Project Type: Transport Hub, Community Centre, Workspace
Location: Ankara, Turkey
Design Team: Bünyamin Sönmez, Yusuf Alperen Bayır, Merve Bafalı, Nuri Enes Şafak
The Plug-in Project reimagines İnönü Stadium, situated at the intersection of the old and new city, as a smart and sustainable urban hub for the Cebeci district of Ankara.
The design process began with an analysis of pedestrian and vehicular circulation patterns and the identification of urban axes. The stadium has been reshaped according to these axes, and through the creation of new openings and entrances, the structure has been made more permeable and inviting. The preservation of the existing structure is a fundamental design decision aimed at sustaining the urban memory. The required spaces are provided through new volumes and extensions integrated into the structure, whilst the site’s capacity has been increased and diverse spatial connections established via multi-layered underground spaces. The courtyard, situated at the heart of the project, provides access to natural light, ventilation, green spaces and underground functions. Furthermore, the courtyard is connected to the railway station, enhancing the site’s accessibility.
The functions have been determined with consideration for the surrounding universities, hospitals and residential areas. The ground floor houses commercial spaces, sports facilities and social areas, whilst the underground levels accommodate a library, co-working spaces, workshops, technical spaces and digital exhibition areas.
In line with the Smart City approach, energy-efficient transport and exhibition systems, automatic shading and adaptive canopy systems, and a robotic car park have been designed. Clean energy is generated using bladeless wind turbines and PV panels for 24/7 operations; sustainability is supported by passive design strategies such as wind towers, open cores and solar orientation.
