Daylight Analysis Thermal Comfort Analysis Natural Ventilation and Passive Climatization

Numerous studies show that people develop feelings of fear or uncertainty in underlit areas where visual information is not sufficiently available, especially at night. Developing the right lighting strategy is highly crucial in the context of Gezi Park, as the survey has already shown that the majority of the respondents feel unsafe at the park, rating sense of a safety 1-3 out of 10. The proposal integrates various lighting strategies to accomplish both a sense of safety, as well as promotion of well-being for its visitors. It utilizes downlighting to avoid light pollution and cast shadows (Moonlighting). Driven by the location and its proposed activities, lighting applications are incorporated to create a welcoming feeling with an increased sense of safety. Higher-intensity and human-scaled lighting is brought into areas related to activities and movement, as well as outlining lighting that provides visual access for all (Phillips, 2004, vanSanten, 2006)

The Sustainable Urban Design strategy covers 7 main categories recommended for the site.

5. Access to Nature: Trees

The Trees of Gezi Park

WATER EFFICIENCY Indoor Water Eﬃciency

In addition to its benefits in terms of health and ecology, the trees of Gezi Park have historical significance and emotional ties with the people of Istanbul. They are important symbols of historic events such as the protests in 2013 and have become fixtures of the collective memory of the space.

Outdoor Water Eﬃciency Gray/Black Water, Rainwater Using

EXISTING TREES

PROPOSED TREES

LANDSCAPING

Paving Inserts Lights embedded on the floor/pavement at Taksim Square

Transportation by Bike / Scooter

Moonlighting with Trees

Shade Analysis

Luminaries on trees like string of lights, at the Taksim Garden and the park cafe

Façade Wind Load Analysis Pedestrian Level Comfort Analysis Lifestyle on Pedestrian Paths Analysis (Cittaslow)

Lighting is designed to help enhance the urban spatial qualities and embraces the sense of place while increasing the security and safety of the places and strengthening the formal and functional needs.

Existing Trees Optional Relocated Trees Removed Umhealty Trees

OPEN SPACES Rainwater Management

Existing Trees Proposed Trees

Heat Island Eﬀect Light Pollution

It is preferred to use downlighting to avoid light pollution and cast shadows (Moonlighting), pedestrian-scale light luminaries, light from floor and furniture, and making use of the lighting diffusing from buildings.

Note that no trees were harmed in making of this project. All trees are proposed to be protected.However design team provides the option to relocate younger, recently planted trees within site, to restore original design by H Prost for urban space integrity.

Bench/Planter Under Lighting Lights embedded in raised planter/benches/retaining walls at the promenade and bosque area

Interior Lighting

TREES

Relying on interior lighting from buildings at the periphery like AKM, hotels and proposed museum skylights

E PERENNIALS

F D

A C B

Flood Lighting for Active/Playground Areas Pedestrian-scale flood lighting for active areas

Carpinus orientalis

Alnus glutinosa

Corylus avellana

Cedrus libani

Ulmus minor

Tilia tomentosa

Cercis siliquastrum

Cupressus sempervirens

Platanus orentalis

Allium istanbulense Özhatay

Trifolium pachycalyx Zohary

Bupleurum pendikum Snogerup

Cephalaria tuteliana

Lathyrus undulatus Boıss.

Linum tauricum Willd.

Cirsium byzantinum Steud.

Ophrys sphegodes

Crocus pestalozzae Boiss.

Centaurea hermannii F. Hermann

Dianthus cibrarius Clem.

Euphorbia amygdaloides

Galanthus plicatus

Thymus aznavouri

Silene sangaria Coode & Cullen

alexandrine parakeet

Cetti’s warbler

Grey headed woodpecker

blue tit

nutatch

little owl

Syrian woodpecker

tawny owl

treecreeper

jay

Scattered Lights “Firefly Effect” Light poles scattered on the eastern side of the Park to achieve a so-called “Firefly Effect”

Moonlighting with Poles Tall light poles at the periphery of the square - not in the center

