Labor, Peace and Democracy Memorial Square and Place in Ankara (TR)

The project treated the area by minimalist interventions carrying out respect to the sad event. The area, organized by small-scale interventions, offers powerful images to raise awareness of the memory of October 10. As the project is based on a landscape arrangement, it is imagined that the leaves surrounding the trees in autumn will provide a refreshing effect on the memory. Trees covered with bronze plates symbolizing eternity portray that life continues, and hope survives in the place.
The design of the monumental setting of the project via living landscape elements was found very impressive and successful. The choice of the type of tree has been appreciated regarding philosophical connotations and practicality of the idea. The approach of the project regarding cyclical and linear time (indications/illustrations of how trees will grow over time and with respect to seasonal changes) has been found successful. Although the proposed observation terrace is acclaimed controversial, it has positive aspects considering spatial fictions for memorials. Besides, it was observed that access to the station building by vehicles was not adequately handled.

Suggestions:
 Issues about transport and circulation, parking areas and sound control should be reconsidered.
 Inscriptions on the ground are proposed by bronze material. However, the complications about preserving this material on site should be taken into consideration, and material research should be conducted on this subject.
 In order to provide the trunk and roots of the trees proposed in the design to get enough light and air, the detailed design of the material surrounding the trunk/root areas is recommended to be re-evaluated by the relevant experts.
 With regards to the original nature of the design element, the importance of
periodic maintenance of the material is emphasized.
 Present vegetal texture in the project area should also be taken into
consideration.