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HEALING WITH ARCHITECTURE Istanbul: a story composed of stratified layers of time and traces which reveals its true nature through a meticulous and delicate reading. The marks on these layers tell the transformation they have witnessed and form this place’s collective memory. Istanbul’s multicultural and diverse urban fabric has been exposed to innumerable interventions of various scales. Some of these caused serious traumas on the city’s natural and built environments, historical heritage, transportation network, and the overall infrastructure system along with its collective memory. Each intervention regardless of its scale has left permanent traces which Suture tries to decipher and re-associate while re-considering Taksim. The proposal to suture the city’s faulty points physically and conceptually was developed with this in regard. The co-evolving relation between the city and the curative approach enables the integration of singular solutions within the existing dense pattern of Istanbul. As such, by virtue of being at the very heart of the city, Taksim Square is a critical place to initiate this suture. The proposal on the square did not begin with an empty white sheet which foresees to shape the space with complete authority. The essence of the project is to treat this urban stratification zone with sensible, delicate and modest touches. A sense of respect and value for the existing urban fabric and memory has been adopted throughout the process hence a proposal with healing interventions which blends in with the existing texture is formed. Five distinct zones and their edges are identified which define the boundaries of Taksim Square. Each of these zones forms a micro urban environment with their unique social dynamics, urbanization patterns and architectural languages. The critical edges of these zones are Mete Avenue, Cumhuriyet Avenue, Gezi Park, Tarlabaşı Boulevard and İstiklal Avenue. Different conditions are present in every border; hence site-specific solutions, unique utilization scenarios and spatial organization schemes are envisioned while attaching these areas to Taksim Square. In order to achieve a holistic amelioration in the city; one should think of the city as a body, then the main focus can be considered as a kind of acupuncture; a minimally invasive method to stimulate nerve-rich areas of the surface in order to influence various inner functions of the body. In Taksim’s case, this healing method progresses in two parallel manners: reintegration of the surrounding fragments to the square and re-establishment of micro zones’ integrities. The micro-scaled yet effective acupuncture solutions aim to enrich the connection between the space and its users, ease the flow, achieve an overall balance and provide relief. The particular areas/edges which require spatial healing are as the following: the existing underground infrastructure where the bus stations and subway connection intersect, the axis connecting Cumhuriyet Avenue to Taksim Square, the intersection with Gezi Park, Maksem and the axis leading to Atatürk Library. Applying a spatial acupuncture to these points allows them to reconnect with the social and cultural life of the city. Revitalization of the cultural axis on Cumhuriyet Avenue referencing to Taksim Art Gallery’s traces transforms this area while attaching it to the square, the Gezi Park and the underground zone. The revitalized Maksem relates with İstiklal Avenue whereas the urban bridge between Gezi Park and the Atatürk Library re-establishes the lost connection with the Bosphorus. A closely associated set of relations is formed through the architectural proposals developed for these points. The architectural sensibility within the project resonates the core idea of suturing by creating spatial organizations strengthened by dualities. The essence of quality of a space is questioned throughout the design process via the contrasts of solid-void, interior-exterior, natural-artificial and horizontal-vertical. This approach eventually led to the generation of multi-dimensional and cross sensory relations between the users and the space while stitching the urban zones to each other. Suture is an architectural, cultural and social research on Taksim which aims to nourish the potential of the future with the inherited values of the past. It recognizes the tangible and intangible elements of past and present to create sensible and considerate future projections as it proposes a holistic and progressive process of healing.
