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| Gensler wins competition for Istanbul Theme Park  Gensler, an international architectural, design, and planningfirm, recently won a design and planning competition for Istanbul Theme Park, a groundbreaking mixed-use development in Istanbul, Turkey. The project, led by MESA Housing Industries, Inc., will develop 370 acres, bringing a range of new residential, office, retail, and hospitality options to the city and its 14 million residents. The plan also creates 150 acres of open spaces and parks, including the region's first theme park. The city of Istanbul, located at the crossroads of both Europe and Asia, has been the cornerstone of the Turkish economy for more than 2,000 years. Today the Turkish capital leads the nation's push toward European Union membership. At the same time, there is also a deep desire to hold tight to Istanbul's unique cultural heritage, and that sentiment was taken into consideration during planning and design development. "As the plan developed, we kept both 'new' and 'old' in mind. We're incorporating best practices around planning, design and sustainability — building around existing transportation routes, maximizing proximity and views to the lake, creating dynamic open spaces — while respecting the region's rich history and culture, " according to Tom Sze, design director and senior associate in Gensler's Los Angeles office. "Additionally, the overall concept for the master plan, The City of Seven Gardens, was inspired by Istanbul's nickname, 'The City on Seven Hills.' We look forward to taking the plans to the next level very soon." write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Construction News :: home page |