EYUPSULTAN/ISTANBUL/TURKIYE
urbantıon
05 / 01 / 2023
Project Report
Upon analysis, the Eyüp district reveals a complex and layered urban fabric situated just outside the historical city walls an area that has continually evolved over centuries, embodying both the dynamism and contradictions of the city. Historically, Eyüp has functioned as a threshold: a reception zone for those arriving from Europe prior to their entry into Istanbul. In the contemporary context, this role persists through the symbolic and functional presence of Eyüp Square, which acts as a spatial and cultural gateway for visitors.
While the Eyüp Mosque anchors the district with its profound spiritual significance, the area encompasses a rich diversity of urban experiences and architectural heritage. Despite this, there is an apparent need for a reimagined urban node that can reinterpret Eyüp’s historic role as a space of welcome and transition. Such a space should not only respond to the demands of tourism and local engagement but also serve as a generator of social interaction and cultural production.
The proposed project is situated along the coastal edge an area where multiple modes of transportation converge positioning it as a strategic point for urban activation. The design envisions a multifunctional public interface that operates as both an experiential and educational platform. Programs are curated to foster visual, auditory, and tactile skills through interactive and participatory spaces, thereby promoting creative learning and communal engagement.
Furthermore, the project incorporates a socially sustainable model: all income generated from user-created outputs within the space is directed toward supporting charitable organizations. In this way, the architectural intervention not only enhances the spatial and cultural identity of Eyüp but also contributes to a broader framework of civic responsibility and collective benefit.
Mobility Analysis
The project site benefits from strong multimodal accessibility. It is connected to the city via ferry lines, providing scenic maritime access. Urban bus routes along the main road ensure frequent public transport. Existing and planned bike lanes support eco-friendly mobility, while the area’s strong pedestrian connections make it highly walkable. This layered accessibility strengthens the site’s role as an inclusive and sustainable urban node.
Space Frame System
In the project, the foyer area designed as an entrance and gathering space for the mass housing the theater hall and city cinema serves as a transitional and welcoming zone for visitors. This space was conceived as a large, open, and transparent volume to maximize the use of natural daylight while also referencing a sense of monumentality.
In line with this spatial intent, the design aimed to achieve a strong harmony between architectural expression and structural performance. The need to span large distances and minimize vertical supports led to the decision to employ a space frame system. Thanks to its three-dimensional structural composition, the system ensures high structural integrity while allowing for expansive, uninterrupted interior volumes.
This structural choice successfully addressed the technical requirements of the space and also supported the architectural goals of conveying lightness, transparency, and modernity. As a result, the foyer became both a functional and symbolic focal point within the overall composition of the building.