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THE SQUARE It was of utmost importance to properly define the boundaries of Taksim Square. The square’s boundaries have been redefined with rehabilitating interventions to create an accessible and permeable transition. First and foremost, creating a green axis by planting trees along the border with the Marmara Hotel (including the metro entry and the elevator); secondly, creating a blue axis by setting a reflection pool along the wide border with Maksem; thirdly, creating a gently rising amphitheater above Tarlabaşı Boulevard; and lastly, redesigning the stair-ramp inviting visitors towards Gezi Park. By the simple volte-face gesture of reversing the direction of the stairs of Gezi Park, the flow turns inwards, and the entrance to the park becomes more inviting to citizens. Hence the park-square relation becomes more integrated. Through utilization of the level difference between the two edges of the square; a naturally sloped ramp has been shaped between the set of stairs dissolving through the existing slope. The integrated ramp and stair system leading to the upper park level maximizes the accessibility by addressing various users. The new concave shape of the stairs and its accessible disposition incorporates a dual purpose as well: the first is functioning as an amphitheater while the square acts as a stage and the second is vice versa where the stairs and the park level are hosting the spectacle while the square is the gathering space. Taksim Square which has been an important stage for mass celebrations and demonstrations throughout the years can hence once again become a space of meeting and free expression when need be. Another crucial intervention is to raise the pedestrian level to the vehicle road. This levelling helped bind AKM’s entrance area to the square, thus allowing for a continuous flow. A new pedestrian-friendly pavement design will also help to slow down the traffic in this congested area. AKM’s presence in the square is enhanced by a small intervention: A reflection pool is placed in this transition area to recreate AKM’s silhouette further in the square. Moreover, an additional subway exit on the axis of AKM’s facade has been proposed for a more convenient use. The project also offers a novel approach in the design of Taksim Square’s frequently more than renewed pavement work, in which the hard surfaces are softened and partially integrated with the green network. This green network texture increases towards the edges of the flooring providing a smooth transition between the green and the pavement while the denser main axis retains its role as the square. The use of surface-treated terrazzo on the pavement would transform the square into a warmer and more inclusive area while designating the circulation of the users through creating a graphic focus by its unique pattern arrangement.
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ATATÜRK LIBRARY - THE BRIDGE The connection between Gezi Park and the Bosphorus has been gradually disrupted due to the structures erected on Mete Avenue. In reference to the green axis leading to Maçka Park in the Prost Plan, this valuable yet lost connection is aimed to be re-established by connecting Gezi Park’s eastern edge to the Atatürk Library and its vast surrounding garden through a new pedestrian corridor. This walkway would also serve as a viewing deck like it used to be, all the while creating a continuous promenade by sewing these two urban spaces. In addition, altering the existing cafe on this route to a bookstorecafe would strengthen the semantic relation between the library and the park.
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CANOPY A canopy on the northwest direction of Gezi Park, with its facade looking towards Cumhuriyet Street has been designed as an element perpetuating the city’s collective memory. This canopy, resonating as a part of the modernist structures’ form through the Nişantaşı-Harbiye axis to Taksim, would establish a delicate yet strong connection between the past and present through evoking the memory and function of the buildings demolished in the beginning of 2010s. The structure would diffuse into the network of trees towards Harbiye and dissolve in the park. While the canopy establishes the spatial tectonics on the park level, the lower level is organized by consecutive units. These units merge into the social life of the city by revitalizing Taksim Art Gallery’s role as an essential part of the cultural community of Istanbul. Taksim Art Gallery, Istanbul Municipality’s book and gift store (İstanbul Kitapçısı) and a cafe are consecutively integrated within these units from Taksim Square to the Harbiye axis. The canopy facing Cumhuriyet Avenue incorporates the green fabric and the monumental trees of the park while providing functional spaces for relaxing, resting, strolling and observing this vibrant area. The canopies define zones intended to host public cultural events into the park as well. Their organization allows simultaneous use of each canopy for a different purpose such as open air cinema, live music performance, performing arts show or a gathering area. Beneath this uniting canopy, the facades of these units would transform into analog and/or digital displays with information on cultural centers’ programs, museum exhibitions and event calendars. A new medium of communication with the citizens increasing their involvement with the city would be realized with integration of showcases, smart screen technologies and/or QR codes. These units offer enriching the social and cultural interface of Istanbul through exhibition areas, technical support spaces and inner gardens they are equipped with. Establishment of a multidimensional relationship on horizontal axis as well as vertical is achieved through a coherent organization of closed, semi-closed and open spaces. The units’ facades, canopy and inner gardens are communicating with Cumhuriyet Street and the passengers in addition to the citizens on Gezi Park level through dualities of solid-void, permeable-non permeable and inner-outer. The tectonic arrangement of the space allows multi-sensory communication: Perception of these spaces is not merely limited to visual interaction but to auditory and tactile sensing as well with spatial interventions such as skylights, inner courtyard gardens and a flowing plan layout. These culture nodes are open to public access at different times of the day and their content planning is to be done with contributions of the culture, art and tourism departments of the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul.
