Turkish Architecture in the Republican Era – The 1950s

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Istanbul Municipality Building was constructed based on the first-prize project by architect Nevzat Erol, resulting from a national competition held in 1953. The project's significance lies in its reflection of the international style that marked Turkish architecture of the 1950s. Together with the Hilton hotel, whose construction dates to the same period, it became one of the pioneers of an important transformation in Turkish architecture. The "rationalist-purist movement" that began in the United States following World War II rapidly spread throughout the world. In this style, which adopted basic geometric forms such as rectangular prisms or square prisms, rectangles and squares in mass and plan, steel construction and expansive windows were generally employed. It would not be incorrect to say that the design of Istanbul Municipality Building resembles this style as it appeared in South America, particularly in the manner of renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer. The animation of prismatic masses through curved plastic elements imposed on top can be observed in Istanbul Municipality Building. The structure comprises two main sections. The office mass is tall and rectangular prismatic in form. The mass allocated to the presidency and meeting spaces is likewise in the form of a reclined rectangular prism. In the office mass, an office scheme consisting of series of rooms on two facades with a central corridor has been applied. Spaces designated for employee dining and social activities are covered on the terrace roof with a curved element emphasizing plastic effect.

Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus

Opened in 1955, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, or formerly Istanbul Bosphorus Hilton, is located between Elmadağ and Harbiye and holds the distinction of being Turkey's and Istanbul's first 5-star hotel. The Hilton Hotel was designed in 1952 by the renowned U.S. architecture firm Skidmore, Owings, Merrill. This firm, known as the SOM Group, worked with local consultant Sedat Hakkı Eldem. The Hilton Hotel project ranks among the structures exemplifying the closure of the Second National Architecture Period in Republican era architecture. The Hilton Hotel is known for its form as a rectangular prism measuring 21 by 100 meters, its simple geometry, surface simplicity, restrained decoration approach, and emphasis placed on functional priorities. With these characteristics, Istanbul Bosphorus Hilton became the representative of international architectural style in Turkey. Located on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus, this building stands out among Turkey's first modern structures. The building contains guest rooms in an eight-story main structure above public levels. In addition to other outdoor facilities, a bar, dance terrace, and gardens overlook the roof with swimming pools, tennis courts, and an open-air theater.

Turkish Historical Society Building

Although construction of the Turkish Historical Society Building began in 1962, the design process dates back much earlier to 1951. Designed by Turgut Cansever and Ertur Yener, the building was opened for use in 1967. The Turkish Historical Society Building, which won the Aga Khan Architecture Award in 1980, is one of the symbol works of modern Turkish architecture. The building's architect Turgut Cansever describes his work as: "The structure was organized according to a central plan around a central hall. Around this hall, illuminated by skylight, the library, conference hall, scientific study, meeting, administrative offices, exhibition and rest areas were arranged. Through the illumination surrounding the central hall, an attempt was made to give the building an inward-facing, protected character that preserves the values it contains within. The development of natural stone cladding was meant to express the protective effect given by expansive, solid outer surfaces; this same expression was reinforced by the building's elevation from ground level; the void beneath large-bodied reinforced concrete cantilevers expressing the building's rise from ground was also intended to indicate its collective character" he states.

Article Series / Prepared by: B. Serhat Cengiz Part 5

Bibliography • Architecture Magazine 1966-12 (38) Issue No. • http://www.som.com/ideas/slideshows/2014_venice_biennale • https://v3.arkitera.com/h53955-istanbul-hilton-otelinin-55-yili.html • www.arkitera.com • https://www.akdn.org/architecture/project/turkish-historical-society