The word “Intersection” encompasses many meanings in both concrete and abstract terms. It offers a content that enables questioning, discussion, critique, and reflection. In this context, when considering the relationship between Turkey and architecture, Turkey stands as a significant center of intersection in cultural, social, and political terms; and likewise, the geography it occupies has been the scene of countless intersections throughout history. The architectural field itself exists through the intersection of many disciplines—including art and philosophy—and it is also a field that creates spaces where people’s paths intersect.
With this perspective, the first edition of the Architecture Biennial, to be held this year, aims to explore the theme of “Intersections” within the context of the country’s unique characteristics and conditions as they relate to the field of architecture.
Through the theme of “Intersections”, a wide platform for discussion is anticipated—one that will examine how various social lives and cultures communicate with one another, and how the desire for coexistence influences architecture and other fields of art and design, giving rise to new works and expressions.
For this reason, the Biennial will feature exhibitions, panels, workshops involving professionals and students, experimental architectural works shaped by philosophical and critical approaches, and competitions, all designed to provoke discussion around the architectural scene in Turkey.
This Biennial also clearly aims to intersect the practice of architecture with the paths of the public, ultimately offering a new perspective on the discipline itself.
Prof. Dr. Tülin GÖRGÜLÜ
Curator of IABA’11