T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
AZ135924
PROJECT REPORT | PHASE B
AZ135924
A HOLISTIC APPROACH It is a design proposal that presents clear intentions and pro-
incorporating in a dialectical manner matters of history, heritage, social and economic structures, ecology, etc. The Taksim Urban Design Competition presents an intricate challenge as the site is imbued with social and political references, memories, symbolisms and stands as a strong reference point for the people of Istanbul and Turkey as a whole.
We strongly believe that as memories exist and live within the area, the area must live and develop through them. At the same time we believe in the power of design to force novel arrange-
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
ments and suggest a new urban experience.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
poses coherent scenarios for the utilization of the urban space,
AZ135924
CONTENTS
TAKSIM METROPOLITAN AREA
INTRODUCING DESIGN STRATEGIES The approach to History and Collective Memory The Urban Strategy A general approach to Ecology, Sustainability and Planting Strategies A general approach to Round the day Functionality, Lighting, Security
OTHER STUDIES Civil Engineer Study Mechanical Engineer Study
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
EPILOGUE
AZ135924
TAKSIM METROPOLITAN AREA
The Competition Area comes together as an amagalma of successive urban interventions, following political and social aspirations of various parties in the course of the years. As the city grows in size, thus Taksim Square’s presence and symbolic heritage grow in importance. Through the latest urban developments and their counteractions, from 2013 up to this day a new expanded terrain has emerged where the century-long symbolic and ideological struggle continues to take place. Shifting away from the sole traditional point of reference that has for decades been the Republic’s Monument, the new urban conglomeration of the expanded Taksim Square area and the Gezi Park have now assumed an equally important and complementary role.
Taksim Square has now become a new urban cluster that combines the Square, the (Gezi + Municipal) Parks, and the former (Cumhuriyet) Avenue together in a new aggregate – the Taksim Metropolitan Area. The new cluster introduces an urban scale appropriate to the scale of today’s Istanbul. The importance of Taksim as a beacon for Democracy and Liberal rights is now transcribed to the expanded territory. The proposed design em-
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
braces a society in flux and wishes to accommodate the constant flow of people and ideas. Fragmented in its current state, the Taksim Metropolitan Area needs to be stitched together in a manner that allows people and ideas to flow and coexist harmoniously, while assuming a new Identity that “speaks” of its current nature.
AZ135924
INTRODUCING DESIGN STRATEGIES
Through an analytical approach we have identified major axis on which our design process has revolved and finally the design proposal has culminated.
These are:
_ The approach to History and Collective Memory
_ The Urban Strategy
_ The approach to Ecology, Sustainability and Planting Strategy
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
_ The approach to Round the day Functionality, Lighting, Security
AZ135924
The “deep” history of the site extends to the beginning of the previous century and is marked decisively by the 1928 Republic Monument. The choice of Taksim as the locus for the new Monu-
site was not saturated with religious symbols related to the Ottoman-Islamic past. Since the erection of the Monument and up to our days, Taksim has thus become the archetypal space of modernity in Istanbul. The Henri Prost plan that followed in 1937 and the AKM inauguration in 1969 are two other important milestones in the creation of a “place for everyone”, as Taksim has come to be known since. The various protests and demonstrations through the years, up to the well documented recent Gezi Park protests, have also shown that Taksim would soon assume also the role of an ideological battlefield.
There are visible and invisible traces of such places, events and memories. Building parts belong certainly to the visible spectrum, ideological battles and protests accordingly belong to the second.
A. When it comes to Structures, Monuments and Building Parts, certain physical remnants remain intact, like the Republic Monu-
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
ment, others have been severely damaged or been transformed, like the Gezi Park and the AKM, or have been lost entirely, like the Kristal Music Hall.
In the design process we identified two major axis when it comes to these physical spaces.
