Reimagining Istanbul: The Urban Resilience Center

The Istanbul Resilience Center is a prototype project that proposes a flexible urban program and living spaces in the aftermath of earthquakes. Gizem Çalışkan's graduate project from Fontys University of Applied Sciences aims to enhance Istanbul's preparedness against earthquake hazards.

Reimagining Istanbul: The Urban Resilience Center
On February 6, 2023, at 04:17 AM, two earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 centred in Kahramanmaraş claimed the lives of over 50,000 people in southern Turkey. Hundreds of thousands were seriously injured, and thousands of buildings were destroyed, leaving approximately 2.5 million people homeless. The infrastructure of cities became non-functional. Families were separated, children could not attend school, and communities without places to work needed a longer time to heal themselves and their cities.

Turkey has a long history of earthquakes. However, many buildings are still not earthquake-resistant. The government is working to improve these structures, but this process will take more than 100 years. During this slow transformation, it is equally important to prepare for future disasters, plan post-disaster scenarios, and provide support and infrastructure to communities quickly. The North Anatolian Fault has caused many devastating earthquakes in the last 70 years, putting the city at high risk due to its passage through southern Istanbul.

On the other hand, shopping malls have replaced public spaces and local shops in Istanbul over the last thirty years. Today, there are over 130 shopping malls in the city. However, with the rise of e-commerce and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, shopping malls have lost some of their significance. While some have transformed into mixed-use spaces, others struggle to survive due to changing consumer behaviours.

This situation raises questions about how existing shopping malls can be adapted into multifunctional urban complexes in Istanbul, contributing to sustainable urban development and resilience. It also highlights the potential to enhance public quality of life and safety in the aftermath of an earthquake.

The Istanbul Resilience Center in Bakırköy aims to revitalise public life in the area, where two existing shopping malls are located. Unlike traditional shopping malls, it creates an inclusive environment by offering public spaces such as markets, gathering areas, open-air theatres, children’s play areas, outdoor gyms, exhibition spaces, water wells, and green areas. By balancing corporate stores with local artisans, it provides opportunities for craftsmen to regain their places in the urban fabric. Additionally, it becomes a centre that brings communities together by offering various facilities such as gyms, theatres, co-working spaces, and health-oriented programs.

In emergencies, the resilience centre functions as an organisational hub, providing essential services to the community, including living spaces, food, healthcare, and other necessary support. This plays a critical role not only in emergencies but also in long-term urban transformation.

Sustainability and self-sufficiency play a significant role in this project. The need for water, waste, and energy management is at the heart of the design. By using lightweight materials, the project aims to enhance the flexibility and multifunctionality of the spaces.

Located in Bakırköy, the Resilience Center responds to the needs of communities both in daily life and during emergencies by transforming existing shopping malls into multifunctional areas. Given the frequent earthquakes in Turkey, the importance of such spaces is further amplified.

Project Name: Reimagining Istanbul: The Urban Resilience Center
Category: Urban, Architecture, Commercial, Public
Type: Master Graduation Project
Project Team: Gizem Çalışkan
Education Place: Fontys University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands
Tutors: Faculty tutors Jan Willem van Kuilenburg and Pieter Feenstra, and external tutor Gökçen T. Temelci van Vliet
Total Area: 4 hectare