For our History of Architecture course we were assigned to visit and analyse the exhibition: “Sivil Mimari Bellek Ankara 1930-1980“, which was held in Cankaya Cagdas Sanatlar Merkezi, Ankara. The exhibition contains more than a hundred residential buildings which have constructed between the years 1930-1980. Each building is an important example considering its contributions to the modernization process in Turkey. With its chronological order, the architectural evolution after the declaration of Republic of Turkey can easily be observed through the exhibition.
Most of the examples reflect the common approaches of its era. In the very early examples, pure geometrical shapes are mostly used and reflects the power of using a single mass. Also the cubical forms can be seen in these structures.
Then the influences of the modernization period have increased. The usage of more complex geometrical shapes has appeared. Through this period, most of the buildings were planned as the juxtaposition of two or three geometrical masses. Moreover, the principles of modern design met the urban planning.
“Soysal Apartmani” is a good example of the reflection of the social and political environment to the architectural design. The building contains lots of public spaces including a movie theater. The private spaces and the public spaces located separately. Containing both spaces reminded me of the design approaches of Le Corbusier’s Unite d’Habitation.
One of the most common approaches is the usage of balconies, as a both functional and design element. The repetition of the balconies have added to the building and changed their static appearance into a dynamic one; and gives the building a horizontal impression.
The general design of the façades generally focuses on creating a balance. Such balance has achieved through using both vertical and horizontal elements; and both masses and voids together. The technique of adding and subtracting some volumes from the building is also used and help to be achieved more balanced structures.
The material of balcony parapets, strip windows and usage of different materials create a great horizontal effect on the facades of the buildings.
In general, the layout of the structures, the setting, the design and construction methods are somehow reflects the social and political environment in Ankara. It is more possible and convenient to construct more simple structures with maximum 4 floors and use the area as afficient as possible when considering the economic conditions in that time. After the late 40’s, when the Second World War ends, the different materials, unusual shapes and ornaments are started to used more commonly. The luxury residentals for the upper class are also started to emerge in that era with more extraordinary designs.
“Mardin Evi”(below) is a great example of this transition. It is an asymmetrical volume with some unusual shapes. It is a new attempt of design. It is not like the entire space separated into sub-spaces, but the union of sub-spaces.
One of the extraordinary structures is “Ozkanlar Apartmani”, mostly known as the “Gemi Ev”. It is one of the most important examples that brings the organic forms and solid geometrical forms together. It has very innovative approaches when the date of construction taking into consideration.
To sum up, the general characteristics of the examples is to have a smooth planning approaches, with balanced volumes. The façade designs are unique and also balanced in terms of horizontality-verticality with balconies, windows and some ornaments. And the areas have been used so efficiently and functional, which can be directly connected to the socio-economic status of that time. I believe the exhibition is really helpful for us to understand the urban identity of the city we live and realize what is actually around us. My aspect will totally change to the buildings I pass through every single day but do not actually see. And it is surprising that the buildings that I thought have built ten years ago are actually from at least 40 years ago, so I think it proves how innovative these examples are.
Melis Kucuktunc 