HISTORY AND COLLECTIVE MEMORY
ment was not accidental- being a non-Muslim majority area, the
AZ135924
1. We would not recreate missing parts as that would constitute an act of scenography. We preserve elements that we consider as very characteristic and also assign them a primary function,
the same lines all the walls and balustrades of the Henri Prost HISTORICAL ELEMENTS
Plan are preserved. On the contrary elements of the park that were not of the same artistic value are removed.
2. Even in the case of a well preserved space, we identify the degree to which these spaces “function� properly. In this case, the discussion has revolved around the Republic Monument and its current state in relation to its urban surroundings. The circular design, the result of a civic network and a pre-existing urban plan, now seems out-of-place. It is a priority of our design to once again assign a physical space that is clearly related to the Monument. A new dedicated entrance from the underground to the Square with a special focus to the Monument is also proposed. Planting strategies, as it will be elaborated in a further chapter also attain to this goal.
B. When it comes to preserving memories and events as a strong heritage of the site and allowing their driving ideas and forces
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
to flourish and grow, the task becomes more intricate.
TRACES OF MEMORY
HISTORY AND COLLECTIVE MEMORY
i.e. the Gezi stairs and the remaining complex of ramps. Along
AZ135924
In the entrance of the Gezi Park, the area we suggest as the “symbolic navel” of the Taksim Metropolitan Area, a Garden of Memory and Unity is erected. With a strong physical presence,
es upon its visitor a strong impression. MEMORY GARDEN These abstact volumes speak of something concrete. They are large depositories of History- of all the histories of the place as if History could poetically be stored. They are the concrete reminders that important events took place – a space of recollection and memory, but above all a space that suggests a symbolic call to unity and coexistence. The Garden of Memory is planted with Olive trees, to suggest a constant rebirth of hope.
In dialogue with this space of abstraction, submerged underneath, lies a space for action and participation. A communal – multipurpose area open to all social groups available for seminars, discussions and exhibitions of all sorts.
This duality of abstraction and physicality, of symbolism and action is presented as one of the fundamental proposals of our
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
design proposal when it comes to Memory.
HISTORY AND COLLECTIVE MEMORY
mostly through its sculptural form, this thematic Garden impos-
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
AZ135924
HISTORY MADE CONCRETE
AZ135924
The urban strategy of our proposal unfolds along two major axis
1. At a Macro scale, trying to establish connections with the wider metropolitan area of Istanbul
2. At a Micro scale, trying to establish connections, improve
area.
At the Macro scale,
it is important to identify the Taksim area as part of a larger network of public spaces, green spaces and a web of transporta-
URBAN STRATEGIES
the functionality and propose new scenarios for the immediate
tion and communication structures. Taksim is primarily a space of people and information flows and our desire is to channel CITY - PARK
these flows in a creative and constructive manner. Along the South - North axis in particular the semi-realized Cultural Valley Idea still poses the biggest challenge. A wider network of interconnected public spaces and green areas in the heart of the city would be of outmost importance and Taksim, as the largest infrastructure node in the area, can as-
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
sume a very important role.
Along these lines, and the initial vision of Henri Prost, a very strong connection of the vibrant core of the city at the South part with the wide Green areas on the north is set as one of the
CITY
PARK
AZ135924
main targets of the design. This is the axis we will come to identify as City-Park. Although in fact big Hotels (Grand Hyatt Istanbul, Inter-Continental Istanbul and Hilton Istanbul Bosporus), Education activities (Istanbul Technic Univercity) and different Cultural facilities (Istanbul Congress Center, Cemil Topuzlu Open CULTURE VALLEY
Air Theatre, Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall) have been installed
interconnection of the existing green areas from Gezi Park up to Macka Democracy Park is still possible.
