On a spectacular site on the Sea of Marmara, between Istanbul’s old walls and Ataturk airport, existing historic buildings provide challenges and opportunities for Kazlicesme, a new mixed-use district of cultural attraction, shopping, hotel, lofts, and low and high-rise residential buildings, to create an important cultural landmark in Istanbul, as well as a very desirable place to live.

The proposal envisions a network of distinct neighborhoods on three axes aligned with preserved, historic buildings to knit the old and new together to make a traditional, Turkish town with a mixture of narrow and wide streets, squares, parks, and places to meet. The intent is to create the feeling of a village that is centered on a cultural square. This cultural square will be anchored by a re-purposed armory building, which will become a venue for ballet, theater, concerts, and art exhibitions and more. This central building along with shops, restaurants, as well as adjacent parks and green space will allow for exhibition sports games, for children to play, and a lively plaza at the heart of Kazlicesme.

Four major neighborhoods pinwheel around the cultural center, each anchored by the re-use of a historical building: the offices; the hotel; the luxury living complex; and the residential community. Green squares within provide an outdoor focal point for each of the neighborhoods. Given Istanbul’s arid climate, we will create an environmentally appropriate landscape retention pools have incorporated to cool the microclimate, collect rain water off of buildings, and enhance outdoor spaces. Additionally, lack of vehicular traffic in our pedestrian-friendly streetscape will reduce area smog levels.

With careful attention to local style and culture, RAMSA’s proposal aspire to transform Kazlicesme into a thriving, cultural hub for people to live, visit, learn, and experience.