When much of the port and rail lines at Haydarpasa were being relocated, MGA&D was asked by prospective developers to conceive a vast tourism and redevelopment project. Urban transformation of the industrial waterfront, situated on the opposite side of the Bosporus from Istanbul’s historic center, would contribute to the city’s future economic, cultural and social life. The master plan centers on a mixed-use commercial center adjacent to the historic Hydarpasa train station, which was built during the Ottoman Empire as the terminus for all lines to the East and would become a museum and hotel. A second commercial development and new rail center would be built at the other end of the district. A mixed-use retail pier and cruise ship terminal are also planned.
Based on sustainable principles, the plan lays out smaller scale, walkable residential neighborhoods with varied public spaces and retail amenities. Located along the waterfront, the neighborhoods are linked by a linear green corridor with public transit to the new rail and ferry hubs. Site coverage is kept below 50% so that the green boulevard that defines the district border doubles as an urban-scale bioswale to manage rising sea waters and storm water runoff.