The utilization of the existing eco–bridge over Askek Ocagi road at the north end of Taksim Municipality Park, the development of a main pedestrian path through Elmadag Park, the construction of a new pedestrian bridge over Taskisla road south of Hilton’s Hotel area, the utilization of the existing generally pedestrian network in existing green areas and finally the modernization, possibly reconstruction, of the existing pedestrian bridge over Kadirgalar road makes possible this strong connection between Taksim area and Macka Democracy Park. Taskisla cable car (teleferic) terminal station of TF1 line and all existing or new activities in this area are directly or indirectly embodied to this main pedestrian axis so interconnections between them be-
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
come easier and safer.
CULTURE VALLEY
URBAN STRATEGIES
in the area through the years, we believe a strong pedestrian
AZ135924
At the Microscale,
our Urban Strategy tries to identify all major Forces on the site and create a dialogue between them. The aforementioned historical Buildings and Structures already pose a very significant framework. The major cultural edifices in the immediate surroundings, namely the New Ataturk Cultural Center, the Atat-
URBAN STRATEGIES
urk Library and the Huseyin Aya Mosque, set the second layer of major influence, while the hospitality infrastructure with the dominant presence of the three major hotels in the skyline of the square force a third set of considerable impact.
Today Taksim Square certainly is a vibrant place attracting people of all social and age groups throughout the day. Its lack of a comprehensive and holistic design certainly would not suffice to deprive the Square from its energetic character. However with respect to its true potential, Taksim Square fails to live up to the expectations of the citizens and its visitors as a truly unique place. The Monument area seems cut out from the rest of the site, the former Cumhuriyet Avenue has not established a human scale that would make it more easy to associate with in daily life, while Gezi Park, largely neglected, does not manage
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
to attract the neighboring flows and is generally underused. Overall the current state of things still refer to a past urban arrangement, the time when the Republic Monument was more or less a traffic junction and Gezi Park was also a traditional City Park circumscribed by the road network.
TAKSIM SQUARE 06
06
05
05
2010
TAKSIM SQUARE
07
06
05
05
07
07
03 03
06
2020
07
03
03 01
01 08
02
02
01
04
01
04
08
08 02
02
08
AZ135924
Our position is to force things into new relations, introducing new axis and giving people a wider choice of circulation options. New connections between spaces and Institutions need to be established. A more diverse program of functions needs to be introduced. DIAGONAL
following:
a. A new diagonal gesture that breaks away with the strict linear character of the Park. The starting point for this diagonal axis is the desire to create a symbolic and literal connection of the Ataturk Library with the area around the Republic Monument – a connection of two major cultural sites. The diagonal move-
URBAN STRATEGIES
Along these lines the major concepts that we introduce are the
ment is then transferred to the rest of the park and, along with the south north axis, a new pattern of circulation. is introduced.
PARK
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
ATATURK LIBRARY
TAKSIM
ATATURK LIBRARY
TAKSIM
CITY
THE NEW DIAGONAL
THE TWO AXIS COMBINED
AZ135924
b. It is of crucial importance to make Gezi Park more penetrable, without making it lose its primary function as a Park. The diagonal serves greatly to this scope yet still the park is at a high elevation with respect to the Square. The second major concept is the introduction of a plateau at an in-between elevation that NEW PLATEAU
brings both the Square and the Park at a tighter relationship
tially in the three major discrete elevations that are formed with this gesture, the lower one reclaims an area dedicated to the Republic Monument, the second is a new major pathway that runs through the area allowing connections, while the third, the elevation of the park, becomes now more accessible.
