Info

Venue

The congress will be held at the Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, Taskisla Building, Taksim. Taskisla Building is located in the city center which is in the focal point of all conference facilities and hotels in Istanbul. The location of the building is called as “Congress Valley” where several national and international meetings took place.

Click for a larger image

History of Taskisla

Taskisla building was constructed all in structural masonry between 1848 and 1853 as a military medical academy for the Ottoman Army. However during construction, the plans drawn by W. James Smith were modified and the building’s function was changed to 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 Dolmabahce Palace. The building sustained some damage in the earthquake of 10 July 1894, and was restored by the architect Raimondo D’Aronco. In 1909, rebellious troops were based in the building, thus it became the scene of long fighting. Some results are visible in the façade, as a few of the gun shells are still embedded in the stone columns of the entrance. In 1944 the building was handed over to 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 was classified as a first degree historical monument. In 1996 the World Habitat Congress was organized partly in the Faculty. Ever since, it has become 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.

Transportation Facilities

Turkish Airlines and many other world airlines have regular daily flights to Istanbul. Istanbul has two international airports: Ataturk Airport (on the European side) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (on the Asian Side). There are regular shuttle services from/to airports to/from Taksim.

Accommodation Facilities

Near to congress venue, there are around 200 hotels with a capacity of more than 10.000 beds. Maximum commuting time between hotels and congress venue is about 15-20 minutes by walk.