Threshold

Project idea

There are segregated layers in the context : the dense, organic residential fabric along the hills, Silahtarağa Avenue with fast heavy vehicular traffic, the water-side park. Silahtarağa is a strong border. The porpuse of the design is to act as urban connector between these layers by providing continuity of movement that adapts to the everyday life patterns of the neighborhood residents. According to the daily life practices of neigborhood residents, the structure was operated as a threshold to continuity of the movement. Sustainability is aimed by establishing a balance between both public space arrangements for a closer sports experience in daily life and also intimate sports experience in private spaces. Another aim is to respect the existing urban fabric with a fragmented design. By rising the smaller units above ground, placing them at diffrent levels, and leaving voids between them, the visitors can experience the unique view of the sea and the other side from many points of the complex.

Project description

The project area is located on the edge of the Golden Horn with significant natural beauty and historical value of Istanbul. There are lots of bus stops around the area and a tram line starting from the historic peninsula and heading to north of Istanbul. There are segregated layers in the context : the dense, organic residential fabric along the hills, Silahtarağa Avenue with fast heavy vehicular traffic, the water-side park. Silahtarağa is a strong border. The porpuse of the design is to act as urban connector between these layers by providing continuity of movement that adapts to the everyday life patterns of the neighborhood residents. According to the daily life practices of neigborhood residents, the structure was operated as a threshold to continuity of the movement. Sustainability is aimed by establishing a balance between both public space arrangements for a closer sports experience in daily life and also intimate sports experience in private spaces. In the sports center project by the Golden Horn, the aquatics and the basketball court requires wide-span roof structures. These wide-span spatial
units are placed underground. The smallest units are rised above the
ground to provide visibility of Golden Horn from Silahtarağa Avenue. Another aim is to respect the existing urban fabric with a fragmented
design. By rising the smaller units above ground, placing them at diffrent
levels, and leaving voids between them, the visitors can experience the
unique view of the sea and the other side from many points of the
complex. It is aimed to increase the familiarity of people in all ages with sports, with the circulation routes created by associating with public trasportation stops, high school and short cuts which stops used by the neigborhood residents in everyday life.

Technical information

While reinforced concrete was used in the part buried under the soil, steel was preferred in the upper part to create a lighter mass feeling. A hybrid system has been created. Vertical sunshade systems are used on the east and west axis. By choosing a gray color of these elements, it is aimed to support the idea of ​​light structure by creating a feeling of being hidden in the misty days of Istanbul. On sunny days, it is aimed to give a pleasant light to the silhouette.