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
THE NEW PLATEAU
c. The latest addition of the Hussein Aya Mosque to the already contested skyline of Taksim Square creates a further congestion of symbolic reflections on the ground. The once dominant Monument of the newly founded republic is now overshadowed by an out of proportion edifice of Islamic Fundamentalism. On the other end of the square lies the resurrected Ataturk Cultural
URBAN STRATEGIES
while at the same time making them all the more discrete. Essen-
AZ135924
Center. The disproportionate Cumhuriyet Avenue serves only for periodic functions. A lack of human scale is to experienced on the ground at every instance. Our third major prerogative is to manage to bring a more human scale to the area by assigning more sitting areas in the square, wider new planted areas, and a variety of thematic spaces.
d. While the northern, southern and eastern boundaries of the competition area are clearly defined by the traffic network, the western boundary is a bit less defined as part of the former Avenue. Our proposal wants to establish a clear boundary also along this side, through the introduction of an extended planted area acting as a filter between the Square and the Talihmane district. At its north end this linear planted zone is gradually raised, converted to a green roof that hosts an open air market underneath. In that manner the Square assumes an almost building like facade at this end. The Open Air Market Infrastructure itself is an important aspect of our design proposal. The individual metallic infrastructure that is permanently installed in the area, can be easily transformed into functional spots serving commercial, informational or promotional goals. The whole installation determines a mul-
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
tifunctional area suitable to fulfill all desirable requirements of temporary activities
URBAN FILTER
URBAN STRATEGIES
URBAN FILTER
AZ135924
e. In terms of context, a major issue clearly raised by the Organizer is Taksim’s heritage as a place for the Arts. Contemporary Beyoglu, mainly Istiklal Street, is going through a new transformation phase, characterised by commercialization, depoliticization, gentrification projects and large scale, market-oriented ART IN TAKSIM
urban development. This has as result the transformation of
for consumerism and cultural consumption. Small businesses running at the same point for decades, are moving-out or closing-down because of the hostile policies and regulations they face, as part of this profit-oriented type of urban development. The evacuation of art workshops, neighborhood artisans, guitarists, clarinetists, singers are part of this wider transformation.
Our proposal puts forth concrete ideas when it comes to the implementation of strategies to help revitalize Art’s presence in the area. In terms of spaces both indoor and outdoor and in-between that could serve for this purpose we propose the following: 1. A new mezzanine floor, a semi-open space serving also as part of a new route to enter the Square from the Underground Stations of Tarlabasi Blv. This Open Gallery will feature in a pe-
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
riodic fashion works of art from upcoming artists or could be the site for site-specific installations 2. A dedicated open-air area next to the Memory Garden in Gezi Park for works of sculpture. A more permanent collection could be hosted here for a longer period of time. A collaboration with a cultural Institution in Turkey or abroad would be desirable.
URBAN STRATEGIES
this diverse and culturally rich area into a homogeneous space
AZ135924
3. Art related discussions, Exhibitions, Screenings etc. can be hosted in the underground Multipurpose Hall in the heart of the square (see description above). A state fund for the arts could also support its function in time, introducing a series of artistic and art-related topics to the public with a small or with no fee. A ART IN TAKSIM
systemic collaboration with Institutions and Cultural Centers in
URBAN STRATEGIES
Turkey and abroad is again desirable.
ART IN TAKSIM
f. Matters of connectivity and transportation are of primary importance to the functionality of the Square. Our proposal does not propose major changes when it comes to Subway Organization and other Bus / Tram routes or car traffic. It does however
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
propose solutions when it comes to their presence on the elevation of the Square. 1. In the case of the M2 Subway Station entrance to the square a whole new design arrangement is proposed. The elevator continues up to the surface of the Park providing a more accessible and direct access to the latter. The whole node (Subway Station, Elevators, Cafe, Canopy, sitting areas) becomes one of the most central areas for the design.
AZ135924
2. Accordingly a new large canopy is introduced on the southern boundary to serve as protection from the elements for the users of the F1 Line, but also as a large signal for the entrance to the Square. 3. A new traffic arrangement differing slightly from the present CONNECTIVITY
is proposed for the area in front of the AKM. The connection be-
of a wide underground passage. For this reason our proposal design consists on reforming road boundaries in this area, in order to obtain more space on Ataturk’s Cultural Center side, adequate for the underground passage exit as well as for the creation of an extended water surface in front of the building, as it was originally suggested by its architectural design. 4. Three new Bike Stations are introduced along the borders of the Square to enhance the use of the bike in and around. A possibility of rental bikes is also plausible. No bike routes are marked clearly on the ground as we see no prohibition in its
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
overall use at all parts of the Square.
