EAA – Emre Arolat Architecture reveals an urban retrospective of London and Istanbul at RIBA , London
Curated by EAA – Emre Arolat Architecture, in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Murat Güvenç from Istanbul City University and London-based Urban Planning & Development Consultant Ömer Çavuşoğlu, ‘ist-on situations’ opens at the RIBA Practice Space on the 3rd of June 2015 and explores a parallel timeline between two of Europe’s great cultural capitals: Istanbul and London.
‘ist-on situations’ reveals the complex layers of history which contrast with modern developments, and the challenges faced by both cities as they enter into a programme of major projects and infrastructure such as airport expansion, cross-city transport and bridges.
The detailed timeline begins in the 19th century with the announcement of the Second Constitutional Era of the Ottoman Empire – which coincides with the design of Regent Street and the opening of London Bridge station – and highlights significant milestones of the cities right up until the present day. This dual-city approach reveals “situations” that both unite and differentiate, and points to key events during the urban histories, looking at their political, social, physical and environmental changes.
Emre Arolat, Founding Partner at EAA – Emre Arolat Architecture says:
“The development of these two cities at the east and west ends of Europe is examined through this exhibition, revealing the enormous impact of political and social factors such as divergent patterns of population growth and decline, dramatic urbanisation and regeneration and now mutual concerns of rampant investment and government intervention, unparalleled growth and the burdens on infrastructure. Our work in Istanbul responds to these challenges and we are pleased to present this picture to Londoners.”
The practice’s recent and current projects, including the influential Sancaklar Mosque, are inserted into the timeline, acting as ‘agents’ of the current Istanbul urban scene. The exhibition features original drawings, models, photographs and films.
The exhibition will open with a private view on 2nd June at the RIBA London, at which
Emre Arolat will appear in conversation with Rory Olcayto, Editor of the Architects’ Journal discussing the two cities’ common past and future.
EAA – Emre Arolat Architecture is one of Turkey’s most respected architectural practices and recipient of the Aga Khan Award and nominee for Mies van der Rohe Prize. Its body of work includes the Santralistanbul Contemporary Arts Museum, the Zorlu Center and the Sancaklar Mosque which was among nominations for the prestigious ‘Designs of the Year 2015’ exhibition, currently on show at London’s Design Museum.
ist-on situations runs from the 2nd of June 2015 until the 30th of June 2015 in the RIBA Practice Space (66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD) #ist-on
For more information on EAA – Emre Arolat Architecture and ist-on situations exhibition, please contact ING:
ING | Serra Ataman | serra@ing-media.com | DL: 020 7392 1997 | M: 07720 669073
ING | Alice Spence | alice@ing-media.com | 020 7247 8334
