Istanbul City Library

This Architectural Design Studio VI deals with the design of a city library in metropolitan Istanbul. Beyond this basic goal, it aims to create a cultural attraction point in city-scale by considering the particular conditions of the given urban lot. The design was shaped around the idea of creating valuable public spaces that would live for 24/7.

Istanbul, unfortunately, has lack of public spaces. Inhabitants can rarely touch to the Bosporus shore, barely see a green and it is almost impossible to find a cultural event which does not take place in a shopping mall. Therefore, a city library in Istanbul has to provide a very important mission for the city and resolve the public space need. This project aims to create a unique, functional and attractive urban center. The project site was in Levent, which is known for its financial towers, offices, luxury hotels and shopping malls. Building typology of the site can be considered in two groups. The first group consists of the old, low-rise houses in the neighborhood -which were transformed into offices- while the second group consists of the high-rises that have mixed-use facilities. So, there is an imbalance in the scale between the two sides of the Buyukdere Street. Actually, it is a very central location and therefore there are many options to access the site, however, because of the traffic congestion, the most chosen option is metro. The site is located on the metro line and has a direct connection from the current exit. This exit is redefined as a pedestrian path which ends with an open courtyard in the first basement and strengthened with commercial functions along the path. To maximize the open space, all the volumes (except auditorium) were lifted from the ground and this area was supported by commercial volumes, food facilities, large courtyards, water features and an open-air cinema that sits on the natural topography of the site. The auditorium is located alongside the Buyukdere Street to block the noise and provide the peacefulness of the ground floor. The library is located at the northern side of the lot to make maximum use of the northern light and to define a gathering space under it. The rectangular ring goes all around the site and the main volumes, hosts some important functions, gives a characteristic looking and defines the borders. This complex promises a special public space experience in the metropolitan Istanbul and makes this precious lot a cultural attraction point for its inhabitants.