INTERVENTION IN TRANSPORTATION NODES
TRAFFIC REARRANGEMENT
URBAN STRATEGIES
tween the Square and the Cultural Venue is achieved by means
AZ135924
A holistic design approach accompanies also our decisions on the matters of Ecology, Sustainability, the use of materials and planting strategies. To be more discrete again we should break
a. Materials b. Sustainable Strategies c. Treatment of Existing Trees d. Planting Strategies
a. The overall effort has been to reduce the hardscape ratio of the square as much as possible. At the final stage of our design the overall ratio for hardscapes is 38%, for softscapes 17%, and for planted surfaces 45%.
ECOLOGY / SUSTAINABILITY / PLANTING
down these strategies in more specific decisions.
GREEN AREAS 45%
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
SOFTSCAPE 17%
HARDSCAPE 38%
AZ135924
When it comes to the hardscape area of the square a major design decision was the recycling of the entire existing pavements of Taksim. The removed granite tiles will be processed into gravel to be repurposed as a mosaic in the form of tiles. When it comes to the softscape area, we propose an extended MATERIALS
surface of porous pavement. It is a pavement construction system that uses 100% recycled, molded, interlocking plastic grids that support a strong, attractive, porous surface of compressed crushed stone. The plastic grids are flexible, allowing use on uneven sites without grading. The grid rings transfer surface loads to the underlying base course material. This prevents surface rutting and displacement of stone. This construction ensures that pavements should be clear and easily walkable under any extraordinary weather circumstances. When filled with gravel, grids are practically invisible, creating attractive pathways and
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
patio installations easy to maintain.
AZ135924
b. By sustainable strategies we refer to all those systems and processes that help the Square and the Park reduce their ecological footprint. Besides other fundamental actions to be tak-
aforementioned recycling of the existing pavements a major ECOLOGY
effort is to establish two solar energy production units, by the introduction of solar panels on the roof of both proposed metallic canopies – a total surface of 1800 sqm. Rain water storage is always desirable and can be achieved by the proper collection system over extended hardscaped square areas. This can be used to support park’s irrigation system and when necessary for fire protection reasons. A number of units can be proposed in the final plan according to the estimation of real need. c. The treatment of existing trees has also been a major driving force in our design. Initially by identifying the trees that we could potentially remove as opposed to the trees that should be maintained. The latter obviously cannot change elevation, thus they marked also clear lines where intervention was plausible. Besides the plants in pots that could be removed and replanted in Gezi Park two clear elevations are identified where trees on the upper elevation are generally large and cannot be removed while trees on the lower elevation are significantly smaller and
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
can be suggested as potentially transferable. Our major interventions in the park lie in this zone of the former lower plateau. When it comes to the Municipal Garden, all trees remain at their current elevation.
ECOLOGY / SUSTAINABILITY / PLANTING
en i.e. recycling of waste, use of LED Bulbs etc. and besides the
AZ135924
The vegetation strategy proposed promotes biodiversity and low maintenance design. Urban green areas should give a natural feeling, allowing people to feel grounded while being there.
shaded and sunny, framed with green volumes of shrubs and PLANTING
flowers. The grass proposed is suitable for being inhabited by park visitors; for the planted areas we propose a “controlled� natural planting scheme, with a mix of different species that share common preferences in shade, soil and irrigation needs, that grow together and bloom, within pre-defined boundaries. The main geometry of the park and the boundaries are being kept intact, while inside the planting areas a natural chaos is welcome. The existing trees are precious and a great inheritance for the new park. Most of them are kept in place and the ones that can be transplanted are moved to new positions. Addition trees of the same species are places on a pre-defined pattern, in order to expand the existing tree masses and inhabit the new geometry of the park. The old and the new trees are blended, the edges are softened, the history of the site is mixed with the present and life circle goes on.
