Vol. 14 No. 2 (2017): Urban Transformation
Articles

From dystopia to utopia: Kocaeli

Nevnihal Erdoğan
Department Of Architecture, Architectural And Design Faculty, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
Hikmet Temel Akarsu
Author, Architect, İstanbul
Büşra Özaydın Çat
Department Of Architecture, Architectural And Design Faculty, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey

Published 2017-09-08

Keywords

  • Dystopia,
  • Kocaeli,
  • Urban Structure,
  • Utopia

How to Cite

Erdoğan, N., Temel Akarsu, H., & Özaydın Çat, B. (2017). From dystopia to utopia: Kocaeli. A|Z ITU JOURNAL OF THE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, 14(2), 57–67. https://doi.org/10.5505/itujfa.2017.93695

Abstract

The aim of this study is to discuss and evaluate a dystopia future scenario for year 2049 in Körfez Bay Region of Kocaeli Province. Industrial identity of Kocaeli has accelerated in the first years of 20th century. Urban image of the city has long been shaped by unplanned development, unauthorized buildings, and shanty houses. Especially morphological deformities between industry and housing zones gave way to environmental and health problems. These ongoing urban problems and negative externalities shape a precursor character for a 2049 dystopic future. In this context 2012-2013 spring term Architectural Design Studio of Kocaeli University- Architectural and Design Faculty has selected 'Utopia' as design theme in research and design and intellectual inquiry basis. Definition of the '2049 Dystopic Future Scenario' was given as; İzmit city completely collapsed, historical layers are still under the surface, İzmit City Center is nothing more than a ruined wasteland, high levels of water pollution in Körfez Bay area and Sapanca Lake, emptied industry complexes baring no social or cultural meaning. The design problem has been formulated as; 'developing scenarios for designing livable cities' Groundbreaking utopian thinkers and new life systems designers were thoroughly analyzed and tracked down in the design studio process. The students participating in the studio passed through various idea generating phases and evolved towards building new architectural design projects which imagine a brand new world.