Questions and Answers
1. Can architects who have just graduated and are not affiliated to any institution / workplace participate in the competition?
Yes. Everyone can participate in the competition provided that the team involves at least one member from disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture registered to the relevant chambers. (See. Brief. Article 4.)
2. Can a new solution be offered to the traffic in the competition area?
This issue should be evaluated by the competition teams within the scope of the planning and design problem of the competition. However, if the competitors propose changes which affect the traffic flow in the competition area, it will be expected that related transportation solutions and alternatives are proposed and organized in the 1/5000 scale conceptual schema.
3. Can a new proposal be made by ignoring the underpass in the competition area?
This issue should be evaluated by the competition teams within the scope of the planning and design problem of the competition. However, if the competitors propose changes which affect the traffic flow in the competition area, it will be expected that related transportation solutions and alternatives are proposed and organized in the 1/5000 scale conceptual schema.
4. Is a model required?
No. Model delivery is not expected.
5. Is there a specific time for the site visit on December 21, 2019?
The site visit program will start at 12.00 am. on December 21, 2019 in front of the Station.
6. Can we measure the area with a drone or a laser scanner on our own?
Yes, you can do it.
7. In the brief, it is said that there must be at least one person from city planning, architecture or landscape architecture disciplines: Is it true that there must be an architect or landscape architect with a city planner?
Yes, it is true. Each competition team should involve at least one member from disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture registered to the relevant chambers. (See. Brief. Article 4.)
8. Will the layouts also be printed? If so, what kind of paper are they required to be printed on?
Projects will be submitted on CD, in digital format. (See. Brief. Articles 9 and 11.)
9. Is the project area shown in the ellipse boundary in the brief the exact boundary? Can the entrances and exits of the areas and structures such as the Youth Park (Gençlik Park) and Ankara Sports Hall, where this boundary comes into contact, be included in the design? If so, how wide can the design area be kept along the Cumhuriyet Street? Can TSR (Turkish State Railways) structures within the border be intervened? If so, to what extent?
The area defined by the ellipse shape/area does not refer to a definite boundary for the project, it approximately displays intervention area, focus of the urban design project area. Moreover, spatial and programmatic relationships depending on the design approach of the competitors can be established with other urban areas, building stock and open spaces surrounding the competition area. The extent and depth of this relationship can be determined by conceptual drawings and diagrams. At this point, it is left to the competitors how to interpret the (ellipse) area. However, areas which are in use under the ownership and responsibility of different institutions should not be intervened.
Entrance and exit of areas and structures such as Youth Park, Ankara Sports Hall will be accepted as they are, with their existing form. Any intervention for there is beside the point of the project.
Cumhuriyet Street will be considered as an urban setting. Any intervention for there is beside the point of the project.
Interventions on buildings belonging to TCDD are beside the point of the project.
10. Can we reconsider the traffic organization with the interchange in the project area?
This issue should be evaluated by the competition teams within the scope of the planning and design problem of the competition. However, if the competitors propose changes which affect the traffic flow in the competition area, it will be expected that related transportation solutions and alternatives are proposed and organized in the 1/5000 scale conceptual schema.
11. What is the ownership status of the Station Building and the Station Club Building? Is it possible to intervene in the open spaces within these structures?
The ownership of these buildings belongs to the Republic of Turkey State Railways. Competitors can intervene in the open spaces of these structures within the competition area. However, entrance and exit of the structures should not be intervened.
12. What is the ownership status of the area transferred to Medipol University? Is it possible to intervene in open spaces within the area?
The ownership of the building belongs to the State Treasury but it is allocated to Ankara Medipol University. Competitors can intervene in the open spaces of these structures within the competition area. However, entrance and exit of the structures should not be intervened.
13. What is the ownership status of Ankara Sports Hall, is it allowed to intervene in the open spaces within the building area?
The authorized institution of the building is Turkish Basketball Federation. Competitors can intervene in the open spaces of these structures within the competition area. However, entrance and exit of the structures should not be intervened.
14. What is the ownership status of the Gençlik Park? Is it possible to make arrangements in the area associated with the monument square?