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The sunken room organized in relation to the subway entrance offers a special space for the display of the city’s architectural model with a smart technology interface to inform its visitors on Istanbul’s historical, cultural and social heritage. The proposal for the city’s architectural model would be as such: A large two-piece architectural model of Istanbul, the Asian and the European sides divided in the middle by a physical rift in the flooring of the room, filled with real water collected from the newly implemented reservoir. Two rotatable binoculars (one for the children, other for the adults ) are planned to be placed on the upper level which will allow people to take a detailed and enjoyable look at the architectural model. The large cavity connecting the street level to the underground transportation hub on the corner of Cumhuriyet Street and Taksim Square, acts as an urban node uniting a variety of functions. Presently claustrophobic, stuffy and noisy, this area will be totally transformed with the addition of skylights and large openings bringing in light, air and vitality; thus eliminating the existing auditory and visual pollution. The obsolete areas will be revitalized also by the addition of kiosks, lounges and multi-purpose halls along with a vertical garden initiating a dialogue between the upper and lower levels. The transformation of the existing underground infrastructure and bus station contributes to the ecological sustainability of the area as well as the social one. Construction of a transparent water reservoir through the facade into the predetermined dysfunctional underground area would enable drainage of excess rainwater from Gezi Park and the square. It would manifest the importance of a sustainable future while attracting the users by the continuous flow and dwelling of water. Taksim Square and the surrounding environment would hence gain a self-sufficient and ecological infrastructure network for the future.
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TALIMHANE AMPHITHEATRE STRUCTURE The area where Talimhane meets with Tarlabaşı Boulevard is subjected to a significant amount of noise and visual pollution. Minimization of these negative effects was aimed through a small scale amphitheater structure facing the square. This upper surface area would not only define a new green boundary for the square but it would also function as a sitting, meeting or resting spot under the trees, ready to host spontaneous or planned performances of street musicians or municipality’s events. On the other side, the inner part of this structure facing Tarlabaşı Boulevard is designed to host flower vendors (currently located in front of Maksem), offering them a space specially customized for their needs and also sparing them from changing weather conditions. Finally, it would also serve as a protected seating area, ideal while waiting for the taxis or dolmuş.
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SECURITY The security issue in urban areas depends on multiple variants which could be controlled through smart design solutions. Providing a feeling of security for Taksim Square’s users is one of the focal aspects of the project. The lighting design in the Gezi Park and the surrounding area offers a first-step solution to the security issues in this crowded zone. In addition, another security solution is through acoustics: The proposed stabilized pavement material for inside the park not only references the original one from the past, but more importantly allows controlled sound propagation. The sound emitted by footsteps is a sure way of raising the awareness of one’s surroundings and enhancing security, especially during the less crowded nighttime. The park area embraces all kinds of users in its secure environment with its various interfaces and functions as there are zones for mixed use of children, adults and elderly under the large canopy as well as the formal gardens. Each zone offers its own multi-purpose utilization hence providing equal accessibility chances to each citizen. Nevertheless, there are zones specifically designed for a unique group of users as well, such as children. The existing playground in the park is re-designed as a sunken park which allows children a free space to play and interact while their parents may peacefully enjoy the park. The design of this playground would require the use of natural, durable and secure materials, the details of which will be revealed in the next step.
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MAKSEM In order to symbolically revive Maksem, whose initial function was to distribute water, we are planning to integrate the water recirculation system of the building with the tank we will build at the lower elevation of the square, thus establishing a system which that will pour through the holes in its facade into the small pool placed in front of it. This sustainable circulating water system would enable Maksem to regain its lost place in the collective memory of the city.
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URBAN FURNITURE As part of the Taksim Square renovation project, the use of lightweight, durable and modular urban furniture will quickly respond to the different uses and functions of this area. Special shelter units will also be scattered in and around the park for other users of the city; cats and dogs. The new urban furniture was designed to be suitable for different uses: Dual areas where people can sit in groups, have face-to-face conversation, as well as micro spaces where individuals can perform their individual activities; all able to change shape with their modular systems. The environmental and social sustainability of the city is enriched by integration of this uniting approach.
