A4006 Urban Design Studio III
INSTRUCTORS Plunz, Baratloo, ConardINTRODUCTION
The final urban design studio represents a synthesis of the previous semesters in terms of its emphasis; from the consideration of the overall organization and structure of an urban conurbation, to the detailed design resolution of particular place within this larger hierarchy. This latter component is related more to questions of fabric than monument, and to the resolution of programmatic, spatial, and topological dysfunction based on issues of obsolescence or redevelopment. The emphasis is more on the neighborhood, and on the anonymity of daily life which are in transition from an industrial-era formation to a post-industrial economy and reconfiguration. They represent conditions endemic to the situation of New York, and further elaborate the concerns of the previous urban design studios. In this last semester, however, the study moves to another world city facing similar questions, for the purpose of cross-study and comparison. This year the focus of the studio will be urbanization in Istanbul and Caracas; specifically the area of Zeyrek in Istanbul and Mecederos in Caracas.
WHY ISTANBUL AND CARACAS?
The differences between Istanbul and Caracas are extreme and obvious, beginning with their natural and cultural contexts. Istanbul, the former Constantinople, is one of the oldest continually inhabited world cities. Caracas on the other hand, is one of the newest, having achieved metropolitan status only with the oil boom of the mid-twentieth century. Yet in spite of such diverse origins, both cities share many characteristics and problems, especially related to the development booms which both have experienced in the past two decades. And indeed, Istanbul is old only in the sense of its historic origins. The new Istanbul is vast in comparison, and entirely contemporary with Caracas. But beyond this superficial level of comparison, it is possible to find similarities in the origins of the urbanistic thinking which formed Istanbul in modern history beginning with the Ottoman period; and Caracas from its origins around the same time as a Spanish colonial outpost. It is speculation around this question which will be the primary interest of the studio.
SITES
A principal study site has been chosen for both cities. These are different in their origins and physical formation, but they share a common need for restructuring and it is expected that the dialogue between both situations will cover a broad range of considerations relevant to urban redevelop ment today. In Istanbul the site is the Zeyrek quarter, which lies in the historic peninsula spanning the Ataturk Bulvari.
In Caracas, the site is the barrio or squatter settlement which lies at the edge of the Parque Nacional El Avila, a large park which comprises the mountain separating Caracas from the sea.
STUDIO ORGANIZATION
The field trips to Istanbul and Caracas are required of all students in the studio. In Istanbul our program is organized in collaboration with the Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA); the Faculty of Architecture of the Yildiz Technical University; and the Municipality of Fatih. In Caracas our program is organized by the Regional Institute for Urban Studies with support from several other institutions.
Students are expected to work in teams of two each. All students will work in both Istanbul and Caracas. As well, the preliminary site documentation and analysis will be complete by the entire studio for both sites. Students are responsible for both programmatic inquiry and a formal spatial proposal. The project must be complete in all aspects; from a well-articulated theoretical and operational premise, to a building-scale design fragment which reflects and objectifies the overall strategy.
As a final criteria, it is important that our work be able to engage public discourse on several levels, including engagement with the bodies politic of the cities involved. In this regard the work will be exhibited, and the form of communication must be considered as a part of the design project. Exhibition and discussion of the work will occur in Caracas under the auspices of the Regional Institute for Urban Studies, and in Istanbul in conjunction with the Habitat II Conference.