Gebze Government Office

Industrial City Gebze
Gebze, experiencing rapid development during the Republican period due to its strategic location, has expanded from its historical center at Hacı Halil Neighborhood towards its peripheries. After 1950, significant industrial investments were directed to Istanbul, leading to substantial population growth in the city and its surrounding areas. Gebze, being in Istanbul’s hinterland, witnessed a noticeable surge in population during this period, further fueled by industrial policies implemented between 1960 and 1970.

The deindustrialization of Istanbul post-1970 accelerated the migration of people from various parts of Anatolia to Gebze in search of employment opportunities, resulting in the establishment of numerous industrial zones and the transformation of nearby villages such as Cumaköy, Balçık, and Pelitli into urban neighborhoods. The pivotal moment in Gebze’s spatial development occurred with the establishment of the Gebze Organized Industrial Zone (GOSB) in 1985, significantly influencing the city’s landscape.

The emergence of GOSB spurred the development of other industrial zones in the vicinity, leading to densification of settlement areas and rapid changes in land use patterns. The spatial and typological characteristics of industrial buildings in Gebze and its surroundings have played a crucial role in shaping our proposal.

City Image and Memory
The urban image, stored in individuals’ memories, plays a vital role in shaping their perception and interaction with the environment. This image, formed by both concrete and abstract information, influences behaviors and sense of belonging within the city. Urban image involves sensory, perceptual, and cognitive processes, with individuals experiencing and interpreting the environment based on various criteria, as outlined by Kevin Lynch in “The Image of the City” (1960).

Building Identity and Meaning
The identity and meaning attributed to the built environment impact social values and life within the city. A strong city image fosters a sense of belonging and satisfaction among residents. Government mansions, representing the central government at the local level, typically inhabit the city’s interaction areas. The relocation of such buildings can disrupt established dialogues and relationships within the city, raising questions about the establishment of transparent and multi-layered dialogues in new campuses.

The proposed government mansion, along with its surroundings, has the potential to foster a sense of community and neighborhood within the area. By creating transparent and democratic spaces, the mansion can shape the residential environment and establish multi-layered relationships with the park and its surroundings. Interventions in the area aim to create these relationships both intellectually and physically.

Public Space Interpretation – Park Relationship
Public spaces serve as the heart and soul of the city, fostering democracy, civic engagement, and a sense of place. Understanding the social and psychological dimensions of individuals’ interactions with their living environment is crucial for creating livable cities. The proposed design, situated on the periphery of the national garden, emphasizes the importance of open public spaces and their relationship with the built environment.

Spaces designed for public use, such as dining halls and conference rooms, aim to connect the building with the surrounding park. The design incorporates features that allow these spaces to interact with the public while maintaining security protocols. The outward opening of these functions transforms the government mansion into a social and cultural center accessible to the community.