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
Description of the Gezi Park (Region A) The program that takes place here is both active and passive, with bike lanes and pedestrian paths, a network of shaded secondary paths under the tree canopy, large green spaces, a cafe and urban playgrounds. The majority of the grounds is planted with evergreen ready sod turf, a strong and durable grass mix that invites people to step, lay, sit, play on it. The grassy, petal-shaped, new fields are defined by a continuous bench-boundary in the periphery that runs all around the
ECOLOGY / SUSTAINABILITY / PLANTING
Therefore we suggest a landscape of large grassy areas, both
AZ135924
park, providing sitting areas in most places. This white concrete ribbon sinks when needed, in order to give access to the interior of the fields. At the same time it supports the ground, as a sus-
Supplementary to the grass, the park is planted with a mix of PLANTING
herbs, flowers and shrubs, in specific regions, underlying the geometry of the design. The combination of different species planted almost randomly in large planting areas gives a colourful, natural feeling with interesting views all year round. It also requires minimum maintenance, as plants work with each other and collaborate. The proposed species have various heights, from groundcovers to medium-sized shrubs: Salvia officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula pinnata, Pervoskia atriplicifolia, Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare, Myrtus communis, Juniperus horizontalis, Cotoneaster horizontalis, Vinca major, Convolvulus sabatius, Hypericum olympicum citrinum, Agapanthus africanus, Gaura lindheimeri siskiyou pink, Tulbaghia violacea variegate, Tulbaghia violacea.
In respect to the trees, the proposed design takes into account the existing tree masses and allows for most of them to be kept
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
on site. The ones that have to be removed will hopefully be transplanted in new positions, following a pattern generated by the two main axes of the design. The variety of the existing tree species is maintained and the new proposed trees are of the same species: Platanus orientalis, Platanus acerifolia, Acer negundo, Tilia tomentosa, Tilia rubra, Cupressus sempervirens, Quercus ilex, Quercus robur,
ECOLOGY / SUSTAINABILITY / PLANTING
taining wall, allowing for height differences among the petals.
AZ135924
Prunus cerasifera, Prunus nigra “Pissardi�, Malus domestica, and Magnolia grandiflora. The circulation corridors of the park are mainly part of the softscape, being mostly bare soil or pebbles, except in places of concrete stairs, ramps, etc. There is a main circulation netPLANTING
work, following the two main axes of the proposal and shaping the planting, petal-shaped areas, while a secondary network of paths allow for running and walking under the trees, inside the green areas of the park.
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
Planting areas outside the park (Region B)
AZ135924
The rest of the planting areas, outside the park, are mostly planted with large shrubs, in addition to some flowers and herbs, in order to create big volumes of green framing the distant views.
Viburnum lucidum, Photinia fraseri red robin, Elaeagnus punPLANTING
gens “maculata�, Elaeagnus pungens, Cotoneaster franchetii, Cotoneaster lacteus, Arbutus unedo, Cotinus coggygria red purple, Cornus alba sibirica, Syringa vulgaris, Lagestroemia indica, Rosa sempervirens, Rosa Canina, etc.
The Memory Garden (Region C) Central Role in the park design plays the Memorial Garden, a symbol of peace and hope, a contemplation area dedicated to the history of the site and the city. The Memorial Garden is shaped by a series of planters, made of colored concrete and planted with Olive trees, herbs and other seasonal plants. The olive tree stands as a universal symbol of peace and gives mild shade to the grounds. The herbs, such as Santolina chamaecyparissus, Salvia officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula pinnata, Pervoskia atriplicifolia, Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare create a Mediterranean base and supplement the olive garden. The seasonal plants will enrich the garden so that
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
there is color and beauty during all seasons.
