CONFERENCE VENUE

The conference will take place at Maslak Campus, Istanbul Technical University - half an hour distance from Taksim Square, the city centre.

Conference Venue - Suleyman Demirel Cultural Center (SDKM)
Istanbul Technical University, Main Campus

The full address is shown below:

Istanbul Teknik Universitesi
Ayazaga Kampusu
Suleyman Demirel Kultur Merkezi
Maslak 34469
Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Technical University – Main Campus (Maslak Campus)
(click to enlarge)

The Conference Local Organization Committee has arranged shuttle bus transfer services - from the Conference Hotels to the Venue (ITU Maslak Campus - Suleyman Demirel Convention Center). Shuttle dates will be all conference session days as October 7, October 8, and October 9

Shuttle buses will be departing from Taksim to the Venue in the morning, and from the Venue to Taksim in the evening.

** Shuttle times will be announced later **

The Suleyman Demirel Social and Cultural Center (Conference Venue) was newly opened in April 2000. This center occupies 9200 m2 on the Ayazaga Campus and features a conference hall, a lobby, shops, clubs, offices, canteen.

 

REGISTRATION AND WELCOME RECEPTION

6 October 2008
16:30 Registration
17:30 Reception

Welcome Reception at Taşkışla Building - Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Architecture, Taksim. The venue is in walking distance from the Conference Hotels. At Taksim Square follow the directions given in the map to find Taşkışla Building.

Click here to view the map

BRIEF HISTORY OF TASKISLA

This immense building has been constructed all in structural masonry between 1848 and 1853 as a military medicine academy for the Ottoman Army under the rule of Sultan Abdülmecid. However during construction, the plans drawn by W. James Smith were modified and the building’s function was changed to the military barracks in 1849. This modification was part of a construction plan that included several arsenals and military barracks that were to ensure the safety of the imperial domain around the Dolmabahçe Palace. The building sustained some damage in the earthquake of 10 July 1894, and was restored by architect Raimondo D’Aronco. In 1909, the rebellious troops were based in the building, thus it has become the scene of long fighting. Some results are visible in the façade, as few of the gun shells are still embedded in the stone columns of the entrance. In 1944 the building was handed over to the I.T.U. and restored by architects Paul Bonatz and Emin Onat. Teaching started in the building in 1950, with the civil engineering and architecture faculties. In 1983 it has been classified as a first degree historical monument. In 1996 the World Habitat Congress was organized partly in the Faculty. Ever since, it is a natural part of the congress valley of Istanbul. The plan scheme of Taskisla is classical: four equal sides marked with four corner edifices and a vast courtyard. The west façade is crowned with a monumental entrance. (Prof.Dr. Afife Batur)