The Güngören Performance Center and Urban Park project, designed by Özer\Ürger Architects, offers an effective solution to the public open space problem in Güngören, one of the most densely populated areas of Istanbul, thanks to the strong connections established between the building and its surroundings. Led by award-winning architects Ahmet Mucip Ürger and Ali Özer, known for their architectural and public space projects that aim to integrate individuals into urban life, Özer\Ürger Architects has developed the design for the Güngören Performance Center and Urban Park project.
Güngören and its surrounding districts are among the most densely populated areas in Istanbul. Narrow streets, insufficient parks, and green spaces are some of the major issues facing the region. Therefore, the design of the Güngören Performance Center emphasized the effective use of existing open spaces and the addition of new ones, which is of great significance for the area.
Before the project, Hasbahçe Park served as a valuable meeting point for the local community. However, the construction of the two-phase Güngören People's Garden, located just below, necessitated the physical and functional redesign of these areas. Although it was not possible to expropriate all the residential buildings between the project area and Hasbahçe People's Garden, the demolition of some structures allowed the two areas to physically integrate, effectively addressing Güngören's public open space challenges.
Özer\Ürger Architects designed a performance center and parking structure that preserved the public character of the area. The building is intended to serve as an urban interior lobby and functional complement to the People's Garden. To achieve this, the elevation difference starting from the street at the entrance of the building was reconfigured, with spatial functions placed under the differently designed roofs, while the upper sections were designated for park and open space uses. The entrance to the Performance Center is highlighted by a courtyard created by a rounded opening in the roof and a circular canopy over the courtyard.
The paving, arranged by sliding over one another on the sloping terrain, separates the parts in contact with the ground for the Performance Center and support areas, while the bright front sections are organized as a circulation space for visitors wishing to enjoy the view of the park below. The forms of these pavings create a style that is also employed in the walls connecting the elevation differences between the People's Garden and the Performance Center, providing a sense of unity. These walls, functioning as retaining walls, also serve as viewing terraces and benches. Thanks to its strong connections with the surroundings, the new structure has transformed Güngören into a multi-functional, comfortable, green, and vibrant public space.
The interior of the Güngören Performance Center, designed by Özer\Ürger Architects, features exposed columns and beams with a simple design that only uses wood paneling. The stepped seating placed in the gallery voids opened in the floors not only strengthens the connection between the levels but also offers alternative spaces for various performances. In this context, events extend beyond the walls of the performance hall, spreading throughout the entire space.
