Bandırma Design Park Competition

1- Accessibility

A. In city Connections
Considering site location in city, 4 entrance points are proposed. Main entrance is through east, connected to the city center, ferry station, and train station. Secondary entrance is on west, located on Izmir–Erdek highway. On the North and South of the park there are housing developments. Thus, both are considered as important access points to the park. On the northern side, a cable car connection to the seaside is proposed for future development.

B. Intercity Connections
As Bandırma is accessible through many transportation alternatives such as seaway, highway, railroad and airport (Balıkesir Airport), Park has all the alternatives.

C. International Connections
Airport, ferry port and proposed marina (see section 4: Future Scenario) are key transportation elements to reach the park.

2- Percebtibility

Park is located where it can be seen from city center and sea. Park’s visibility and how it is perceived from far range is important design factor. Existing trees, historical heritage, and new structures should create unique and a memory- jogging silhouette.

A. Land Mark Products
Industrial and architectural products/structures such as urban furnitures, sign posts, lighting poles are proposed to be placed in Bandırma’s urban focal points to increase Park’s recognition. Those products are to be designed and selected via public participation.

B. Signature Structures
To strengthen Park’s silhouette and establish focal points to bear in people’s mind, 5 light weight structure observation towers are designed to replace 5 old military posts existing on site. Design Institute is another signature building of Park, with chosen location and building mass & facade.

3. New Housing Development on Northern Side

Housing development on the northern side of the park should be in harmony with topography, existing foliage, park and sea. Therefore, settlement should have limits on height and plan.

Plan suggestions: Housing masses are proposed to be designed as a linear settlement in harmony with the topographic condition. Trees on the plot must be protected.

Height suggestions: Buildings’ height should be limited to 2-3 floor maximum from their ground level due to being in critical location for both park-historical heritage and city. Buildings should not block park’s view for the Park is a significant public value to the city.

4. Future Scenario

Bandırma is expected to have a population around 600.000 in near future as it is a growing and developing city with high potential. The more the city gets crowded, need for public and social space will be increased. As a new Industrial Port will be constructed, existing port in the center of the city can be transformed for public use on the coast line.

a. Sports Facilities
b. Cafe / Restaurants

c. Marine & Yacht Club: A small marine is proposed since there are many touristic and historical places near Bandırma that can be reached by sea.

d. Train rails / Industrial Exhibition Park: Existing train rails (used for cargo) are to be transformed into urban furnitures. To sustain relationship between past and time project fulfilled, rails and close surroundings such as monumental, signature industry elements are proposed as an industrial-heritage park.

e. Coast Promenade & Cable Car: To maintain connection between the park and coast line all over the city, a cable car is proposed which connects to the northern edge of the Park.

General Design Approach and Decisions For Site

Protecting and including existing foliage, Structures adapting to topography, Facing towards natural vista.

Design approach aiming to reach every part of the society.

Park is open for 24 hours.

 Refunctioning Historical Heritage with minimum intervention. Landscape and structural material choice to put heritage areas forward. 

Private cars, vehicles are not allowed in park, car parking areas have been added. Only emergency scenario has been applied. 

Open and enclosed Car Parking: Closed car parking under 5 Star hotel and retail, Open Car parking on the southeast and northwest edges of Park. 

Protection from Wind: Enclosed spaces are mostly placed on the northern side of park as it is the most affected. Open air functions that are most vulnerable are placed on more protected areas. 

Birdwatching: Site is on bird migratory routes. To gain a better recognition of existing fauna and acquire awareness, function is added to park. Birds passing through the park are: Stork, Eagle, Orgry. 

Functions such as Energy Production, Agricultural Production, Eco-Tourism are designed. 

Freezones in park such as pond, lawn, tour paths. 

42 of the existing trees are transplanted in total, which of most are alive trees. (Showed in masterplan with dashed line around)