BIG DESIGN IZMIR OFFICE
Strategic and Innovative Solutions for Izmir's Urban Development
Big Design Izmir Office was established to provide sustainable, inclusive and innovative design solutions to the urban development process of Izmir. The office assumes a facilitating and guiding role by addressing the spatial needs of the city at different scales with evidence-based methodologies. At the same time, it is actively involved in the planning, design, process management and implementation of public spaces and elements related to these spaces.
Resilience and Innovation in Urban Design
The office operates on principles outlined in the Big Design Izmir Office Bedside Book. Upholding Izmir's distinctive design identity, it emphasizes resilience, universal accessibility, circularity, and multilocality. With a focus on enhancing Izmir’s global visibility, the office develops innovative design solutions by connecting local projects with international networks.
Participatory and Inclusive Design Processes
Design processes are designed to respond to the needs of all segments living in Izmir. While defining the stakeholders in these processes, the Office focuses on basic concepts such as environmental sustainability, social justice, inclusiveness and livability. With this approach, it is aimed to increase the quality of urban space and improve the built environment.
Strengthening the Design Ecosystem
As part of Izmir’s design ecosystem, the Big Design Izmir Office collaborates with local communities through design committees, creating projects that respect spatial context and site specificity. These interdisciplinary collaborations bring diverse perspectives to the city’s design processes.
Guiding Resources
Beyond guiding Izmir’s urban design processes, the office offers valuable resources for local governments and policymakers in other cities. This includes publications that illustrate Izmir’s design identity and support future-oriented urban design. The forthcoming Implementation Methods Book will provide detailed guidance on executing projects of varying scales.
Revitalising the Design City Vision
Grand Design Izmir Office aims to revitalise the design city vision initiated in Izmir in the past years by being aware of ecological limits and without ignoring the social-economic context. This initiative seeks to reinforce Izmir’s unique design identity and expand its visibility within global networks.
2025 Design Identity Workshop
The Design Identity Workshop, scheduled for January 2025, marks an initial step in solidifying Izmir’s leadership in the field of design. This workshop is planned as an important start for the realisation of projects that will highlight Izmir's cultural, social, environmental and spatial characteristics. It will also serve as a platform to identify the contributions and needs of the design ecosystem in the city.
Iterative and Data-Driven Design Processes
The Big Design Izmir Office approaches design projects strategically and holistically, employing data-driven scientific methods alongside insights from design committees. These projects follow an iterative model, allowing for continuous improvement based on needs assessments and field research. Each design aims to create socially and environmentally restorative spaces, enhancing the quality of urban environments.
The Big Design Izmir Office remains committed to developing strategic, sustainable solutions that position Izmir as a global leader in the design field.
Main Functions of Big Design Izmir Office
Big Design Izmir Office produces sustainable and innovative solutions to contribute to the urban development processes of Izmir. The main functions of the office cover a wide range from the design of public spaces to the creation of living spaces suitable for the needs of local communities.
Public Space Designs
The office executes Izmir's urban design projects with a focus on balancing environmental and social considerations. Each project is planned to harmonize the city's ecological boundaries with its social dynamics, fostering sustainable urban spaces.
Creating New Living Spaces
The office designs new living spaces that address the needs of local communities, creating solutions tailored to Izmir's unique cultural, social, and environmental dynamics. This approach fosters the development of more livable and inclusive urban areas.
Tactical and Restorative Approaches
Tactical urbanisation projects, which aim to achieve tangible results in the short term, directly affect the daily lives of citizens. With these projects, the Office aims to promote well-being in the city by creating restorative spaces. This approach improves the quality of life in the city.
Developing the Design Ecosystem
Big Design İzmir Office organises competitions, workshops and seminars to increase the capacity of the design ecosystem in Izmir. These events creates opportunities to develop the creative potential of the city by supporting local design communities.
Interdisciplinary Collaborations
The office brings innovative approaches to Izmir's urban design projects by collaborating with different disciplines. These collaborations aim to bring new perspectives to the city's urban planning and design processes.
Big Design Izmir Office will continue to prepare the city for the future with sustainable and innovative solutions while shaping the urban design vision of Izmir.