This option combines attributes from Schemes 1 (Galleria) and 5 (Urban Jewels) from the LA Workshop (January 27- February 6) with site specific observations made during Istanbul workshop (February 10-18) to create a coherent strategy of urban intervention.

Scheme 7 replaces the existing pedestrian bridge with two new 8M-wide bridges across the busy traffic of Reşadiye Caddesi. These new bridges are accessed by two generous new stairs located on the east and west side of a new podium, that plays the dual role of supporting the cultural program, and collecting and redirecting pedestrian traffic from the ITO site to the waterfront. Along the waterfront, the bridges will touch down at an elevated linear park, a “Waterfront Promenade” (like the Highline in NYC) that connects pedestrians to the bus depot to the northwest, and with the other ferry terminals to the southeast. It is envisioned that this elevated “Waterfront Promenade” can be designed to accommodate/incorporate new and improved facilities for the existing ferry terminals. Scheme 7 also reinforces the porosity of the ITO site on street level between Reşadiye Caddesi and Yalı Köşkü Caddesi with two plazas connected diagonally (from northwest to southeast) to better frame the view to the Galata Tower and Pera from the site. These two plazas are scaled to function like “outdoor rooms”, and would incorporate site-specific art installations, as well as other pedestrian oriented activities. From these two plazas, visitors will also find the entries to the proposed cultural program- the “Auditorium” and the “Urban Resource Center”.

Scheme 7 endorses culture as the main anchor and catalyst to activate the ITO site and the surrounding neighborhood. As a “Cultural Bazaar”, its ambition is to present to visitors the diverse urban heritage of Istanbul under one roof, and as a showcase of what Istanbul has to offer as meeting point of cultures …

A majestic glass-enclosed foyer facing the northwest plaza will bring visitors down to an auditorium on -1 level. The auditorium, connected directly to the existing ITO building, will be designed to accommodate 600 seats, but can also be subdivided into two smaller auditoria of 200-seats and 300-seats.

A second glass-enclosed foyer facing the southeast plaza will be the main entry to the “Urban Resource Center”. Although its program is speculative, the “Urban Resource Center is conceived to optimize the balance between culture and commerce, and to attract both locals and tourists alike. Its lower levels are housed inside and on top of the pedestrian podium, and feature a premium commercial space (like Eaterly) on the ground level, and a café and a specialty bookstore on the podium (second) level.

From the podium (second) level, visitors will also enter the “Urban Resource Center” through three inter-connected atrium spaces with wall to ceiling glass windows to maximize the view to the Golden Horn. It is envisioned that these impressive atriums can be used for large-scale exhibitions as well as for special receptions.

The program on upper levels of the “Urban Resource Center” will accommodate flexible but generous spaces for meetings, an urban heritage archive and reading rooms, as well as tastefully curated exhibitions dedicated to celebrate Istanbul’s architecture and design (a hybrid of the Hotel de Sully and the City of Architecture and Heritage/Palais de Chaillot in Trocadero in Paris).

The roof level of the “Urban Resource Center” will host a gourmet restaurant with magnificent view of the Golden Horn, and roof terraces for outdoor dining when weather permits.

A VIP space spans between the two glass-enclosed foyers, and is accessible from the upper floors of the ITO building. Its elegant glazed interior will enjoy panoramic view to the surrounding cityscape, and will provide a much-desired meeting place for special venues for ITO and the community.

A separate building accommodating multi-purpose event spaces anchors the east end of the site. Elevated above an entry podium, the event spaces feature large projecting windows oriented towards Pera. It is conceived that this “Event Space” building could function either autonomously, or in connection with the adjacent “Urban Resource Center” by a bridge.

Like the classic ottoman monuments, Scheme 7 combines architecture with public space making and infrastructure into a powerful new synthesis.

Scheme 7’s theme reinforces the importance of cultural assets as engine for economic growth, thereby adding sustainable long-term value to society.