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TEMPORARY STRUCTURES Temporary structural elements that can be established in Taksim Square and/or on the Cumhuriyet Street will be designed to host cultural, artistic and recreational activities -an indispensable part of the public space- and solidarity platforms such as the Red Crescent or Ramadan tents. Thus, the use of specially designed modular structures for various public events will provide an aesthetic integrity, and be synchronized with the general design features of the park and its surroundings. These modular structures, which can be easily installed, dismantled and stored, can host events such as the Used-Book Festival, Design Festival, Gastronomy Festival and Open Air Film Festival (currently organized by BeyoÄ&#x;lu Municipality between May and November) or different events organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. These structures will be stored in a depot, on the northwest side of the park. The depot will help eliminate the visual pollution, also by storing public safety equipment such as police barriers, today scattered all around the park.
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TECHNOLOGY Taking technology and communication culture into account will enable us to design Taksim Square not only today but also tomorrow. In this sense, adding phone charging points to the urban furniture in the square like in the municipal buses, preparing space-memory maps of the important buildings of the square (existing or not, such as the Artillery Barracks) and making them accessible by mobile devices, audio guides and/or QR codes would increase the involvement of the users. The digital display units on Taksim Art Gallery’s facade would also enrich this approach by informing passers-by on Istanbul’s cultural agenda.
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SPACES OF ART AND CULTURE The vision of enhancing Taksim Square’s role as a cultural magnet led to the incorporation of three main locations with major artistic and cultural functions. These points are, Maksem which currently serves as an exhibition space for Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul; Taksim Art Gallery which would be revitalized almost ten years after its demolition; and the symbolic point referencing to the pedestal of İsmet İnönü’s (never erected) sculpture in Gezi Park. It will be necessary to establish a committee (e.g. Taksim Art Committee) for the formulation of the core values, principles and organizational patterns of these cultural spaces. This committee would create an annual program for all three spaces, establish collaborations with artists and professionals in the field and ensure that the projects are implemented. The members of the committee would include multidisciplinary professionals from the fields of art and culture such as contemporary artists, performance artists, architects, archeologists, sociologists and so forth. In order to prevent monopolization, it would be appropriate to change the board members every one or two years. The activities to be held in these three venues will vitally nurture the public integrity of Taksim Square, the most important public space of Istanbul, strengthen the relationship of citizens in the surrounding neighborhoods with the city and its history, develop the sense of civic responsibility and will be the source of constructive transformations in the long run. The activities planned for all three points could be developed in parallel with other activities in the city’s artistic and cultural agenda, or in collaboration with the culture and arts institutions in Beyoğlu. The spatial organization and programs’ details, selection of the committee members and the definition of their roles/responsibilities are to become more prominent in the progressive stages. Recalling the Memory: Maksem Maksem is the initial building block giving its name to the Taksim region, designed originally for the purpose of water distribution. Although it has lost its original function a long time ago, it became reactivated a decade ago with the support of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality under the name İBB Taksim Cumhuriyet Sanat Galerisi (İBB Taksim Republic Art Gallery). Within the scope of this project, Maksem will continue to have both functions: Firstly, its relation to the water will be reestablished with a circulation system and a small water basin; and secondly it will be ‘distributing’ creative projects by hosting cultural and artistic events in coordination with Taksim Art Gallery and Taksim² Open Art Zone. Increasing the active participation of Maksem in the cultural agenda of the city is foreseen through programs correlating with other art centers, galleries etc.
