Dissolving Taksim
Type: Architectural Competition
Team: Hayrettin Günç, Erdem Tüzün, Elif Tan, Yelta Köm, Dima Rachid, Leah Moukarzel, Tarik Keskin
Helpers: Ayşegül Seyhan, Elif Çak Köm, Aziz Barbar, Sina Özbudun
Status: Shortlisted
Year: 2020
Taksim is where Istanbul comes together; Taksim is where Istanbul dissolves.
Since the late Ottoman period and the foundation of the Republic, Taksim has always been central to the historical, socio-political, and cultural narrative of Istanbul. On one hand, this centrality created a space of multiplicity and heterogeneity through trade and cultural activities. On the other hand, it brought a huge amount of pressure which eventually turned the square into a battleground of ideologies, political statements, protests, and demonstrations. It is a place that is and will continue to be in flux. In line with this reality, our approach suggests moving away from traditional, closed, and static structures, into open and dynamic arrangements.
We have set six ambitions in the beginning of the project to guide us throughout the design process. Taksim’s continuity lies in its persistent use as a public space. Our goal is to renew this character by tackling mobility issues, ecological infrastructure, and programmatic questions. In this process, we embrace the complexity of its past and reveal opportunities for engagement. The new Taksim Square reflects on contemporary values of resilience, inclusiveness and sustainability in a simple yet strategic series of spaces, ready to welcome everyone.
Our vision for Taksim is one that is inspired from the predominant character of the space and extended to be
seamlessly integrated into a holistic, novel one. Taksim Square should be flexible, responsive, and adaptive,
seamlessly integrated into a holistic, novel one. Taksim Square should be flexible, responsive, and adaptive,
all the while respecting the historical narrative.
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