Istanbul Disaster Prevention & Education Centre: Innovative Landmark & Public Space

The Istanbul Disaster Prevention and Education Centre is an ambitious project that aims to not only create a new landmark for the city but also provide a valuable public space. Located amidst a mix of religious, educational, and commercial buildings, the Centre will be a welcoming space open to all segments of the public. With its strong yet simple profile, the building stands out while maintaining an inviting quality.

To maximize the open space, the grounds have been divided into two open plazas, separated by a staircase and seating area. These plazas will serve a dual purpose - as a comfortable public park during ordinary times, and as a site for disaster recovery functions during emergencies. The park has been carefully designed to lead visitors to the wide, well-illuminated main entrance of the building, while also directing them towards the building's café, which faces the future mosque.

While the exterior of the building may appear simple, its interior offers a complex and varied layout. To ensure easy navigation, the interior layout has been designed to be clean and intuitive. Upon entering through the main entrance, visitors are greeted by a well-lit vestibule that opens up to the grand lobby. The lobby, open to the ceiling of the structure, provides a clear view of all the rooms and levels in the building, making orientation instant and intuitive.

A ramp wraps around the central lobby, spiraling to the top and connecting with every room along the way. This ramp provides accessibility to all rooms, with resting places and terraces that connect to each of the rooms, allowing visitors to view the interior as a whole. The library and children's department are strategically located in the middle of the exhibition route, serving as a natural center and ideal vista point. Additionally, an escalator shortcut from the lobby provides easy access to the library and children's space.

The building's façade features perforations that allow for natural illumination, creating a unique and memorable lighting experience. The public sub-level of the building houses a café that opens directly onto the lower plaza, providing an inviting space for visitors who may not want to visit the museum. The café also connects with the lobby, allowing patrons the option to explore the museum if they choose to do so.

The main material used for the façade is Hydraform, a brick building system commonly used in Byzantine Istanbul architecture. This material not only reinforces the building against earthquakes but is also sustainable, as it can be manufactured on-site from recycled materials.

In conclusion, the Istanbul Disaster Prevention and Education Centre is a visionary project that aims to create a new landmark for the city while providing a valuable public space. With its innovative design and thoughtful use of materials, the Centre promises to be a place of both ordinary enjoyment and emergency response, serving the community in various ways.

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