Ring Lighting Ring of lights at the inner tree ring of the Republic Monument

MATERIALS PALETTE

NATIVE NESTING BIRDS

G D

Quercus rober

In honor of the original design of Prost’s Park No. 2, the proposal also allows the option to relocate some of the younger trees planted in recent years to the promenade, bosque or southside of the square. The open space gained by this relocation will allow for a more flexible and adaptive activity site such as open air cinema, festivals, concerts, theatre - as well as an increased feeling of safety. In line with Jane Jacobs’ notion on “Eyes on the Street” (1961), such application increases the eyes upon the park and therefore could elevate the Gezi Park experience for its dwellers. Relocating trees is a delicate process that can be done with adequate planning and after care. Each tree will be assessed for its size and health, site-specific growing preferences, and species-specific factors like root type and dormancy period. Careful root pruning performed ahead of time will be necessary to prepare severed roots to function and recover through and after the shock of the transplanting process. When the time is right (depending on the tree), the rootball (10-12 inches of diameter per inch of trunk diameter) will be dug and burlapped (ensuring soil contact is maintained) and transported with the tree to its new site as quickly as possible. Thorough watering and care following the transplant will help to ensure the trees’ successful re-establishment at their new sites.

70.20

Therefore the proposal respects and protects the existing trees by designing the museum around their existing locations and making the roots of the trees an integral part of the interior design. Such a design approach visually embodies the symbolic value of the trees and how they create spaces that can elevate cultural, educational and inspirational experiences. The roots of these trees become structural columns at the level of the museum, turning into part of the layout and exhibition structure while supporting the roof. 4 meter depth is provided to ensure a healthy amount of soil for all tree species, along with a canopy wide diameter that does not disturb the “drip line”. To prevent soil compaction in the event that equipment must operate under the drip line, a minimum 30 cm layer of wood chips or other cushioning surface material will be laid.

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ACTION

DOG PARK

ARTIST RESIDENCY & WORKSHOPS

CUMHURIYET PARK

ITÜ TASKISLA

ART WALK

24 23

GRAND HYATT HOTEL

AMPHITHEATER

BUS TERMINAL

MUSIC GAZEBO

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL

XX FOOD VENDORS

MIXED-USE

WiFi and Charging Station

Water Fountain

WiFi and Charging Station

Toilets

Water Fountain

Toilets

1 1

Information & Ticket Kiosk 2

Information & Ticket Kiosk

TICKET KIOSK

Arts & Crafts Market

THE TERRACE

ATATÜRK LIBRARY

THE FORUM

ARTS & CRAFTS + FOOD VENDORS

Arts & Crafts Market

PLAYGROUND

CAFE

FREE GREEN SPACE

FREE GREEN AREA

OUTDOOR DINING CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

PLAY AREA MUSEUM CAFE

NATIVE BOSQUE

1921

19 18

9 2

17 16

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES AREA

MONUMENT

Farmers Market

Art Gallery Cafe

Street Dining

Farmers Market

Museum Cafe

Street Dining

Children’s Play Area

Museum Cafe

Children’s Play Area

İSTIKLAL STREET

LEGEND TRIANGULATION, A ~3 MINUTE WALK

14 13

AKM

THE MARMARA HOTEL

ITÜ GUMUSSUYU

MOBILE LIBRARY

SHADE & SEATING

FOUNTAIN

TAKSIM MOSQUE

MUSEUM PLAZA

VIEWS

EXISTING

Placemaking is a process by which we can shape our public spaces in order to maximize shared value. A large component of that is triangulation. Triangulation in public spaces - more than just promoting better urban design - facilitates creative patterns of use.

Relax

Gezi Commons

Relax

Museum Plaza/Viewing Deck

Gezi Commons

12-a Demonstratiosn

Fountain

Museum Plaza/Viewing Deck

Fountain

12-a Demonstratiosn

PLACEMAKING THROUGH TRIANGULATION PLAYGROUNDS

FAMILIES

REFRESH

Program map illustrating the various activities in and around the park. Above are the points, and below are the activities.

