#GROUP 1

Visiting the Genoese Palace there are several things that stroke us. The physical location between Galata Tower and Bosphorus is very special and will gain even more importance in the future since there is a rising interest in this region. At the same time the building is located at the social boundary between the touristic and upmarket area and the rather poor commercial area. The building itself has a long historical background connected to Galata region.

Approaching the Genoese Palace the cuboid and strict exterior shape does not give many clues about the interior. Inside you find an emotional space enhanced by daylight entering through arched windows and through the vault while the old masonry gives the air of the power and history of the building.

At the moment this strength is disturbed by new architectural elements. The building demands to be freed of those structures.

The above mentioned impressions of social and physical context suggest to make “Connecting Contrasts” the leading theme. We intend to create a space that connects the commercial and touristy area. It will give room for communication of people with different social and cultural origin as well as between locals and foreigners. With this design intention we take a metaphor of what Istanbul as cosmopolitan city stands for. We strongly believe that the integration of the commercial and social week area is more desirable than the extension of the touristic area.