CONVEYING THE 20TH CENTURY BUILDING TO 21ST CENTURY
The capacity of the building and the technology used at 70’s is compatible to buildings of the same era in Europe. Following the fire of 1970, benefiting the recent developments in technology and construction know-how, the building has been reconstructed with certain modifications in technical facilities and interior spaces. Still, the building is more than thirty years old, like for every construction of its age, the best possible and rational solution for the building is renovation of technical utilities, updating the functions and spaces, and fortification of the structure. In the new design, main functions of the cultural facility being opera and ballet, the substructure will be updated to provide the most efficient platform for the national and international performances and offer a basis for the respected organizations. Besides the structural reinforcement, backstage, dressing rooms, maintenance and technical rooms will be renovated to adapt today’s requirements. The immense foyers of AKM shall be renewed; on the ceilings, the spring systems against fire will be updated together with the lighting instruments. A high technology glass to provide better light and climate control will replace the wide glass facade. The side façade will be renovated for better weather protection and isolation purposes. Complementing the standard acquired inside, a multi-functional, mobile, outdoor performance and exhibition capacity should be built at the front entrance, uniting with the city square. As well as with the Taksim Square, the building should develop a visual contact with the Bosphorus; where at present, the view is closed to the public access. The new blueprints include a rooftop restaurant. The offices and other spaces on the Bosphorus side will be reevaluated, and new public functions should replace the idle capacity. By renovation, contemporary architectural and urban approaches should be included in the program, and new functions should foster the center; ateliers, functional art galleries, libraries, recreational educational centers for kids and young people, meeting rooms at various sizes, a design shop and cafe where city folk to meet will sparkle the building. AKM, located in the heart of the city, Taksim Square, should maintain a factual contact with the Square and become an extension of the city life.
