AN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE CENTERING ON THE THEME OF ISTANBUL, EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2010: AN ATTEMPT AT A WIDER LOOK

Abstract

This paper will summarize an educational experience carried out in ITU
Faculty of Architecture towards developing a better understanding of architectural design in
relation to the city and urban transformations. Today urban design is much more integrated
with architectural design than before. Architectural design studio is seen as a microcosm
discussion platform for these issues. The main theme of two design studios in ITU was
determined as discussing culture and art events around the upcoming event, Istanbul 2010:
European Capital of Culture. The focus was the theme of “water”, one of the constructing
themes of the year. The aim is to search for ways to reconcile the city with water; working
areas set as the deteriorated rivers and the Golden Horn area of Istanbul. The paper will
describe how the studios were designed. Several complementary works took place in
sequential or overlapping timing. These works included research and presentations on
precedent designs/rehabilitations on riverfronts; experiences of previous ECOC cities,
designing an ECOC info box/pavilion; a study trip to Greece aiming to share the experiences
of previous Greek Capitals of Culture; discussions on building the Golden Horn image and
developing a master plan and a joint international workshop.