65 School Projects in Istanbul

Transforming 65 Schools in Istanbul Through Seismic Safety and Innovative Learning Models

As part of the Istanbul Seismic Risk Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness framework (ISMEP), the IPKB Schools Project undertakes the seismic strengthening and transformation of 65 educational buildings across the city. More than a technical operation, the project seeks to provide safe, flexible, and future ready schools that respond to both seismic risks and evolving educational paradigms.

Urban Context and Seismic Necessity

Situated in one of the world’s most earthquake prone metropolitan regions, Istanbul faces a significant risk of seismic activity in the coming decades. The Istanbul Project Coordination Unit (IPKB), operating under the governorship, was established to manage this risk through resilient infrastructure strategies. Within this framework, educational facilities are prioritized to ensure the safety of children and educators while maintaining continuity of public life.

Functional Organization and Project Methodology

The project follows a multi stage process:
• Documentation and Site Studies: collection of zoning data, land assessments, and field surveys.
• Design and Approval: preparation of concept and application projects, supported by geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, and infrastructural plans.
• Implementation: realization of restoration or reconstruction according to FIDIC standards, ensuring international quality benchmarks.

Across all stages, the guiding principle is to produce not only earthquake safe buildings but also educational environments designed around student well-being.

Schools as Dynamic Educational Models

A child entering kindergarten in 2023 will reach university age in 2045. Designing schools for such a horizon requires moving beyond static structures to flexible, student centered, and participatory spaces. Classrooms, circulation areas, and open-air courtyards are organized to encourage creativity, responsibility, and collaboration. Passive energy systems, modular classrooms, and transparent spatial arrangements support a holistic learning environment that engages all senses.

Schools as Community Anchors

Each school is envisioned not only as an educational facility but also as a neighborhood resource. Spaces are designed for community use beyond school hours, supporting life long learning and public activities. Sports fields, open plazas, and cultural areas reinforce the role of the school as an active civic center.

Site and Architectural Principles

The architectural strategy emphasizes adaptation to site-specific topographies and compact planning in dense urban areas to maximize open space. Orientation, natural ventilation, and daylight access are optimized. A modular system based on 8×8 m classrooms ensures flexibility, scalability, and efficient integration of support spaces.

Selected School Projects from the IPKB Program

As part of the transformation of 65 schools across Istanbul, a diverse range of educational facilities were designed to respond to different contexts, scales, and pedagogical needs. Below are eight selected examples that highlight the program’s architectural diversity and functional adaptability:

Sarıyer Gümüşdere School Complex – Sarıyer / Istanbul
Plot Area: 9,954 m² | Construction Area: 8,265 m²
2 basements + ground + 1 floor
6 kindergarten classrooms, 9 primary classrooms, 9 secondary classrooms

Tuğrulbey High School – Tuzla / Istanbul
Plot Area: 5,107.14 m² | Construction Area: 9,825.03 m²
2 basements + ground + 3 floors
24 classrooms

Vala Gedik Special Education Center – Tuzla / Istanbul
Plot Area: 6,718.40 m² | Construction Area: 10,522.25 m²
1 basement + ground + 2 floors
13 classrooms, 4 large ateliers, 8 small ateliers

Burhan Felek High School – Üsküdar / Istanbul
Plot Area: 8,847.50 m² | Construction Area: 5,351.41 m²
2 basements + ground + 2 floors
20 classrooms

Çatalca Çanakça Primary School – Çatalca / Istanbul
Plot Area: 3,817.59 m² | Construction Area: 7,352.78 m²
1 basement + ground + 3 floors
22 classrooms, 3 preschool units

Nergiz Kindergarten – Küçükçekmece / Istanbul
Plot Area: 1,492.87 m² | Construction Area: 2,021.41 m²
1 basement + ground + 1 floor
8 classrooms

Bayrampaşa Cevatpaşa Primary School – Bayrampaşa / Istanbul
Plot Area: 7,198.64 m² | Construction Area: 2,879.46 m²
2 basements + ground + 3 floors
24 classrooms

Şişli Anatolian High School – Şişli / Istanbul
Plot Area: 3,817.59 m² | Construction Area: 6,759.51 m²
1 basement + ground + 4 floors
20 classrooms

Conclusion

The IPKB Schools Project demonstrates how seismic safety, educational innovation, and community integration can converge within a coherent architectural vision. By reimagining 65 schools as safe, dynamic, and inclusive environments, the project establishes a replicable model for resilient education infrastructure in Istanbul and beyond.