Synopsis
Istanbul stands as Turkey's leading city by a wide margin in terms of economic production, employment, and trade. This status leads to an intense migration towards the city, resulting in high population density and a continuous rise in housing demand. In today's world, rapid population growth in hand with intensive urbanization practices weakens the bond between individuals and the natural ecosystem, particularly in metropolises, bringing about various environmental issues. In this context, Ataşehir, where our design project is located, stands out as one of Istanbul's significant centers characterized by rapid transformation and prominent urban density. This project aims to reinterpret the historical and natural approach of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon—one of the seven wonders of the ancient world—by integrating it with modern living standards. Accordingly, the project offers a solution rooted in historical references to address the negative impacts of urban life shaped by modern necessities. The design intends to create a sustainable living space where users can reconnect with nature while contributing to the restoration of urban ecology. Mass housing settlements in Ataşehir can adversely affect human life due to increasing building density, limited green spaces, and a deteriorating relationship with nature. Therefore, the core methodology of the design is to transform all layers of the structure into a living ecosystem, thereby restoring a landscape area to the city equivalent to the building's footprint. The floor gardens utilized in the design are not merely an aesthetic concern; they serve as functional elements that support local biodiversity and contribute to the region's air quality. Consequently, this design demonstrates that in high-density urban areas like Ataşehir, the use of green space can be sustainably configured not only on a horizontal plane but also on a vertical one. While aiming to rebuild the severed relationship between nature and humans, the project proposes an alternative living model that fosters ecological awareness within the dense urban fabric.
