BorderMate

Project idea

When choosing the location, we started by choosing a country whose culture and topography we had the most knowledge of. For this reason, it was decided that one of the countries we chose would be Turkey, where we live. Some criteria were set when choosing the other country.
Criterion 1: When choosing the location, it was decided to settle in one of the existing border crossing points instead of choosing an unused border region due to a lack of infrastructure.
Criterion 2: 20 of the 28 border crossings in Turkey are still active. Among these 20 border gates, it was decided to settle in one of the 8 border gates with good relations with the countries where they are located.
Criterion 3: Among these 8 border crossings, border crossings that have not been renewed in the last 10 years and need to be renewed were identified.
As a result of these criteria, it was decided to settle at Kapıkule Border Gate between Turkey and Bulgaria.
First, a seismic map analysis was performed for Kapıkule Border Gate. The reason for this was to determine the extent to which this border gate could be affected in a possible earthquake scenario since Turkey is a known earthquake country. Another analysis result was reached by analyzing the comments made by the users for the existing border gate, which is one of the most essential components of the architecture. Looking at the comments, it was determined that 80% of the users made negative comments and the content of these negative comments was 25% bribery and 75% density. Among the causes of congestion were insufficient and uninformed personnel, inadequate units, and systemic errors.

Project description

Two main points guided us during the design process. The first was the problems in the staff-user relationship that we identified as a result of our analysis. Therefore, minimizing staff-user interaction was an important goal. Another important point was the desire to create stress-reducing and relaxing spaces, which was among the demands of the competition. In line with these two factors, the combination of the border gate and the automation system was adopted as the main concept. Therefore, three basic tubes were used as the backbone of the project. These tubes aim to give the border crossing a futuristic look. Through the tubes, which become a mechanism by integrating various units, vehicles and pedestrians can move smoothly.
A botanical garden with endemic plant species from both countries has been added inside the border crossing. Recreational areas such as boutique cafes, various duty-free shopping units and hotels are also designed to provide users with a more pleasant border crossing.

Technical information

VEHICLE - ONLY TUBE
In this tube, vehicles are separated from their users at the entrance by allowing them to pass through the border gate by means of moving belts. The tube was designed in two levels for the passage of vehicles. Cars were allowed to pass at the +5.00 level, while trucks were allowed to pass at the +9.50 level, which is the upper level.
USER + VEHICLE TUBE
This tube, with a floor level of +5, allows users who do not want to leave their vehicles to cross the border crossing with the option of staying inside the vehicle traveling on moving belts. This tube is designed so that trucks and cars move one after the other at the same level.
PEDESTRIAN TUBE
This tube, with a floor level of +5, is designed as a pedestrian tube that allows users to explore the border crossing on foot after leaving their vehicles. Other social units were integrated into this tube, making the user route enjoyable.

Documentation

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