Yenikapi City Archive, Istanbul, TR
Historically the region of Yenikapi has played an integral part in the long and glorious past of Istanbul, but in many ways now it is the forgotten quarter of the Historic Peninsula. With this urban intervention, in collaboration with Terry Farrells, the concept was to reimagine the area in terms of an important infrastructure node within the city yet protect the rich archaeological heritage underfoot yet to be excavated.
Site plan of the Archaeo-Park + City Archive
1 - City Archive
2 - Namik Kamel square + boulevard
Shared surface public carpet welcoming visitors and city dwellers from interchange to archive and park
3 - City wall
Restored historic wall with observation platform anchored to south elevation
4- Kuleboyu gate
Main public access to park
5 - Bostani pasture
Ecological restoration of Bostani dig with foraging potential. Display of preserved finds with outdoor education space.
6 - Vlanga forest
Cypress forest established around dig discoveries with intimate display of preserved finds.
7 -Abdullah Cavus Walk
Service access and observation walk,
8 - Asim Bey Walk
Two strata, archive to city connection and high level observation walk, gatehouse access control
9 - Katip Muslahaddin Walk
Neighbourhood park connection, gatehouse access control
10 - Sancaktar Walk
High level observation walk
11 - Bostan Ar.
Three strata observation walk and city street with park lodge gatehouse as access control
12 - Kuleboyu Walk
Main east-west park axis with intersect event spaces
13 - Davutpasa Iskelesi Sok
Western entry gate
14 - Helvaci Tahsin Sok
100 islands observation route
15 - 100 islands
Display of preserved finds.
16 - Katip Kasim Bostani
Terraced open air gallery and exhibition gardens with display of preserved finds.
The City Archive is placed into the proposed trench required for the train line, in an imagined state 20 years hence, following the systematic excavation and preservation process of the former Langa Bostani and city walls. People shall experience the site as an evolving journey, understanding the process of discovery through to exhibition. Both the park and the archive act as an expression of the Archaeological Process, a Chronology in urbanism leaving some objects as found, allowing the park to grow and mature around them.
Interior view of the gallery spaces
The City archive is based on a looped circulation diagram with Internal gallery spaces located around the undercroft space, which serves as the main public space within the building. This undercroft space offers views back into the ever evolving Archeopark. The city archive can be entered from roof level, or park level, depending on the visitors point of arrival. A walkway within the Archaeopark connects to the roof of the city archive, bringing visitors to this new public space with views of the surrounding area.
Programme and organisation
Roof plan - landscaped public terraces with views over city
First floor plan - exhibition galleries, workshops and education space
Ground floor plan - external exhibition spaces, labs and education space
Yenikapi City Archive, Istanbul, TR
Client
City of Istanbul, International Design Competition
Programme
City Archive, Archaeo-park, Internal + External Exhibition, Office, Education Facility
Design Team
Farrells, ARUP, Studio Woodroffe Papa, Camlins