SOLIDARITY FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE
In the modernization process of the Ottoman Empire, the Galata Greek School was an important institution for education, specifically for the Greek community. The education started in 1910, the School suspended its educational activities in 1988, due to demographic problems, and was officially closed to education in 2015.
Based on the restitution projects (of 1903 and 1958), starting with strengthening the physical structure and improvements aligned with earthquake regulations, taking all fire and protection measures, Galata Greek School, which has hosted many cultural events since 2012, is restructured and renovated as an institution appealing to the international culture and arts community.
Starting from the iron entrance door, the glass and wooden joinery in the spaces were renewed by the original, along with the necessary cleaning, repair, and strengthening works on the front and all other facades. Additions were cleaned by the original, and mosaics, wooden wall panels, and wooden doors, which were removed due to needs such as reinforcement, fire precautions, and air conditioning, were renewed while preserving their original characters. Elevators and stairwells were added at both sides, to enable and facilitate access between floors in the building which will serve as a cultural center and host exhibitions.
Design based on a spatial organization that includes conference, meeting, exhibition halls, library, workshop, and archive units, including the addition of air conditioning systems, providing disabled access, and contemporary infrastructure support suitable for new functions. In the context of financial resources, the entrance was planned as a café. At the rooftop, the terrace restaurant opens to Galata and Bosphorus views; the roof piece, created with a 20% slope, was designed with contemporary materials, by complying with the ridge level of the existing building and the silhouette of the building.
Preserving its deep-rooted past and spirit of education, the renovation integrates contemporary systems in favor of the building and its new functions adopts and strengthens the cultural identity of the School.
