Disaster Prevention and Education Center / DRA&U

Given the particular nature of the program described in the competition brief, the proposal for the Istanbul Disaster Center by DRA&U focuses on the realization of a visually striking building that also represents a challenge to traditional architecture and engineering. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Beginning with these objectives, and given the primarily didactic nature of the new center, it was our belief that the building’s main focus should be that of involving visitors. To avoid the design of a horizontally and vertically rigidity, and thus monotonous work of architecture, our proposal focuses on the creation of an educational loop that develops in two directions simultaneously.

The building thus becomes a total experience for its visitors: circulation takes place inside a series of continuous flows linked with the succession of spaces used for demonstrations and simulations situated along a series of ramps connecting the different levels of the building.

A careful study of lighting, in particular from natural sources, is a very important part of the project; natural light filters into the various interior spaces according to necessity, modulated by the brise soleil wrapping the circulation paths that resembles the gills of a fish. The surface of the building is raised up, allowing the appropriate quantity of natural light to filter inside. An analogous system is also used in other areas of the building.

The exterior landscaping has been designed to separate the parking area from the pedestrian entrance, consenting an increased flow of visitors arriving in private vehicles or using public transport.

Architects: DRA&U
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Partner in Charge: Giorgio Pini, Annapina Di Filippo
Team: Yana Ivanova, Simone Luciani, Livia Campana
Client: ThyssenKrupp
Theme: Education
Status: Competition
Site Area: 27.000 sqm
Project Area: 9.355 sqm
Project Year: 2011
Images: Courtesy of DRA&U