XS Studio: Public space at Galata bridge
The Galata bridge in Istanbul is one of the most important spots in the history of Istanbul. It connects the old city (the historical peninsula, formerly known as Constantinople) with the more modern part of the city, called Pera. The bridge houses restaurants and cafe's at the water level. On the street level, hundreds of fishermen fish the golden horn for fresh bass and sardines. While the sun is shining or it's snowing, they're always there. Streetsellers occupy the rest of the busy street over the bridge.
The new object houses a space without a function. Istanbul's street-culture will automatically take over the space. Tea-sellers create their own terraces, men start selling nuts and other street food. The new space will become a restaurant run by street salesmen.
Existing situation of the Galata Bridge. Source: Wikipedia
An exoskeleton structure shapes the facade and the inside space. The load bearing structure consists of vertical rings which are connected with steel triangle structures. The triangle shaped openings within the structure are randomly used as windows or as closed panels in a polymere facade.
The structure will be placed on a portal under each entrance. This means the building itself functions as a bridge. Pathways will connect the public space to both sidewalks of the bridge.
Project details:
University: Istanbul Teknik Üniversitesi
University: Istanbul Teknik Üniversitesi
Design Studio: Cankurtaran
Tutor: Göksenin Inalhan
Date: September 2011
