Vertical Bazaar | Teuta Hasani Duraku

Vertical Bazaar is a studio project, done during my master studies at Dessau International Architecture Graduate School, which introduces the traditional bazaar within the district of Kreuztberg, Berlin. This area is considered as one of with the largest percentage of Turkish immigrants, with high level of unemployment, with very rich cultural trends and as having the youngest population in Europe.

Within these conditions, considering the constraints and possibilities, vertical bazaar is an exchange place where the community has the possibility to integrate not only in the commercial aspect but also into cultural and social life. Being inspired by the atmosphere, structure and the pattern of the old bazaar in Istanbul, this building is basically a shopping street wrapped around vertically. The main focus is on the circulation space, which is a ramp that goes along the inner circulation core, and it is the place where almost all the interaction happens. This vertical continuity is interrupted by voids opened towards the city, allowing exterior views and natural light inside as well as the bigger programs like workshop, exhibition, cinema, performing, health center and leisure, which create a semi enclosed environment that bring different members of the community into one common ground, both in physical and social aspects.

The structure of the building lies on a grid that creates space for two big markets, enclosed permanent shops/restaurants/cafe and flexible interior and exterior areas which can be easily adapted to any kind of use. The main aim of the vertical bazaar is to be a place of interaction, a gathering point for commercial and cultural purposes. Its openness invites and allows space for expression and exchange within the community.