The ownership of the park belongs to the State Treasury. Entrance of the park should not be intervened.
15. Can we interfere with the traffic flow?
This issue should be evaluated and designed by the competition teams within the scope of the planning and design problem of the competition. However, if the competitors propose changes which affect the traffic flow in the competition area, it will be expected that related transportation solutions and alternatives are proposed and organized in the 1/5000 scale conceptual schema.
16. Are only digital perspective images valid? Can hand drawing be presented?
Hand drawings may be used in addition to digital renderings.
17. Can you provide information about the grading/elevation of the competition area?
There is no information about the grading/elevation of the competition area.
18. Can you provide a netcad file about the competition area?
There is no netcad file of the competition area.
19. 7. Brief and Its Appendix: The current map showing the competition area is not up to date.
Can the trees and the grades in the area within the square be available?
All the necessary information and files are presented in the appendix of the competition brief.
20. 9.1. Project and Report: Isn’t the 2cm high pseudonym, that will be placed on the sheets too big? Where will the pseudonym appear in the layouts? Will a hanging plan be provided?
Pseudonym consists of two letters and four numbers, with a height of 2 cm. Pseudonym should be placed on the top of the sheets, on the right side.
21. 9.1. Project and Report: Isn’t the height of the sheet (80×200 cm) too much? Will the sheets be glued on a hard surface such as a photo block? It is very difficult to find a 200 cm long photo block.
Projects must be submitted in digital format (See. Brief. Article 11.). Thus, there is no need for printing conditions adjusted to the photo block limitedness.
22. 9.1.Project and Report: It is understood that the sheets and the report will be delivered digitally on the CD without printing. Is that true?
Yes. Projects must be submitted in digital formats. (See. Brief. Article 11.)
23. 11.Submission Requirements for the Projects: In which part of the package will the CD containing the project and report be delivered? Should there be any inscription or pseudonym on the CD?
Packages should compose identity envelope (involving application forms and related documents in annexes) and CD which involves projects (projects and reports). There should be a pseudonym on the package and on the CD, that is submitted. (See. Brief. Article 11.)
24. 11.Submission Requirements for the Projects: Will the project, report, CD and identity envelope be delivered in a single package? Should any label and pseudonym be written on the package?
Yes, in a single package there should include a CD (in which there are projects and report) and a closed identity envelope on which the pseudonym is written. (See. Brief. Article 11.) On the package, there should be written as follows: “International Ideas and Design Project Competition for Labor, Peace and Democracy Memorial Square and Place” and the pseudonym.
25. Can the sculptures and pools located within the competition boundaries be changed or removed?
About the sculpture, which is named Miras (Nasrettin Hodja) designed by Metin Yurdanur in 1979, presents within the borders of the competition and it is registered as a cultural asset in 13.07.1994. Therefore, it cannot be moved and removed from the area where it is located.
About the ornamental pool in the project area, it is not a work of art and there is no registration and rules for its conservation, as well for its removal.
26. Can the interchange, which was built in thirty-five days, in front of the square be removed and restored?
This issue should be evaluated and designed by the competition teams within the scope of the planning and design problem of the competition. However, if the competitors propose changes which affect the traffic flow in the competition area, it will be expected that related transportation solutions and alternatives are proposed and organized in the 1/5000 scale conceptual schema.
27. Will the project presentation sheets and report be prepared in English or in both Turkish and English?
The language of the competition is English. Therefore, sheets and report of the project to be submitted should be prepared only in English. (See. Brief. Article 4.)
28. Is it possible for us to participate as a student group? The specification does not include a clause about it.
No, a competition team consisting of only students is not acceptable. The author(s) of the project should have professional competence. However, everyone can participate in the competition provided that the team involves at least one member from disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture registered to the relevant chambers. (See. Brief. Article 4.)
29. The station building is currently used as a suburban station and a HST (high-speed train) station entrance gate. Is it expected to propose a new function to the station?
Adaptive reuse of the station is not recommended. How the open spaces of the station building are interpreted spatially and programmatically is left to the competitors’ design idea.
