Project Type
Residential
Location
İstanbul, Türkiye
Year
2024
Project Service
Concept to Schematic Design
Project Status
Ongoing
Employer
Mesa Construction
Located in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, the renewal of Uçaksavar Housing Site reinterprets a historically significant neighborhood through a low-rise, human scaled, and landscape integrated approach. Originally constructed by a military cooperative in the 1960s, the site now houses nearly 1,400 residents and sits within close proximity to key mobility infrastructures such as metro lines, arterial highways, and two major Bosphorus bridges.
Urban Strategy and Topographic Integration
Taking advantage of the sloping terrain, the master plan introduces three different building typologies that optimize orientation, natural light, and views. The new settlement strategy ensures that no block obstructs the others, preserving panoramic visuals of the Bosphorus and surrounding forests. A pair of green corridors form the backbone of the project, creating continuous ecological and recreational flows across the site.
Typology and Massing
The new blocks are designed with varied terracing and garden connections, maximizing the relationship between built form and nature. Wide balconies and open terraces are incorporated into each unit to promote outdoor living. The low-rise profile maintains the identity of Etiler while increasing resilience to seismic risks and offering a pedestrian-friendly urban experience.
A Self-Sufficient Programmatic Mix
In addition to housing, the master plan includes primary and secondary schools, commercial units, and social amenities. Cafes, markets, and playgrounds are placed along key pedestrian spines to encourage daily interaction. These programmatic insertions create a self-sustained micro-neighborhood where daily needs are met within walking distance.
Toward a Resilient and Inclusive Urban Future
Supported by strong community consensus and shaped by contemporary urban and ecological priorities, the Uçaksavar renewal project aims to serve as a model for inclusive, sustainable, and dignified urban transformation in Istanbul.
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