Architecture as a stage for play and self expression : an intervention of public open space in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

People of all races, cultures and religious backgrounds share the need for public places which allow for human interaction and self expression. Unfortunately, in Istanbul, a city of twelve million people where public space has historically been associated with the mosque, historical precedents for secular public places such as this do not exist. Since the decline of the role of religion in social and governmental settings, the mosque courtyard has become primarily a place for ablution, and has lost its quality for gatherings. Yet, today, the city fabric has not changed to accommodate for the space which the mosques provided long ago. As a result, there is a great need for the improvement of public space, and for the making of new public gathering places in Istanbul. This thesis explores the introduction of a public open space into one of the unused sections of the waterfront in Istanbul, and the site for this project is that of the old loading docks and warehouses located across from the Tophane Museum--the historic Ottoman Artillery. The proposed plaza is located at a crossing of many transportational and recreational paths accentuated by the design. As a result the place becomes a nodal point. Self expression and play are the guiding forces behind the program which revolves around a big pool, full of activities, which recognizes water as the life giver to the city of Istanbul.