IST-ON SITUATIONS

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’ was opened at the RIBA Practice Space on the 3rd of June 2015 and explored a parallel timeline between two of Europe’s great cultural capitals: Istanbul and London. ‘ist-on situations’ tried to reveal 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 transportation and bridges. The detailed timeline began in the 19^th 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 highlighted 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 their urban histories, looking at their political, social, physical and environmental changes.