PROJECT TEAM:
- Architects: Aras Burak, Gözde Kızılkan
- Engineers: Aris Kozmidis / ARUP
- Model Maker: Eşref Madanlar
PROJECT INFORMATION:
- Location: Bursa, Turkey
- Type: Competition
- Client: Bursa Mimarlar Odası
- Plot / GFA: 17,700m2 / 7,191m2
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Bursa Atatürk Sports Hall project is positioned as a natural extension of the Millet Garden and Kültürpark, integrating with the landscape. This simple building, standing like a lamp within the park, enhances the character of the adjacent pond, contributing to its value rather than taking away from it. The structure has been designed to harmonize with its surroundings, strengthening the park’s texture instead of disrupting it.
The project is shaped with the +1 level considered as the public area. The ground floor is dedicated to athletes and backstage areas, while guest entries are directed to the Basketball and Pool buildings via bridges around the pond. Visually, however, instead of appearing as two separate entrances, the circular form of the bridge reads as a unified, singular structure.
The proximity of the Bursa Atatürk Sports Hall to the Merinos Atatürk Congress and Culture Center, being within walking distance, and the fact that the project consists of two similar parts with the potential for joint use, led us to believe that using this space solely for sports would be a missed opportunity. Both buildings are envisioned as part of a massive Kültürpark, with the Atatürk Sports Hall designed to be convertible for both sports and performance arts, hosting special programs during opening/closing nights and as an extension of exhibitions.
On the northern side of the building, there is a reception area for athlete and staff buses. From the east side of the underground parking, three elevators lead up to the pond and the drop-off/pick-up area.
During basketball and volleyball matches, the polycarbonate curtain wall can be drawn, allowing the pool activities to be seen as silhouettes. When the retractable curtain wall is drawn to the sides along the rails, three prefabricated covers can be slid over the pool area, instantly transforming the hall into a multipurpose performance or exhibition space.
Cafeterias are located at the southern and northwestern corners of the public first floor, and these areas have direct connections to both the sports halls and the Millet Garden. The foyers are located on the eastern side of the building, with the pool foyer to the north and the Basketball and Volleyball hall foyers to the south. The management offices, concealed within the structure through staircases, can be accessed directly from the foyer via stairs or elevator. The relationship between the foyers, sports areas, and the Millet Garden is established through a polycarbonate façade, providing a blurred visibility.
Even if none of the building’s mechanical systems are implemented due to economic reasons, the design can still meet all necessary requirements. However, its usability for performance arts and exhibitions will be a valuable asset for Bursa, especially given its location. Additionally, with a revised master plan to the north, the area has the potential to be transformed into a pedestrianized special park.
