Design process and conservation values of the Eskişehir Railway Station as a modern architectural heritage in the 1950s modernism in Türkiye

Abstract

The Eskişehir Train Station, designed and constructed in the 1950s by architects Orhan Safa and Muhittin Binan, is a valuable example of modernist architecture in Türkiye. The building, with its innovative design and construction techniques, reflects the architectural trends of the mid-twentieth century. Through extensive archival research and interviews, the study highlights the importance of preserving the modern architectural heritage. The research delves into the design process, construction methods, and conservation values of the Eskişehir Train Station, emphasizing its significance in the history of Turkish modern architecture. Located in the western part of Eskişehir, Türkiye, the station was conceived as a modern building and underwent a rich history, including a competitive design phase, its re-design and construction during the 1950s, and subsequent restoration in the 2000s. Drawing upon archival documents from Orhan Safa and Muhittin Binan—the architects responsible for the station’s design and construction between 1952 and 1955—the study reveals how the architects adhered to modern architectural principles. Architects decided to design the train station building within modern architecture design parameters by using a new form and construction techniques and tried to construct the building with pure structure reference to mid-twentieth century architecture. The article provides a comparative debate on the preservation of the modern architectural heritage and by discussing the Eskişehir Train Station’s historical and architectural significance. By exploring the station’s evolution and contributions to the architectural landscape, the research aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of modernist heritage in Türkiye.