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Revitalizing a Space: Taksim Art Gallery Taksim Art Gallery used to be one of the most important artistic spaces in Istanbul for decades. Especially in its earlier years up until the 2000s, it served the young artists not only as a platform to show their new works, but also as a school. After a decade of its demolition, Taksim Art Gallery will be reestablished, taking into account today’s exhibition needs and infrastructure. It is anticipated that Taksim Art Gallery will once again become a platform for young and new artists to gain visibility and one of the focal points of the city’s art map. It bears the potential to host a variety of synchronized events spreading through the spaces established on multiple vertical levels from the square to the lower ones. Its multidimensional spatial qualities will help strengthen the experience of the viewers. The envisioned new content planning would potentially include Taksim Art Gallery among the venues of Istanbul Biennale, Istanbul Design Biennale and other national, international events; hence transforming it into a vibrant center of art. The building communicates with the city not simply through its physical presence but also through the digital screens displaying event calendars on its facade. The skin of the structure transforms itself into a new medium of communication which captures citizens’ attention. Activating the Square: Taksim² Open Art Zone Istanbul’s collective memory is a gigantic archive rooting back to prehistoric civilizations and its collection enlarges constantly with each trace added to the city. Gezi Park bears one of these valuable marks: The pedestal placed in Gezi Park (initially called ‘İnönü Gezisi’) in 1944 originally intended to bear İsmet İnönü’s sculpture and remained empty for various reasons until it was removed due to a sudden decision taken in 1982. Only its trace persists today. Today the trace of the pedestal, pointing to the non-existence of the sculpture, can still be noticed on the southeastern edge of the park. Establishing a new permanent monument or sculpture in this location would hold the undesirable aspect of appealing only to a specific group/taste. This approach would not correlate with the intention of Suture as it aims to mend and connect ruptured parts of the city and the community. In this regard, a contemporary and lively vision constantly altering to adapt to the city and citizens is embraced. We wanted to put forward a new approach that keeps the pulse. The desire of using this specific trace with a contemporary approach brought about the idea of a unique use: We consider a project called Taksim² defined with the conceptual square indicated by the historic pedestal mark with a name referencing both the actual square and its geometry. A yearly site-specific art competition on an international scale would increase the involvement in the square’s and its surroundings’ as well as contribute to the international prestige of Istanbul in this field.
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TRANSPORTATION It has been our priority to create a public space that will facilitate the access of everyone to the square and at the same time facilitate the movement of the users. In this sense, we have aimed for a public space where one can walk around in a calm rhythm, and the axes move towards each other, that is, allowing encounters. By clearing the area from existing small-scale obstacles and facilitating transitions between different levels, the square was made easy to move around for everyone, including children, the elderly, the sick and the disabled. The continuity of the pedestrian flow and slowing down of traffic in the connecting zone between AKM and the square in addition to the area in front of Divan Hotel is enabled through the material choice and arrangement of the pavement tiles. The pedestrian crossing was facilitated by forcing the cars to slow down with an indented protruding floor in the area in front of the AKM, and the Divan Hotel. Bicycle and electric / non-electric scooter parking points were designed for users in the square, in the park and its surroundings, thus, the use of vehicles other than motor vehicles will be supported despite the sloping topography of Istanbul.
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URBAN DESIGN PLAN
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SITE PLAN
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LIGHTING DESIGN To strengthen the quality of abidance, pedestrian traffic, the urban importance as an intersection and the historic meaning of Taksim Square following themes are identified: Connection, vertical lines as well as horizontal connections, the water, which gave the name, the sea view from the bridge and balcony, the art galleries to give young artists a prominent space. These themes are enhanced, starting with natural light during daytime: A. Vertical Connection / connecting the levels Natural light shines to the lower levels of the bus station, with these two effects: The sunshine, falling through the round openings in the roof like a canopy of leaves combined with a glade, the big opening with the huge stairs (Clearing). This prepares visitors to experience the trees of the park. These effects are quoted by artificial light at night with disks of light (1) on the ceiling of the lower level. B. Horizontal connection / orientation/ hierarchy 1. Walkways shown as main connections get higher lampposts (5) and more light than lateral paths, so visitors understand where to expect the most pedestrian traffic/ live at night. This pedestrian light category continues as well at the crossings to the roads, so drivers get a signal where pedestrians are crossing. The street light (8) will be again higher than the main walkways around the park. The lampposts (8) on the roads will be around 6 m high, those on the main walkways (4) around 3 m high. This creates a certain atmosphere: higher light point creates a general and wider atmosphere, lower light points a more cosy and “inviting-to-stay” light atmosphere. 2. Orientation is generated by lit landmarks as important buildings (for example AKM: light from interior (6), others from exterior), monuments, entrances (12), groups of trees (3) and lit water features (7). 3. Another way to give people the understanding of the space is to give some light to its perimeter. This is important for the feeling of safety. (If you walk on a lit path and everything around you is dark you don’t feel safe, because you are perfectly seen by others, but you don’t see who approaches you. If the background is lit this doesn’t happen.) Some lit facades (6) along Taksim Square communicate their importance and show their beauty as in other cases it’s either trees (3) or other elements that mark the perimeter of the square. 4. Four multifunctional light masts (14), which are evenly distributed, provide orientation on the Taksim Square itself. The masts are equipped with different spotlights with different light characteristics. The masts have high and low light points. 5. Main orientation in the city/to the waterfront: Especially at night the view to the Bosporus from the balcony at the end of the bridge will be fascinating. The landing/starting point of the bridge will be lit like an entrance; along the bridge we protect the eyes of the visitors from disturbing glare by using floor light from the handrail (9).
