In Istanbul, Turkey, architects Banu Garip and Ervin Garip spearheaded a transformative project that earned the 1st Prize in the “Istanbul Golden Horn Coasts Urban Design Competition.” Their vision, realized in 2023, aimed to rejuvenate the Golden Horn coastline, reclaiming it as a vibrant public space for sports, recreation, and community engagement.

The Golden Horn: A Historical Context

The Golden Horn, historically significant as Istanbul’s main port since the Middle Byzantine Period, underwent industrialization during the modern era, with facilities like Feshane and Sutluce Slaughterhouse shaping its identity. However, post-1980s urban interventions, including new highways and demolitions, severed its ties with the city, isolating it from urban life.

Transformative Urban Planning

The project responded to the disconnection between the Golden Horn and the city, exacerbated by the Golden Horn Tram line. The “Istanbul Golden Horn Coasts Urban Design Competition” sought to mend this relationship, fostering a holistic urban design approach focused on fluid urban structures and enriching daily life through environmental features.

The Golden Horn Waterfront Sports Park And Public Space

Central to the project is the Golden Horn Waterfront Sports Park And Public Space, encompassing sports areas, gathering spaces, and a skatepark. Embracing fluid urban design principles, the park fosters connections with the water, integrating various activities seamlessly into the public realm.

Integrating Sports and Recreation

Rather than enclosed spaces, sports activities are integrated into open public spaces, promoting visual and functional continuity. Basketball courts, for example, are part of the proposed public square, blending sports with social interaction. The Skatepark, a key feature, activates the under-bridge area, offering a unique experience of skating along the Golden Horn shoreline.

Social Inclusion and Urban Identity

The Skatepark serves as a social focal point, bringing together diverse groups irrespective of economic or cultural backgrounds. By reimagining the under-bridge space, the project enhances the city-water relationship, with the Golden Horn Motorway Bridge assuming a symbolic role as a protective canopy, defining a distinct urban identity.

In conclusion, the Golden Horn Waterfront Sports Park And Public Space project embodies a holistic approach to urban design, reinvigorating Istanbul’s Golden Horn coastline as a dynamic and inclusive public space that honors its historical significance while embracing contemporary needs.