Seasonal Planting (Region D) The sloping planter opposite the AKM is planted with tulips and other seasonal plants, giving a thematic appearance.
Taksim Memorial (Region E) Around Taksim Memorial the existing planting areas in their current form are maintained as they are part of the Heritage.
ECOLOGY / SUSTAINABILITY / PLANTING
The suggested plant species mix is based on: Laurus Nobilis,
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
AZ135924
A DAY IN GEZI PARK
AZ135924
An integrated design proposal must take into account all social and age groups, providing easy access, security and services throughout the day. Our proposal envisages an urban space
at all times emergency situations are easy to handle. 24 / 7 It is the overall effort of the design to give the user a sense of inclusiveness, to strengthen the sense of Taksim as a “place” and Taksim as a “destination”. In terms of program, both day and night, the boundaries between Park and Square have been blurred, and a sense of continuity is now prevailing. Urban furniture, lighting, signage all add to this sense of seamless transitions. Thematic areas of the Park and the Square are always integrated in the life of the Square and never function in the logic of exclusiveness.
In terms of urban furniture, an array of signage stands throughout the park allow for easy access to an emergency call but also 24/7 hotspot access to the internet. The same stations could work as battery charging spots. In case of an emergency, access of emergency vehicles in plausible from many parts of the square to the elevation of Gezi Park through various ramps.
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
Sitting of various types is arrayed across the area providing comfort and rest areas. These areas will also be integrated in an internet hot-spot network
FUNVTIONALITY / LIGHTING / SECURITY
that is kept lively round the clock, ensuring at the same time that
AZ135924
Lighting is of particular importance both in terms of comfort and in terms of security and will be examined here in a bit more
Outdoor areas are essential gathering places for communities LIGHTING
and the right lighting solutions can turn them into unique visual experiences saving, at the same time, energy and reducing environmental impact. Outdoor lighting proposal design is based on the perception of light not only as a conventional mean for highlighting urban spaces, but also as a tool of interpretation and creation of different options the area can get when passing from darkness to light and vice versa.
Proposed lighting design will clarify the layout of outdoor spaces by emphasizing walkways, focal points, gathering places, space entrances and highlighting the identity and history of the area.
There are of course common and different elements in lighting design approach concerning main directions or lightings choices, but main goal in any case is to create spaces where people not only live but also feel well and safe. Besides, lighting has the
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
determinant role in developing safe after dark areas. Well-lit urban spaces reduce crime and increase user’s sense of safety and livability of the area. It can also enhance the attractiveness of a city, drawing more visitors and increasing business activities.
FUNVTIONALITY / LIGHTING / SECURITY
depth:
AZ135924
There is a tendency to over-light a park, plaza, street or other public spaces. But in fact, too much lighting can be just as bad as too little lighting. The key of developing a good-lit area is to succeed a proper relation between lighting and evening functions of each particular space. Urban lighting has always been
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
LIGHTING
a compromise between comfort, efficiency and costs.
AZ135924
The Proposed lighting design plan is based on hierarcly
At the top stand high-activity areas and primary walkways, LIGHTING
shared paths and cycleways which are intended to be used after dark. These will be well-lit areas where people will feel convenient and safe increasing the square’s and park’s livability.
At the bottom will be some areas, usually park green areas that are purposely slightly lit, because their use at night would be unsafe or inappropriate. There will be however no completely dark corners, particularly inside the park’s perimeter. When designing the park’s lighting system it is necessary to pay attention on the relationship between existing landscape and proposed planting, in order to avoid lights been obscured by trees and vegetation immediately or at the maturity of the plants.
Outdoor double lightings on poles of 8m height will be installed on upper Taksim square area and along the former Cummhuriyet Avenue’s spaces in order to highlight the main pedestrian axis. They will be put in array with about 10-12m distance between
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
them. The same lightings will be installed along the park’s main pedestrian network aiming to produce well-lit safe pedestrian areas. Outdoor lightings on poles of 3-4m will be installed, on the one or either sides, along the secondary park’s pedestrian network in distances of about 8-10m, aiming to produce well-lit safe pedestrian areas. The exact place of each lighting depends on existing plantation system.
