peter eisenman & aytac architects envision yenikapi project

for a collateral event to the 14th international venice biennale for architecture, zuecca project space hosts the envisioned ‘yenikap project’, collaboratively designed by eisenman architects and aytaç architects. the scheme is situated on a historic site in istanbul, adjacent to a new underground rail hub, in which many important artifacts from roman and neolithic eras were discovered during its construction. to archive and take note of its location, the proposed plan includes an archaeological museum and transit building within a large park. the landscape is composed of a complex network of walkways dividing green areas and open squares. two elongated structures cut through the terrain, with a gridded patterning on their exterior, translated from the pathways.

the landscape is composed of a complex network of walkways which divide green areas
all images courtesy of eisenman architects & aytaç architects

relating to historical parallels between venice and istanbul, architect peter eisenman describes a common ‘palimpsest’ in the architecture and societies of the two cities. over time, urban developments and rewritings preserve fragments of the past while redefining the meaning of the present. the ‘yenikapi project’ continues this tradition of revealing elements from bygone days. for instance, the archaeological museum will house the remains of 35 ships related the trade route between venice and istanbul. additionally, a stone pier from the theodosian era will be preserved and exhibited in the plaza in front of the building.

the yenikapi project extends across building and landscape

the museum will display the remains of 35 ships from the ancient trade route between venice and yenikapi
image by parsa khalili

interior surfaces are fragmented to express differing grid systems
image by parsa khalili

being the first architectural presentation by zuecca projects, the exhibition continues an investigation into the cultural history of eastern-facing venice, and its relation to contemporary life. curated by maurizio bortolotti, and open from june 7 – november 23, 2014, the multimedia display focuses on mercantile trade between venice and the 1600 year-old former theodosius port in yenikapi.

a stone pier from the theodosian era will be preserved and exhibited in the square
image by moka-studio

elevation of ‘building A’ in the museum complex

the zuecca project space exhibition is located at the complesso delle zitelle, on the island of giudecca in venice. it runs from june 7 – november 23, 2014, and is open every day, except mondays, from 10am to 6pm.

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