Project Name: Karabağlar Municipality Public Open Space and City Square Urban Design Competition

Employer: Karabağlar Municipality

Location, Date: İzmir, Turkey, 2017

Situation: Consept Project

Program: Urban Design, Landscape

Nokta 35

Competition Project

The starting point of 'Nokta 35' is centered around understanding the context of the site. By considering both natural and structural data, a narrative has been created without erasing the values familiar to the area. It functions like a 'buffer zone' by establishing a close relationship with different elevation levels in surrounding areas, thereby strengthening the connection between these zones. A strong ramp axis and a corresponding canopy create a legible axis within the design, with functional areas positioned along this axis. Functional spaces catering to different user groups blend together around the event area, square, and recreation area, extending along the site. The separation between spaces has been achieved by organizing natural elevations of the site, utilizing ramp systems that continue uninterrupted and ensure barrier-free access between these spaces.

In selecting plant materials, the aim is to use local species that are well adapted to the natural landscape character of the Aegean region. Avoiding the uniform use of dominant species, the landscape aims for a character dominated by plants that can withstand Izmir's climatic conditions and have low water consumption. Trees with high environmental adaptability and deciduous foliage constitute the majority of the selected species. The landscape follows a dynamic approach with trees chosen for their flowering features, autumn colors, leaf shedding, and sculptural appearance throughout the four seasons, creating a differentiated landscape perception. Shrubs and perennials will consist mainly of species that can thrive at an optimal soil height and have low water requirements, forming visually impactful combinations.

Functional space usage has been determined for users approaching Karabağlar Square from previously identified areas. Spatial design concepts for the site have begun to mature, and the transitions between these concepts play an active role in bringing together different user groups with various typologies. The inactive wall and the space in front of it on the eastern side of the parking lot have been transformed into a climbing wall. Thus, this existing and unused area has been converted with minimal intervention and integrated with a sports hall suitable for its potential. Various sports activities are spread across the area, including sports fields located southwest of the sports hall. The recreational area is designed to accommodate activities such as meditation, yoga, and pilates. Additionally, a running track and a bicycle path have been integrated into the area. For the children's playground, a setup has been created where children can interact with different materials such as sand and water. In addition to standard playground elements, features promoting balance and flexibility have been incorporated. To address safety concerns, the playground is defined with the use of boundary shrub groups.