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LANDSCAPE DESIGN : THE GREEN STRATEGY As an integral part of the project a green strategy is formed aiming the synthesis of green and the city scape. Implementation of a green network into Istanbul’s existing built environment would significantly transform urban life. Establishment of a green infrastructure beginning from Taksim Square and stretching towards Maçka, Harbiye and İstiklal Avenue would strengthen nature’s connection with the built environment while resonating with the original intention to create an urban green zone incorporating the axis linking Dolmabahçe, Maçka and Taksim. Main focus of the landscape design has been unifying the square and the green network while preserving its essence as an urban square. In the light of climatic and environmental considerations, prevention of Taksim Square’s transformation into an urban heat island through extreme exposure is aimed. The initial proposal is reorganization of the existing trees and development of future plantation scenarios. In order to define a green path diffusing into the square, the trees of species Tilia rubra (Linden tree) which have been integrated to the flora of Taksim and present in the Gezi Park are re-planted in the subway entries’ axis in addition to İstiklal Street’s. This novel axis of green would minimize the heating effect in this highly urbanized area. This method is also followed for the Harbiye-Elmadağ axis where the Fraxinus angustifolia (Narrow leafed ash tree) and Acer negundo are planted to ensure heat control. Ecological consideration functions on a holistic level hence adaptation of an approach to consider details is required to design a sustainable environment. Consequently, design solutions on multiple scales and levels have been developed. One of the most critical and characterizing elements of the project is the delicate and coherent relationship of the paved flooring and the green network. The intention to develop a balance between the hard surfaces and the soft green texture shows itself through design of green joints and spaces between tiling units. This interplay of hard-soft, natural-artificial defines a strong pattern in its own that can be altered over a period according to the requirements of the users. The proposed system communicates with the users through allowing removal and re-organization of the tiles on the parts with less circulation and occupied mtore by the green network generating new potential utilization patterns. The interaction of citizens with the green in the city is present throughout the project area. Zones providing vertical connections between underground structures with the street level links these two levels by species of ivy and hedera to achieve a visual union.
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GEZI PARK Taksim Gezi Park or with its initial name Taksim İnönü Promenade is designed with the intention to offer “A green, breathable area for Istanbul” in the 1937 Istanbul Master Plan as a promenade and a large terrace opening to the square on the large area remaining vacant after Taksim military barracks were demolished. The series of relations between the square and the valley linking Dolmabahçe, Maçka and Harbiye is organized through the integration of an urban promenade beginning from the Maçka Park is followed by an open-air amphitheater and the Congress Valley leading to Asker Ocağı Street which is connected to Gezi Park with a bridge and finally to Taksim Square. This set of relations has been gradually lost due to the additional buildings, increased traffic and addition of tunnels in this valley. Today, only 3.8 hectares from Gezi Park and 11 hectares from Maçka Park remain from this area once designed as a large urban park. When the original intention of reserving a 30 hectares of green zone for 1940s Istanbul is compared to the present state, the remaining parks’ critical roles are perceived. The connections of the park to Talimhane through Cumhuriyet Avenue and to Gümüşsuyu and Atatürk Library through Mete Avenue are weakened. Nevertheless, Gezi Park still exists as an important green zone situated in the intersection of the city’s cultural and transportation centers. It also holds a special place in citizens’ memories as well as the city’s collective memory. The green strategy is developed regarding the disrupted character of the existing green network. The aim to transform one of Istanbul’s extremely dense built zones into a space communicating with nature has been central. Various points in the region are re-associated with each other through physical and conceptual connections on scales of urban and landscape design as well as architecture. Taksim Square would gain permeability through simple yet powerful design decisions which enable diffusion of green into the urban fabric. Most of the trees’ ages date back to the final period of Ottoman Empire’s reign. The design of the park and its flora have been shaped by the gardeners invited from Italy, France and Japan after the 1850s. The English sycamore trees, Japanese sophoras, horse chestnuts were planted in this period. The younger trees which are more than 70 years old in the park were planted in the 1940s after the demolition of the barracks.