FUNVTIONALITY / LIGHTING / SECURITY
Principles:
AZ135924
Outdoor lightings on poles of 12m will be installed along the outside borders of the area. Outdoor lightings on poles of 25m will be installed in places
Special lightings boxes of medium height will be installed in a LIGHTING
circular array on the north east part of the Monument of Republic area. The idea is to create another space element aiming to highlight monument’s particular value. Bollards of 0.6m height, will be installed throughout park’s green areas aiming to create medium-lit areas as background to park’s pedestrian walkways. Locally installed ground lightings (spots) aim to highlight a big amount of trees and bush areas giving a more aesthetic total aspect of green zones. A monumental lighting system is proposed for Memory Garden area made of linear medium-tense lightings been put all around ‘’monuments’’ concrete units, that emphasizes area’s structure
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
and provides a pleasant, calm and mainly aesthetic place.
FUNVTIONALITY / LIGHTING / SECURITY
where extra wide lighting of the area is necessary.
AZ135924
Civil engineering problems that have to be faced concern mainly existing on concrete structure strength behavior because of new constructions, such as the creation of the mezzanine floor inside underground metro areas and extra loading on metro roof concrete slab because of upgrading part of square’s exCIVIL ENGINEER
isting ground levels.
too small for the whole existing structure’s cultured loadings and quite inside all security’s construction limits. The mezzanine floor will be constructed by a combined structural system, of iron and reinforced concrete, straightly adjusted on the existing infrastructure elements. If necessary new construction will be partly grounded or suspended.
Extra loading on the roof concrete slab, of metro underground area, is not everywhere the same and depends of existing and proposed at each place ground levels. It refers on sub-construction of new pedestrian areas that can be eliminated by using partly lighter weight construction materials and soil installation in new green areas that can be partly of 2m maximum depth. Although such a kind of loading create no problem to existing
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
infrastructure, small and low cost boosting interventions can be easily made if necessary.
New reinforced concrete constructions at Gezi Park corner and iron structured canopies, have no interference with existing infrastructures and will be properly designed in the final design.
OTHER STUDIES
A rough estimation of mezzanine floor extra loading is that it is
AZ135924
Water supply system will support irrigation system for all green areas, cleaning of hardscaped areas and if necessary in fire protection system. Rain water drainage system will support water collection to be used when necessary. MECH. ENGINEER
Lighting network will be organized in zones for better control and energy management.
tions. Photovoltaic roof systems will support mainly lighting installations. Energy management system (EMS) will be necessary for developing more energy efficient strategies and cost-effective implementations. A microgrid concept is proposed since it is essential for optimal use of distributed energy resources in intelligent, secure, reliable, and coordinated ways. Building management system (BMS) will be used to automate controls throughout building installations that is mainly useful for emergency protocols.
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
All systems will be properly designed in the final stage.
OTHER STUDIES
All demanded infrastructures will support any building installa-
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
AZ135924
AZ135924
THE CORE DESIRE OF THE DESIGN PROPOSAL IS TO AUGMENT THE GENERAL FEELING THAT TAKSIM
FOR EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING.
THE STRONG
HERITAGE OF THE 2013 GEZI PROTESTS IS A CONSTANT REMINDER THAT EVENTUALLY NO POTITICAL POWER CAN OVERCOME THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE. IT IS FOR THESE PEOPLE, FOR ALL PEOPLE, THAT WE ALL COLLECTIVELY SUBMIT OUR EFFORTS TO THIS
T A K S I M URBAN DESIGN COMPETITION
COMPETITION.
EPILOGUE
SQUARE HAS BEEN - AND WILL ALWAYS BE - A PLACE
BOARDS