009 New Centrality:Haydarpasa Train Station & Culture Center
Istanbul,2022
convergence strip
The project proposes to transform the role of station regions from “separator” to “consolidative”. In this way, these industrial zones would be a unification and convergence land of the surrounding physical environment. Thus, the “Detachment” principle of the project signals the creation of a commonplace between old and new, former and latter, past and future. Although the project is literally a renovation and extension project on a regional scale, it has the possibility to have a global impact. The train station becomes a public exodus center for citizens to escape from the daily stress and worries of life. Haydarpasa Railway Station is located at the intersection of three neighborhoods. The Station region which is filled with factories, warehouses, docks, sidings, and industrial workplaces is a visual and physical barrier in the heart of the city. Hence, the project aims to transform the quality of the industrial land by turning the region into a 1 km length strip that consists of various sections. The project is developed on the concept of detachment. HS train station has been detached from the former station and a new public space between the old and new was created. It is also a lobotomy operation making reference to the history of railroad stations. Railroad stations had synthesized architectural typology which consisted of two main architectural lobes. The classical lobes, where people waited for their trains, principally symbolize dignity and stability. Industrial volumes are the places where dynamism never ends up and is the dominant character. The separation of the two volumes is a physical emphasis and manifestation of the two lobes’ character of the railroad stations. The former station is transformed into a cultural venue, and the original plan layout is preserved. The floating roof becomes a complementary puzzle piece of nonsymmetrical station form.
detachment
The project is developed on the concept of detachment. A new High-Speed terminal will be detached from the original station, in this way, a new contemporary public center will be created between the old and the new station. Railroad stations had synthesized architectural typology which consisted of two main architectural lobes. The classical lobes, where people waited for their trains, principally symbolize dignity and stability. Industrial volumes are the places where dynamism never ends up and is the dominant character. The separation of the two volumes is a physical emphasis and manifestation of the two lobes’ character of the railroad stations. The project intends to show station could become an enjoyable and attractive building without losing its own identity and character. People could hear the voices of trains and they can watch the interior as if they watch a performance instead of escaping from them. In this way, the railway station gains soul and speaks to citizens. Floating roof still continues to have existed as part of the industrial lobe attached to classical volume. Haydarpasa Railway Station speaks to people and expresses unseen or concealed information about the former station. All types of passengers will move in the same direction, towards the former station. This situation will create a visual attractiveness as if all people exodus toward the former station and new public plaza, which will increase the importance and historical building will be apotheosized in the mind of people.
culture center
The former station is transformed into a cultural venue, and the original plan layout is preserved. The floating roof becomes a complementary puzzle piece of non-symmetrical station form. The cultural venue includes a variety of programs ranging from exhibition galleries to multimedia rooms and performance halls. All activities such as library and the sculpture hall are on the ground floor, so the inclusion of communities will be promoted. The floating roof hosts a contemporary exhibition gallery and has vast open space each visitor is free to choose their route. Freedom to visitors is provided in only the floating roof, which coincides with the main idea behind the creation of these volumes: freeing up the mind.