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The dimensions of the areas reserved as parks, plantation decisions, landscape design and integrity are significant factors increasing the quality of urban life. The green zones and axes are essential for balancing the urban metabolism and sustainability. Parks act as the connective tissue between the city and nature. A green infrastructure contributes to formation of a healthy city by increasing air quality, establishing the microclimate balance, minimizing the visual and sound pollution and creating spaces dedicated to citizens’ recreational use. The acupuncture point interventions in the Gezi Park include the protection of the existing trees and renewal of the material following the present design strategy and style, utilization of permeable soil and pavement system to control the flow and collect the rainwater in a single storage area. In addition, rehabilitation of the underwood plants and enrichment of the flora are suggested to be realized through the planting selection of bushes and perennial species with low maintenance and water demand. Integrating water element into the green infrastructure increases the ecological quality through their utilization by various animals and plants, contribution to control of excess heating and sustainability. The park’s character as an urban green zone/urban park would be revitalized with the addition of singular urban furnitures/ seatings around the water elements in the park. The reflection pool facing the Atatürk Cultural Center enhances the connection of the square and the building by resonating its presence in the area. Both of the reflection pools are designed considering the water demand and cooling off of the animals in this area. The park’s role within the urban fabric and users’ utilization of this space are strengthened with the addition of versatile zones. Suggestion to pave the pedestrian pathways with stabilized ground and fine grinned stone would minimize the hard structure weight of the park while establishing an acoustic comfort zone for the users where the noise is absorbed by this system. The identical system is proposed for Atatürk Library’s garden where the acoustic comfort along with optimal utilization is sought. The transition from the formal garden character of Gezi Park to Atatürk Library’s informal garden is carried throughout the raised pedestrian path connecting these two locations. A calm sunken garden has been formed here which effectively blocks the vehicle noise.
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LANDSCAPE LAYOUT
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ORGANISATION SCHEME In order to have a pluralistic approach and promote a diversity of point of views, we preferred to build a team of professionals from different backgrounds. The team can be enlarged in need of necessity to have deeper understanding and to work on certain problems. It is also important to note that in the working model we envisage that all parties work closely with one another trying to ensure an integrative cooperation. The team members’ roles can be described as follows (alphabetically): Architects are responsible for the creation of the overall project. As the team leader, s/he will be directing the implementation of the concept design. Art and architecture historian’s contribution is crucial to understand the different strata of the texture of this area of historical importance. Artist’s point of view is necessary in this project, as Taksim Square carries the image of the city. S/he will be taking part in the implementation of the artistic choices. Art consultant is responsible for advising the team on artistic matters and supervises the potential artwork commissions for the public spaces. Civil engineer is making sure that design, construction and maintenance of the built environment is feasible and sound. Curator is supervising the possible programmation proposals for the envisaged municipality’s public art gallery. Editor is working closely with all team members during the process, in charge of all written and visually designed material, as well as the presentation of the project. Graphic designer is charge of the visuals, making sure that the main ideas in the architectural concept are properly communicated. Landscape architect is responsible for creating an attractive and functional landscape design and for the integration of the different components into the overall setting. Lighting designer is liable for designing the lighting elements and lighting system indoors and outdoors, as well as areas requiring specialization. Sociologist is consulting the team on the patterns of social relationships and interaction through empirical investigation and critical analysis. Urban planner is contributing to the project’s research phase and deepens the team’s understanding on urban dynamics. Urban transportation consultant is advising to the team on creating appropriate accessibility scenarios for people of different ages and different conditions and all types of transportation vehicles.