URBAN INTEGRITY AND SENSE OF PLACE

Istanbul is a metropolitan city transforming rapidly in terms of economic, social, cultural and physical fields: these rapid changes fragment the continuity of heritage accumulated in historical layers and can create a social confliction.

However, in recent years, Taksim Square, which has maintained its importance especially since the Early Republican Period, is in a danger of losing its place in urban memory due to social fractures that interrupt the historical continuity. This is partly the result of the closure of the Ataturk Cultural Center, which has held a significant place in the memory of the cities’ inhabitants as a common meeting place, the character of the Republic Monument that has become less defined with the Taksim pedestrianization project, and the social activities that have been systematically removed from the area.

As of today, despite its symbolic meaning, Taksim Square is a space lacking a defined form and character, being surrounded by individual elements that do not communicate with one another. Hence, the project proposes a framework of actions, introducing some simple features that can completely transform the area of interest by creating a cohesive dimension for the square.

THE EMBELLISHED “CARPET”

A new embellished pavement delineates the rectangular section between the Republic Monument and the Atatürk Cultural Center. Adding shape to the existing area, the new flooring enhances the value of this exceptional public space. A common ground, plain and clear, without obstacles, for democratic and social relationships.

THE NEW PROMENADE

A slender colonnade supports an elevated linear promenade that creates a pivotal connecting element between Taksim Square and the adjacent Gezi Park.

THE ROW OF TREES

The façade of Taksim Square opposite to Gezi Park is currently characterized by uneven buildings of low architectural quality. A new row of trees gives order to the location, by restoring the appearance of the Southern side of the square.

THE CITY FROM ABOVE

The Eastern end of the new promenade elevates into a panoramic tower, an open parallelepiped structure 40 meters high. Designed to be an effortless landmark building in the square, the main value of the tower is its elevated terraces, each level offering visitors extraordinary views of the city culminating with a view of the Bosphorus.

The aim is to give to all citizen the opportunity to admire their city from a unique point of view, visitors and tourists will experience being part of the city from its beating heart.

ENHANCING THE HISTORY OF THE LOCATION

The memory of the building that once occupied the square in the nineteenth century is suggested in the form of the new pavement near the Republic Monument, where the perimeter of the embellished flooring curves to accompany the circular space of the historical flowerbeds delineating the footprint of the nineteenth century structure.

EXPANSION OF GEZI PARK AND NEW FUNCTIONS

The restoration of Gezi Park focuses on the central historical space and aims at maintaining the present design. Additionally, the park is also expanded with the incorporation of part of Cumhuriyet Caddesi. This extension reshapes the relationship between the park and the city, by introducing new accesses to the park without any architectural barrier.

WATER

On the opposite side from the Atatürk Cultural Center, the historic aqueduct delineates one of the short sides of the square. In continuity with the aqueduct building, the project inserts a body of water to further embellish and enrich the location, a horizontal plane of water with jets of different heights and intensities.

ART

Art can introduce a unique illuminated nightscape bringing light to the public space: works of art made with light tubes and site specific installations bring a living atmosphere also by night.

LIGHTING ATMOSPHERE

The lighting design reveals the identity of the space during the night and creates visual hierarchy in Taksim. It gives the emphasis to the main architectural features, putting others in the background. Ataturk Cultural Center, the Republic Monument and Maksem are the main landmarks of the night: a sort of storytelling with illumination.
The precious marble of the embellished carpet inserts are gently backlit to make the carpet shine at night, recalling the unique colors of sunset in Istanbul.