Istanbul Modern Museum to host new public space

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Designed by SO? Architecture and Ideas (Sevince Bayrak, Oral Göktaş - below), the project ‘Sky Spotting Stop’ is a public space that will be built in early June in Istanbul Modern’s courtyard.

Designed by SO? Architecture and Ideas, the project “Sky Spotting Stop” will be built in early June in Istanbul Modern’s courtyard. It will host special events addressing especially young audiences and can be used throughout the summer of 2013 by museum visitors of all ages. In addition to the winner, the designs proposed by all the finalists of the YAP International programs will be exhibited at Istanbul Modern, MoMA PS1, MAXXI, and CONSTRUCTO. The winners of YAP MAXXI and YAP Istanbul Modern were announced to the international media by MoMA/MoMA PS1, MAXXI and Istanbul Modern on Feb. 5.

“Sky Spotting Stop” is a temporary site-specific installation that shades the courtyard of Istanbul Modern while floating gently on the hidden waters of the Bosphorus, projecting its host space upon the city. Istanbul Modern’s courtyard is partly isolated from urban flow despite its very central location; thanks to this ephemeral, albeit lively addition, which will serve as an intriguing spot for the museum’s exterior, the courtyard will become part of the skyline. While the illuminated mirror plates create a constantly changing background for events at night, they provide undulating shadows during the day.

On the ground, an altering landscape made of mobile reused elements transforms the courtyard into a new stop in the city for sitting, resting, gathering, playing, or “sky-spotting.”

The jury is formed of architectural experts and of representatives from Istanbul Modern and the other Young Architects Programs. The jury consists of Emre Arolat (architect), Çelenk Bafra (curator, Istanbul Modern),Barry Bergdoll (the Philip Johnson chief curator of architecture and design, MoMA), Pippo Ciorra (senior curator, MAXXI Architettura), Levent Çalıkoğlu (chief curator, Istanbul Modern), Pelin Derviş (YAP Istanbul Modern coordinator), Oya Eczacıbaşı (chair of the board, Istanbul Modern), Cevdet Erek (artist/architect), Pedro Gadanho (curator of Contemporary Architecture, MoMA), Professor Suha Özkan (president of the jury/architect), Melkan Tabanlıoğlu (architect), and Han Tümertekin (architect). From among proposed projects the jury selected the project “Sky Spotting Stop” to be built in Istanbul Modern’s courtyard.

The president of the jury, Suha Özkan said, “The jury has unanimously selected ‘Sky Spotting Stop’ by SO? to be implemented in the courtyard of Istanbul Modern.”

In the proposal by SO?, the total functioning of the components creatively derives its energy from the site. “This energy, taken from the immediate environment, also has the potential to generate additional energy,” said Özkan, noting that the project is a celebration of movement and light. Fragmentation of the canopy into individual circular panels transforms the movement of the reflected light into poetic waves of light and shade.

Light dancing in the dark

“Patches of reflected light dancing in the dark and shadows that float during the day add amazing vitality to the environment. The multiple functions of the fragmented canopy render the project rich, engaging and playful.”

Özkan said: “The continuous movement of the buoyed posts supporting the circular canopies reproduces the sound and image of the ships moored to the quay and establishes an exciting association between the two different types of posts. The harmony of the posts on land and sea generates a fascinating dialogue.

The project is feasible and carries no financial risks of exceeding the allocated budget. The engagement of local industrial groups and the utilization of local and used materials were noted as positive aspects. The originality of the selected project will contribute to the aesthetic world of architecture and design.”

To be held biannually during the summer, the YAP Istanbul Modern: Young Architects Program offers emerging architects the opportunity to design temporary exterior installations through an innovative approach to architectural design. This is a first for Turkey. In line with the principles of the program, nominators from across Turkey and the TRNC were contacted.

These included architectural academicians, architectural critics, members of periodical publications, and representatives from professional organizations such as the Chamber of Architects and Association of Architects in Private Practice. On Nov. 26, 2012, five finalists were selected from among the 35 young candidates put forth by these nominators who then assessed the portfolios presented by finalists.