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Projects Transport and Infrastructure Train stations TERMINAL KADIKOY Sustainability

Sustainability Report

Terminal Kadıköy reclaims rail infrastructure through modular low-carbon urban design by Tabanlioglu Architects

Embodied carbon

Low Carbon
  • Lightweight industrial steel scaffolding system instead of heavy permanent concrete construction and modular prefabricated construction reduces material waste by up to 70%
  • Reversible assembly systems allowing dismantling and reuse
  • Minimal site intervention beneath existing infrastructure
  • Preservation of existing trees and landscape assets
  • Flexible structural grid minimizing future demolition and reconstruction
  • Distributed modular planning reduces excavation and foundation requirements
  • Adaptive reuse of residual urban infrastructure rather than developing a new standalone site

Operational Emissions / Energy

Efficient

The project incorporates several passive and energy-reduction measures and reports an estimated 40% reduction in operational energy consumption for the performance venue.

  • Natural ventilation strategies within public and cultural spaces
  • Energy-efficient lighting systems
  • High-performance acoustic panels improving environmental performance of the performance hall
  • Landscape-led cooling through native planting and permeable surfaces
  • Reduction of urban heat-island effect through green infrastructure
  • Outdoor shaded circulation reducing dependence on conditioned interiors
  • Passive cooling lowering ambient site temperatures by approximately 2–3°C
  • Dense mixed-use programming encouraging walkability and transit-oriented public activity
  • Integration with existing transit infrastructure reducing transport-related emissions

Service and maintenance emissions

Efficient
  • Modular units designed for repair, replacement, and reconfiguration
  • Standardized steel framing simplifying maintenance processes
  • Reusable structural components reducing replacement-related emissions
  • Durable industrial construction systems designed for long-term adaptability
  • Easily accessible service infrastructure within modular assemblies
  • Flexible interiors allowing program changes without major structural intervention
  • Reduced demolition waste through reversible connections
  • Landscape systems based on native and endemic planting requiring lower maintenance inputs

Afterlife

Adaptive Reuse and Flexible Design Considerations

Yes. Adaptive reuse and long-term flexibility are central to the project strategy.

The project reuses residual infrastructure beneath the existing railway viaduct rather than creating a new standalone development. In addition, the modular steel framework allows spaces to accommodate changing uses over time. Retail units, food kiosks, galleries, studios, and cultural spaces

Disassemblable Elements for Circular Economy

Yes. The project was specifically designed around modular and reversible construction principles, allowing many building elements to be dismantled, reused, relocated, or reconfigured rather than demolished at the end of their lifecycle. Key circular design strategies include:

  • A lightweight industrial steel scaffolding system used as the primary structural framework beneath the viaduct

  • Prefabricated one- and two-story modular units designed for assembly and disassembly

  • Reversible steel connections that allow components to be removed without destroying the structural system

  • Flexible interior layouts that can accommodate changing programs such as retail, food stalls, galleries, studios, or cultural spaces

  • Standardized modular components that simplify replacement, maintenance, and reuse

  • Minimal permanent concrete intervention, reducing demolition waste, and preserving the existing site condition

  • Landscape-led planning that preserves existing trees and reduces site disturbance

According to the project information, the modular construction approach reduces construction waste by up to 70% compared to conventional concrete construction, while enabling all units to be reconfigured, reused, relocated, or fully dismantled. These strategies support circular economy principles by extending material lifespan, reducing future demolition emissions, and allowing building elements to remain in material circulation rather than becoming landfill waste.