ISMD is aware of the importance of presenting contemporary, alternative projects to society for the benefit of the city and its residents. In this context, it believes that producing and discussing projects is an essential responsibility for all architects who carry the responsibility of being civilized and enlightened.
ISMD, considering that this constructive task primarily belongs to the youth, has decided to open a design competition among architecture students to discuss the reevaluation of the KUŞDİLİ MEADOW, which aims to respond to the contemporary urban life needs of Istanbul and Kadıköy, generate ideas, and ensure active participation of architecture students in these processes.
OBJECTIVE AND THEME OF THE COMPETITION
With this purpose, the aim is to reclaim the KUŞDİLİ MEADOW for Istanbul's and Kadıköy's contemporary life while also preserving Istanbul's history.
The area known as Kuşdili Çayırı, where the frogs in Kurbağalıdere stream are heard, the birds in the covered cages, such as sparrows and nightingales, are listened to, and where the bird vendors, who are called "bird language" due to this event, has been a part of Kadıköy's history for at least 100 years. In the early 1900s, Kadıköy residents used to trade in the streamside market, and various activities such as picnics and fairs were held in other parts of the area. Later, this meadow, which was also used as a holiday destination for many years, housed significant social facilities such as the Fenerbahçe Sports Club Lounge, Hamdi's Gazino, and Kuşdili Cinema, known as the Tram Depot. In the 1960s, during the holidays, a holiday place was set up in the area where the football field is located today. Rope walkers, zip lines, rented horses, boat swings, carousels, hoop shooters, roulette, goalkeeper, magician, theater, and other show tents, as well as food and beverage vendors, were located in the holiday place. In the first half of the 1900s, the holiday place was set up in the empty area around Bayram Yeri Street, which intersects with Halit Ağa Street today. In the early 1970s, the market, which was initially set up in Yeldeğirmeni and later on Söğütlüçeşme Street for two days a week, was moved to Kuşdili Meadow in the 1980s. At that time, Kuşdili Meadow had not yet lost its grove and meadow features. After the market started to be established, this area, where the trees disappeared and the ground was covered with concrete, gradually began to lose its meadow and grove characteristics. It is distressing that this area, which has very important historical memories for Kadıköy, is not remembered today as a grove and meadow. In this context, Kuşdili Çayırı should be evaluated not only as a Natural SIT but also as a Historical SIT.
The main goal should be to turn this area, along with the surrounding values such as Kurbağalıdere and Yoğurtçu Park, into a center of attraction and a recreational area for the people of Kadıköy today.
At the end of the competition, the first place winner will receive 5000 TL, the second place winner will receive 4000 TL, the third place winner will receive 3000 TL, and each of the 5 honorable mentions will receive 2000 TL.
In addition, the first-place project owner(s) will be awarded a special prize of an Interrail trip to Europe worth 3000 Euros.