Central Taksim
X0213012
Central Taksim
Vision Today the project site has a split spatial condition - it consists of the Taksim square, the Gezi park and the traffic underpass pedestrianisation urban design project from 2014. Our proposal Central Taksim is an attempt to unify these three open space elements into one unified spatial system. Complex political and historical layers, the role of the Taksim square as the architectural battlefield of Istanbul, the constant processes of additions and subtractions has left the Taksim square and the traffic underpass in a state which lacks any spatial quality or urban hierarchy. On the other hand, the Gezi park trees have matured into a valuable local ecosystem with preserved strong historical traces of Henri Prost’s plan and with powerful environmental and climate values. The project vision is based on extending the spatial logic of the Gezi park all over the project site and using it as the guiding framework for the new public space hierarchy. The proposal is an active reinterpretation of the original Henri Prost urban plan for Istanbul for the current needs of the city. Gezi park currently consists of (1.) the central park esplanade - an urban space with few trees and a clear open space character; and (2.) the park edge with a dominant concentration of large trees. Central Taksim proposal is using this park hierarchy in a new light - we are proposing to reinterpret the esplanade space as the new urban open space for the city - The Central Taksim - while extending the park edge all over the rest of the site. There are two main objectives of the proposed new layout and hierarchy of the public space. The first one is social; it aims to create livable, heterogeneous, urban, cultural and multipurpose public space. The second one is environmental: it aims to create an epicenter of bioclimatic adaptation within the Turkish climate conditions.
The envisioned Central Taksim and Gezi park are interconnected between their history and future, urbanity and nature, public space dream and pragmatism. Central Taksimproposal links the sites history with the megacity’s new challenges - lack of green areas and a need for livable public spaces (multiple-programmed, flexible and social life cantered). The new public space layout underlines the main two public space characters - (1.) the Central Taksim open plaza as a flexible main event and public gathering location and (2.) the Gezi park edge as a more intimate public space with green and environmental qualities. By creating the central space, the Taksim plaza is liberated from its underground infrastructure and forms a free canvas for series of events and activities. It is framed by a coherent green belt of trees which ensures spatial unity and creates an environmental transition between the diverse buildings around the plaza and the multi-functional open space. The replanting of the existing small trees of the esplanade will create a potential for a new under-plaza cultural program (in our vision - Istanbul City Museum). To create the unifying park edge - we are proposing to densify the trees on the South and Western part of the site in a unified grid of 7 x 7 m adding around 500 new trees to the Gezi Park. The trees frames the plaza and offers a belt of various recreational activities for the citizens under the natural shade of the trees - sports, kiosks, café, transportation, tourism, cycling, market, picnic etc.
Green Taksim The green Taksim is designed to reflect the diverse and unique ecology of the Turkish geography. Native grasses, herbs, bushes and trees are planted in the new green edge, reflecting the diversity of color, height, and appearance of the landscape of Turkey. The mix of the proposed trees and vegetation and the mix of high and low trees will encourage wildlife diversity (bees, butterflied and birds) and it will extend the ecological ecosystem of the Macka Democracy park. Trees will ensure natural shelter and give shading from the sun. 510 new trees will improve natural cooling of the air by evaporation. In addition, with the water strategy, the new Gezi park belt will offer an optimal climate comfort. New green
TRAFFIC UNDERPASS
Central Taksim
GEZI PARK
CENTRAL TAKSIM
soil islands will help to absorb rain water, capture and hold humidity.
Livable Taksim
TAKSIM SQUARE
Diversity of urban spaces creates local communities and spaces for everyone. The plan contains a diversity of urban spaces, which changes in character and sizes. The overall programs enable a wide spectrum of urban life and citizen appropriation. The two main urban spaces - the Central Taksim plaza and the green edge – each of them in a different way allow multiple programming of urban life and experiences of human scale. The green edge we propose to design with a sensory experience within a radius of 2 m (by planting, lighting, urban furniture, paving details). While for the Central Taksim plaza we intend to use the pattern of the original esplanade park as flexible zones to be programmed and filled with multiple patterns of use and experience. Different programs and seasonal events, which could take place in the plaza, will promote its plural identity (Art-Taksim, Play-Taksim, MarketTaksim, Sports-Taksim etc.) and citizen’s appropriation.
From Gezi park (1), Taksim square (2) and traffic underpass (3)
To Central Taksim with a climate frame