The architectural expression of the “Urban Resource Center” is inspired by the bold massing of the traditional Ottoman construction, with monumental bay windows projecting from a composition of stone-clad volumes. Its unique architectural vision respect the magnificent skyline of Istanbul, yet re-imagines it for a new generation. Its character conveys optimism for Istanbul’s future as a global cultural center for the millennium…

Combines the attributes of Schemes 1 (Crystal Palace), 3 (Hidden Treasure) and 4 (Urban Park) from the LA Workshop (January 27- February 6) with site specific observations made during Istanbul workshop (February 10-18) to create a coherent strategy of urban intervention.

Scheme 8 proposes to replace the existing pedestrian bridge with a new Urban Park that spans above Reşadiye Caddesi. This elevated Urban Park will provide a much-needed green space and a sense of repose from the heavy traffic congestion of the area; and offers an alternative solution to submerging Reşadiye Caddesi underground.

The Urban Park can be approached from the east side by a generous new stair, or from the street Yalı Köşkü Caddesi by a pair of stairs at the heart of the ITO site. This pair of stair brings pedestrian to the top of a new podium that connects seamlessly with the Urban Park, and allows pedestrian traffic to flow smoothly from the ITO site to the waterfront.

We envision this Urban Park to incorporate site-specific sculptural installations (like Chicago’s Millennium Park and Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park), and amphitheater-like seating facing the waterfront and ferry landings.

As the first phase of a larger waterfront vision, this elevated Urban Park can be extended to the north as a continuous green space along the waterfront that begin at the transportation hub…

Scheme 8 endorses creative industries as the main anchor and catalyst to activate the ITO site and the surrounding neighborhood. As a “Creative Industries Bazaar”, Scheme 8’s programmatic components are conceived to foster inter-active exchange between the different disciplines of the creative economy, and to attract both young professionals and established designer brands.

Reinforcing street edge of Reşadiye Caddesi, the “Creative Hub” is elevated by a number of columns above the podium level, making a portal for the transition from the podium to the Urban Park. It provides three levels of flexible spaces with generous ceiling heights, conceived specifically as arts and design studios.

The “Creative Hub” is supported by a layered structural façade that allows the interior of the studio spaces to be completely column free. This flexible space can be subdivided to accommodate a variety of creative activities, from art galleries, designer showrooms, to dance and music studios. Floor to ceiling glass curtain wall is designed to maximize view and natural light, and detailed to be operable for natural ventilation during the summer months.

The top level of the “Creative Hub” will feature a café and music club, with ample outdoor terraces that enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding city and the Golden Horn.

At the heart of the ITO site, and accessible from the street Yalı Köşkü Caddesi, visitors will discover a glass-enclosed atrium space - the Great Hall (inspired by the traditional Ottoman assembly spaces and the Rotunda in the NY Guggenheim). The Great Hall would serve as an event space for lectures, receptions, special presentations, as well as the foyer to an Exhibition Center inside the podium. It is envisioned that this Exhibition Center would provide a showcase for the talents of the “Creative Hub”, as well as a state-of-the-arts venue for other creative events in the city (like Istanbul Biennale).

On the second level of the Great Hall is a VIP room, accessible from the “Creative Hub”. With its tall ceiling and fully glazed interior, the VIP room will offer an impressive meeting space for the talents of the “Creative Hub”, and as the crown jewel of the ITO site and the neighboring community.

At the eastern side of the site, a new freestanding building resting on a podium marks the gateway to Yalı Köşkü Caddesi. Its semi-circular form helps soften the impact of converging traffic flow. Articulated with projecting bay windows, this new gateway building will provide levels of spaces suitable for more conventional offices, or as a small boutique hotel.

Scheme 8 combines architecture with public space and landscape into a powerful humanistic synthesis.

Scheme 8’s offers endless programmatic possibilities that transcend function to become a new type of business model for in the age of creative economy.

The architectural expression of Scheme 8 re-interprets classic Ottoman design with modern technology and materials. The layered structural façade of the “Creative Hub” is envisioned to be clad in colored stainless steel to compliment the transparency of the glazed interiors.

Its unique architectural vision respects the magnificent skyline of Istanbul, yet re-imagines it for a new generation. Its character conveys openness and sustainability, by presenting to the citizens and the international community a new urban icon for Istanbul as a creative center for the new millennium…