The Kartal Waterfront Redevelopment project is a comprehensive urban regeneration proposal that revitalizes a vital stretch of Istanbul's coastline, blending adaptive reuse with innovative public space design. Commissioned by the Kartal Municipality, the initiative aims to enhance community well-being by reactivating underutilized waterfront infrastructure and integrating sustainable design principles throughout the site.
At the heart of the project is the adaptive reuse of the historic Kartal Pier—once a hub for fisherman shelters and seafood markets. Rather than erasing its past, the design preserves the original structure and spatial rhythm, reinterpreting it as a cultural center. This new layer introduces exhibition spaces, event venues, and workshops, transforming the pier into a vibrant meeting point that bridges heritage and contemporary urban life.
The redevelopment strategy is articulated through four main components: a public square designed for flexibility and community engagement; a redesigned parking area with eco-conscious traffic solutions; a coastal promenade crafted with natural materials and green corridors; and the historic pier reimagined as a cultural beacon. Each intervention enhances pedestrian access, natural ventilation, and visual connectivity with the sea, reflecting modern coastal design values.
The site is zoned into three key areas: Zone 1 retains and upgrades existing fisherman shelters and facilities while integrating a more sustainable and organized parking layout. Zone 2 focuses on restoring the historic pier and enhancing its surroundings to manage visitor flow and cultural programming. Zone 3 introduces a new Kartal Pier, supported by open-air leisure zones and scenic walkways that deepen the district's relationship with the waterfront.
This project proposes not only a physical transformation, but a cultural and environmental reawakening. It repositions Kartal's coastline as a shared urban asset—one that honors the rhythms of the sea, celebrates local identity, and shapes a resilient, inclusive future for public life.
