City Councils of Izmir

(2023, Competition Entry)

Team: Yiğit Acar, Mehmet Ali Mutlu, Taylan Özgür Aksoy

Theseus' Ship... 

Democracy is cyclic. It constantly changes. Just like here. It crumbles, rebuilt again. Just like Theseus' ship. This proposal is created with the consideration of impermanence and change. The first layer of the proposal is a park. Gradually rising from the square level, this park ends with a flat surface at a height of 3 meters. At the heart of the park lies an agora facing the sea. The agora is organized around a circle placed diagonally inside a rectangle. Thus, it provides meeting opportunities for both small and large groups. The first added structural element to the park is a pedestrian bridge that connects Republic Boulevard and Kemeraltı to the seaside. The second element is a wooden roof and spectator stands that enclose the agora. This creates a structure reminiscent of the Bouleuterion. The surroundings of this structure are wrapped with foyer and commission rooms, completing the assembly structure. The Citizen Communication Center and the presidential office are located parallel to pedestrian traffic, near Kemeraltı. Thus, an extension of Kemeraltı forms a public arcade. A gap created within this structure connects all levels with a gallery space and produces spaces that overlook the street like a bay window. The entire structure is completed with a common roof on top. This roof takes shape according to climate conditions while defining open and closed spaces. It provides illumination for the spaces below with skylights facing north. At times, it also provides protection against the southern light with extended eaves. The structure, constructed entirely of wood and steel, is thus completed. Throughout its lifetime, this environment will evolve, with trees growing within it, ultimately returning to the park at the end of its lifespan, continuing to be a part of urban life.