30. Can we intervene at the interchange built in thirty-five days?
This issue should be evaluated and designed by the competition teams within the scope of the planning and design problem of the competition. However, if the competitors propose changes which affect the traffic flow in the competition area, it will be expected that related transportation solutions and alternatives are proposed and organized in the 1/5000 scale conceptual schema.
31. Can spatial arrangements (such as enclosed areas) be made in the station square? Is there a prescribed intervention limit?
Enclosed spaces are not particularly expected. However, ideas related to this may be developed. How and under what conditions to intervene in the station square is left to the design proposal developed by the competitors; intervention form and content are out of limits and spatial and programmatic arrangements are left to the competitors within the framework of the theme and content specified in the competition brief.
32. Are there trees in the square that are expected to be protected? If so, can they be marked and shared with the competitors?
The conditions and the approach in which all the structural and/or natural urban and architectural elements specified in the competition brief and within the competition focus are left to the competitors: The main framework, conceptual structure and design of the proposed project will resolve the aforementioned built and natural environment. Google Earth and Street View will provide sufficient views and details about trees.
33. Can we use the subsoil on the station square? (Enclosed space, indoor parking, etc.)
Enclosed spaces and underground parking are not particularly expected. However, ideas related to this may be developed. The conditions and the approach in which all the structural and/or natural urban and architectural elements specified in the competition brief and within the competition focus are left to the competitors: The main framework, conceptual structure and design of the proposed project will resolve the aforementioned built and natural environment.
34. In the context of the competition, should it be assumed that the State Railways (SR) Employee School is used as a private university area?
Within the scope of the competition aim, there is no (definite) expectancy about this building use and acceptance for the new use as university.
35. Are the borders of the competition area defined?
The area defined by the ellipse shape/area does not refer to a definite boundary for the project, it approximately displays intervention area, focus of the urban design project area. Moreover, spatial and programmatic relationships depending on the design approach of the competitors can be configured with other urban areas, building stock and open spaces surrounding the competition area. The extent and depth of this relationship can be determined by conceptual drawings and diagrams. At this point, competitors are free about how to interpret the (ellipse) area.
36. Can the memorial place defined in Article 9.1 of the Brief be considered as a (en)closed space?
Enclosed spaces are not particularly expected. However, ideas related to this may be developed. How and under what conditions to intervene in the station square is left to the proposal developed by the competitors; intervention form and content are out of limits and spatial and programmatic arrangements are left to the competitors within the framework of the theme and content specified in the competition brief.
37. Can you share the survey of the existing trees in the square?
There is no survey of trees.
38. Can we offer new functions to the Station Club?
It can be proposed. The spatial and programmatic interpretation of the current Gar Casino is left to the competitors. Herein, it should be noted that the property and appropriation of Station Club belongs to another institution.
39. The existing elevations on the 1/1000 scale dwg sheet, which are published in brief documents, are not visible. Can the current elevations of the area be shared?
There is no information about the grading/elevation of the competition area.
40. Is it possible to participate as a single person?
No. Competition team should involve at least one member from disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture registered to the relevant chambers. (See. Brief. Article 4.)
41. Will the sheets be delivered in 80 * 200 cm size?
Yes. (See. Brief. Article 9.)
42. Can the participants add a short video describing the concept-space relationship to their presentations in addition to the sheets of the size specified in the specification?
In this competition, which was declared to the public as an idea and design competition, it is appropriate to represent the idea in different ways and means provided that it meets the criteria specified in the brief. A video presentation which does not exceed 5 minutes long can be annexed.
43. Would being a member of the board of directors in one of the professional chambers that are the secretariat of the competition affect the application procedure for the participant when he/she does not serve as a regulator, a consultant, a rapporteur etc. in any department of the competition?
No. The members of the board of directors and employees of the organizing institutions (See. Brief. Articles 3.) and their subsidiaries (ie. the chambers and their branches) can not participate in the competition.
44. Can students participate in the competition?
Yes. Everyone can participate in the competition provided that the team involves at least one member from disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture registered to the relevant chambers. (See. Brief. Article 4.) It should be noted that a competition team consisting of only students is not acceptable. The author(s) of the project should have professional competence.
