Unlike many
incredible places in the city of Istanbul, the context of
the Istanbul Disaster Prevention and Education Centre does not ask for too
much respect.
We
decide not to struggle with
the unnecessary fitting into the environment. Instead
of "competing" with large and architecturally
inarticulate buildings which surround the site we choose to
"ignore".
Among high
rise buildings we form a new microcosm,
equally traditional and contemporary, a flat house with a
garden inside.
We are
establishing some new / old rules, proposing a space for the
visitors and employees to experience a bit of a different,
better universe.
The new urban element is
in fact very old and exists in traditional local architecture for
centuries.
In order to
make it visible from distance one lake inside the garden has a high water
fountain that makes this site unique and recognizable in the city landscape.
The
garden is defined by communication corridor the length of an athletic
track wrapped arround it. Areas of specific use alternate along the corridor
rhythmically. Those sections that require more peace and
concentration for the visitors are arranged along the outer edge, and
the other ones along the internal one, facing the park.
Park, garden, oasis, courtyard, playground
and all that simultaneously, shade of the tree canopy, water in the
lakes, fountain, playgrounds for children and adults... Park is
an extension of the hall during the period of nice weather, in case of Istanbul
the most part of the year.
"Classrooms"
are all different, as a consequence of the program inside. Above
each unit there is a dome, another traditional and at the same time
contemporary element, used to place solar panels on the sunny
side.
The outer
façade of the house is protected by glass brise-soleils and
the necessary shade is provided by a system
of curtain rails on the ceiling. On the inner side there is
a canopy, which reduces the amount of the sun rays entering the
building. For the same purpose we use
trees which are densely planted on the northern edge of
the park.
The building
structure consists of steel columns that follow the
line of the facade and carry a steel grid, all
very low-tech.
The building uses all the
applicable systems of sustainability, we believe in its
pioneering role in this area.