Designed by Özer\Ürger Architecture, Güngören Performance Center (GGM) and City Park project offers an effective solution to the public open space problem of Güngören district, one of the most densely populated areas of Istanbul, thanks to the strong ties established between the building and its surroundings.
Güngören and its neighbouring districts stand as some of the most densely populated areas in Istanbul. The region grapples with significant challenges, such as narrow streets and a scarcity of parks and green spaces. Consequently, optimising the use of existing open areas and introducing new ones is crucial for enhancing the quality of life in the region.
Prior to the Güngören Performance Center and City Park project, Hasbahçe Park served as a valuable meeting point for the local people. However, the construction of the Güngören National Garden, which is located just below and consists of two stages, required the redesign of these areas both physically and functionally. Although it is not possible to expropriate all the residences between the project area and Hasbahçe National Garden, by demolishing some buildings, the two areas were physically integrated and an effective solution was provided to Güngören’s public open space problem.
The main aim of the project is to design an exhibition center and parking structure while preserving the public character of the area. This structure is envisioned as the urban indoor foyer and a functional extension of the National Garden. To this end, the level difference from the street entrance to the National Garden has been thoughtfully reconfigured, situating diverse spatial functions beneath architecturally varied roofs, while dedicating the upper portions to park and open space applications. The entrance of the Performance Center is highlighted by the courtyard created by the circular opening of the roof and the circular eaves of this courtyard.
The parts of the floors in contact with the soil, which are placed on the sloped land by sliding them over each other, are reserved for the Performance Center and support spaces. The luminous front sections are designed as promenades for visitors to enjoy the park’s panorama. The architectural language of these floors is echoed in the walls that bridge the varying elevations between the National Garden and the Performance Center, creating a cohesive landscape. In addition to being retaining walls, these walls also serve as landscape terraces and benches. This harmonious integration of the new building with its environment has endowed Güngören with a vibrant, verdant, and multifunctional public realm.
In the interior, columns and beams were left exposed and a simple design was preferred using only wooden coverings. Stepped seating placed in the gallery spaces opened in the floors both ensured a strong connection of the floors to each other and offered alternative venues for different shows. In this context, events went beyond the walls of the performance hall and spread throughout the venue.
Architectural Design: Özer\Ürger Architecture
Project Team: Ahmet Mucip Ürger, Ali Özer, İsmet Güngör, Can Kalınsazoğlu, Osman Can Bağartır, Ercan Koca
Client: Gungoren Municipality
Statical Project: EN Project
Mechanical Project: MC Engineering
Electricity Project: Esen Proje
Landscape Design: Özer\Ürger Architecture & Propey
Photography: Egemen Karakaya
Project Location: Istanbul
Completion Date: 2024
Total Construction Area: 10.750 sqm