45. I registered for the competition, will the PSEUDONYM be sent as an e-mail?
No. Competitors should send pseudonym in submission.
46. How can we notify our group members, do we need to notify in advance, or will they be notified at the project submission?
The information about each contributor of the competition team must be sent and submitted in the project submission phase via application forms as required to be in the identity envelope. (See. Brief. Article 9.2 and 9.3)
47. Is it compulsory to participate as a team? Is it possible to participate alone?
It is not acceptable to participate alone. Each team involves at least one member from disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture registered to the relevant chambers. (See. Brief. Article 4.)
48. Has a location been set for the memorial square? There is the Democracy Square, which is named by the Municipality, and the area where the massacre took place. Will the zoning diameter be published?
Memorial square is to be designed by the competitors; there is no definite location or setting. Zoning diameter will not be published.
49. Are the designs / plans of the sculptures that can be planned in the desired projects requested in the competition? I mean, is it necessary to have a sculptor on the team? Or, can the sculpture idea be presented first and then if the contest is concluded and won, can planning and necessary work be done afterwards?
The requirements (the obligations for participating competition) are specified in the brief (see. Article 4.). Other areas are only recommended (for implementation phase) to enhance design ideas. Within the framework of the overall nature of the project, different areas of expertise and branches of art can be expected to intervene and contribute to the project.
50. I couldn’t find the rules of the competition anywhere. What material will be used, what will be the conditions? Can you send information about them?
Competition rules are explained in the brief.
(See https://en.10ekimanitmeydan.org/ & https://10ekimanitmeydan.org/)
51. Can architecture students who are registered to the Chamber of Architects also participate in the competition?
Yes. Everyone can participate in the competition provided that the team involves at least one professional member from disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture registered to the relevant chambers. (See. Brief. Article 4.)
52. We want to participate in the competition as a team. How can we obtain the documents related to the project area?
All documents are available on the competition website.
(See https://en.10ekimanitmeydan.org/ & https://10ekimanitmeydan.org/)
53. Can foreign students who live and study in Turkey participate in the competition?
Yes. Everyone can participate in the competition provided that the team involves at least one member from disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture registered to the relevant chambers. (See. Brief. Article 4.) It should be noted that a competition team consisting of only students is not acceptable. The author(s) of the project should have professional competence.
54. Can interior architecture students participate in the competition?
Yes. Everyone can participate in the competition provided that the team involves at least one member from disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture registered to the relevant chambers. (See. Brief. Article 4.)
55. Should the existing traffic in the square and objects such as pools and statues, sculptures remain the same?
Those issues should be evaluated by the competition teams within the scope of the planning and design problem of the competition. However, if the competitors propose changes which affect the traffic flow in the competition area, it will be expected that related transportation solutions and alternatives are proposed and organized in the 1/5000 scale conceptual schema.
Notedly, about the sculpture, which is called as Miras (Nasrettin Hodja) designed by Metin Yurdanur in 1979, presents within the borders of the competition and it is registered as a cultural asset in 13.07.1994. Therefore, it cannot be moved and removed from the area where it is located.
About the ornamental pool in the area, it is not a work of art and there is no registration and rules for its conservation.
56. What exactly are the works that we will send to the competition except the plan and the cross-sectional perspectives etc.?
See Brief. Article 9.1.
57. What time is the site visit on December 21, 2019?
The site visit program will start at 12.00 am. on December 21, 2019 in front of the Station.
58. Can interior design and environmental design students participate in the competition?
Yes. Everyone can participate in the competition provided that the team involves at least one member from disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture registered to the relevant chambers. (See. Brief. Article 4.)
It should be noted that a competition team consisting of only students is not acceptable. The author(s) of the project should have professional competence.
59. I am not a citizen of the Republic of Turkey and there is no professional chamber in my country, therefore I won’t be able to get a certificate of membership. Can I submit my diploma in the annex of the application form instead of the member certificate of a professional chamber?
Yes. In case there is no professional chamber in the country of the foreign competitors, it is possible to submit a graduation certificate or diploma indicating that you have graduated from the departments of architecture, city planning or landscape architecture, instead of certificate of membership.