12-b Ice Rink - Seasonal Activity

12-d Dancing - Seasonal Activity

12-c Concerts - Seasonal Activity

Multimedia Area

Mobile Library in the Park

CULTURE

Taksim Square and Gezi Park sit at the center of distinctive neighborhoods of creatives, makers, students, academics, entrepreneurs and more. This introduces a unique urban moment to design with an emphasis on gathering together rather than on separation - creating a sense of place and strengthening the connection between people and the places they share. The array of programs offer a unique opportunity for activating this urban in new ways andthe brings diversity ofpoints, functions together: meeting, exchanging, flaneuring, consuming, working, entertaining, m map illustrating thepublic variousspace activities in and around park. aAbove are the and below are the activities. playing, dining, and making.

ELDERS & PWD*

FOOD & BEVERAGE

INTERACT

12-b Ice Rink - Seasonal Activity

12-d Dancing - Seasonal Activity

12-c Concerts - Seasonal Activity

Multimedia Area

Mobile Library in the Park

MOVE FREE GREEN SPACE

TOURISTS

REST

DINE 15

16 Tea Cafe

Play/Exercise Area

Playground

Food Trucks

Food Vendors MUSEUM/ART

CREATIVES

WORKSHOP

HISTORY

SHADED SEATING

16 Tea Cafe

Play/Exercise Area

Playground

Food Trucks

LOCAL GROUPS**

EXPERIENCE

Food Vendors

POPUP RETAIL

20 Music Gazebo

Amphitheater

Workshop Area

DIGITAL NOMADS

24 Dog Park

Residency Area

a place for everyone

*people with disabilities ** i.e. students, couples, friends, young professionals, etc

PERSONAS 21

20 Music Gazebo

Amphitheater

Workshop Area

Sculpture Gardens / Taksim Gardens Quercus rober

Alnus glutinosa

Freedom Lawn

Galanthus plicatus

Residency Area

24 Dog Park

Nature as Programming

Cyclamen coum

NATIVE BOSQUE

Proposed Year Round Programming

Gezi Commons Freedom Lawn

Variety of Spaces for Arts Programming; Multi-Sensory; Exploratory

In order to generate a variety of urban activities, architects need to “combine architectural specificity with programmatic indeterminacy.” (Rem Koolhaas, S,M,L,XL, 1995). In other words, create a balance between silent/vibrant, empty/built upon and void/programmed spaces. Open spaces invite its users to participate and take authorship of different programs. Thus the green, open areas - and nature itself -become part of the programming in public spaces.

Trifolium pachycalyx Zohary

Tulipia

Promenade + Art Gallery Platanus orentalis

Cercis siliquastrum

Freedom Lawn

Paeonia peregrina

Fuchsia

Tulipia

Flexible; Low-Maintenance Shady Allée for Pedestrian Comfort; Frame Views; Human Scale; Manage Stormwater; Seasonal Interest

Vine Canopy; Ornamental

Native Bosque Pinus Pinea

Cedrus libani

Cupressus sempervirens

Crocus olivieri Istanbulensis

Republic Monument Tilia tomentosa

Albizia julibrissin

Centaurea hermannii

Eranthis hyemalis

The proposed combination of open and shaded green areas of Gezi Park enables the people to improvise on activities and utilize the spaces for various functions. The option to relocate some of the newer trees at the park, could also create more open spaces for people to gather, bringing further livelihood into the park. The trees on the east side of the park become part of the playgrounds for children. Nature is used as a catalyst of multi-sensory experiences, incorporating seasonal flowers, smelling herbs and colorful bushes in landscape design. The multisensory Taksim Garden with its native green will have different scents throughout the year.

ATATURK MONUMENT

PROMENADE

ARTIST GALLERY TAKSIM SQUARE

FOUNTAIN

MUSEUM PLAZA/ VIEWING DECK

CAFE

LIBRARY

SCULTPTURE GARDENS

DOG PARK

AMPHITHEATER

GEZI COMMONS

PLAY AREA

MUSIC GAZEBO ART WALK

ARTIST RESIDENCY

PLAYGROUND CAFE THE TERRACE

MULTI SENSORY EMOTIONS

LEGEND

CALM MEDITATIVE SERENE

WELCOMING

INTELLECUTUAL CREATIVE

HAPPY JOYFUL WONDERMENT PLAYFUL

SURPRISED INQUISITIVE

MULTISENSORY

EMOTIVE

HIGH ENERGY ANIMATED BOLD

Tulipia

Celebrate Native Planting; Increase Greenspace; Create Arrival Respite 6

Taksim Square Tilia tomentosa

Freedom Lawn

Scilla hyacinthoides

Orchis purpurea

Flexible; Intimate Spaces

6 5

Flexible; Iconic; Green Roofs

Museum Freedom Lawn

The Yard Freedom Lawn

Frame Views; Create Enclosure / Adjust Scale;

