Art and science share one location - Santral Istanbul
On the premises of the former electricity power company Santral Istanbul, the first creative quarter in close cooperation with a university is built. The site is located in one of the oldest industrial areas in the town, on the upper end of the Golden Horn bay.
Altogether, 118.000 square meters are at the planners' disposal, many of the once run-down buildings have already been renovated. Santral Istanbul wants to act (metaphorically) according to its former function as a powerhouse and upgrade a difficult district.
A new quarter is built
Plans are pursued on a large-scale approach - the objective is to establish the biggest centre of contemporary arts in Istanbul. The importance of this science / art / creative quarter is cited (among others) as one of the reasons for joining the EU legitimately. At the same time, the centre should have an impact on the city and allure streams of visitors, around 1,5 millions of them per year.
The extensive development is financed by private investors. The museum of contemporary art has already opened its doors, and some departments and chairs of the Bigli University have moved into vacant industrial buildings. The library is open – as are several open air stages, a multi-functional tent, dancing rooms, shopping streets with restaurants, cinemas, and pubs.
Art and science participate
A special feature of the concept is the availability of artist residences. Designers, architects, scientists, and artists can work here for one year. Exchange and multidisciplinarity with the Bigli University is granted, every artistic project will be featured by events. About 1000 guests can be accommodated per year.
The real success of this concept is based on the capability to virtually convey all projects and collateral events to the residents of Istanbul and the visitors of Santral Istanbul.
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