Anemone blanda

Hydrangea macrophylla

Cafe / Viewing Deck Wisteria

Hydrangea macrophylla

Provide Shaded Microclimate

LANDSCAPE PALETTE

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ARTS

Art is part of the site’s identity and is essential to position Taksim Square and Gezi Park as a lively, memorable and inspirational destination. Through the variety of proposed arts interventions in urban and architectural scale the site becomes a stage for all.

ARTS IN THE SQUARE THE MUSEUM OF URBAN MEMORY (MuseUM) Educating on the past for a united present to inspire a collectively better future. The contemporary definition of a museum is “an institution at the service of society and its development” (ICOM) and it holds a power that “shapes collective values and social understanding” (Luke, 2002:xiii). Placed on the site of important past democratic manifestations such as the May day gathering of 1977 and the Gezi manifestations of 2013, a new museum is proposed on the place where the citizens of Istanbul from various backgrounds claimed their “right on the decision making processes of the city they live”, where they aimed to protect the city’s environment for future generations. Therefore, a museum devoted to urban memory would be ideal for such a monumental location. The proposal of the museum will not only unite the park and the square, but will also be a direct treatment to the disconnect between the people and the spatial memory. It will raise awareness and educate its visitors, and inspire next generations through multidisciplinary programming in arts, humanities and social sciences. The placement of a museum and the programming that comes with it make the public space timelessly relevant and significant. By placing the museum under an elevated public plaza we integrate the museum in a non-invasive and respectful manner. The park gently peels upwards at the edges to make room for the entrance, while the ramps going up to the plaza are restored to create accessible connections to the plaza. Extending to and incorporating the subway, it is highly accessible to the citizens from all parts of Istanbul. The skylights placed on the roof of the museum also function as a public viewing deck into the museum exhibitions for the people on the plaza. Such architectural interventions support our goal to create a fully accessible and equitable public space. The museum will revitalize an area that is currently heavily underutilized. It will take care and support the liveliness of the park through outdoor exhibitions, an open theatre, and various events, while also spilling out to the park with a museum-cafe and an art-house that hold indoor exhibitions and workshops co-curated with and for the people. “After spending 3 days immersed into history - the Byzantine and Ottoman histories - we spent today in the modern district of Beyoglu. We’ve heard that the new Museum of Urban Memory is a must see and it indeed was. It really changed our perspective on the city, and added a layer of understanding of the recent times, which we would have never discovered if we stayed on the historic peninsula only.”

ARTS IN THE PARK • Taksim Art Gallery “This weekend has been packed at the Taksim Art Gallery, we had many young professionals join on Saturday, both local and from all around Istanbul for the workshops. Sunday we had workshops indoors for children, and that was also busier than usual as it was raining and families needed in door activities for the children. I had to do another trip to my atelier in Kurtulus to get more crafts supplies but it was deﬁnitely worth it!” • Sculpture Garden “We love to walk over to Gezi Park with friends and stroll around to see the art installations that are scattered around. Every time we see a new one we have stimulating discussions on the art piece and what it represents. It is a relaxing yet inspiring experience.” • Amphitheatre “I am so excited for the concert this Sunday! I have been practicing with my friends from my elementary school in Dolapdere for the Gezi Park Children’s Park concert for over a month now. It takes every April but this is the ﬁrst time I’ll be in it! We have been going to the park to practice at the stage there, it’s very fun to do it outdoors. My parents and my grandparents are also going to be there so I am very happy!” • Art Walk • Music Gazebo • Art Wall • Mobile (Gezici) Library in the Park ARTS IN THE PROMENADE

SYSTEM DETAIL 1/50

A’

SECTION 1/500

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B’

PLAN 1/500

ELEVATION 1/500

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