image © 19th century Istanbul. (c)Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation Photography Collection. 

June 3 2015 -10.00am to June 30 2015 - 5.00pm

The Practice Space, RIBA 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD

Leading international practice Emre Arolat Architects, present an exhibition exploring the urban histories of İstanbul and London.

Turkish practice EAA - Emre Arolat Architects brings an exploration of the parallel timeline of Istanbul and London, two of Europe’s great cultural capitals, to the RIBA’s Practice Space this June.

Curated in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Murat Güvenç from Istanbul City University and London-based Urban Planning & Development Consultant Ömer Çavuşoğlu, ‘ist-on situations’,  reveals the complex layers of history which contrast with modern developments, and the challenges faced by both cities as they enter into a programme of major projects and infrastructure such as airport expansion, cross-city transport and bridges.

The detailed timeline begins in the 19th century with the announcement of the Second Constitutional Era of the Ottoman Empire - which coincides with London's great railways expansion era - and highlights significant milestones of the cities right up until the present day. This dual-city approach reveals 'situations' that both unite and differentiate, and points to key events during the urban histories, looking at their political, social, physical and environmental changes.

The practice’s recent and current projects, including the influential Sancaklar Mosque, are inserted into the timeline, acting as ‘agents’ of the current Istanbul urban scene. The exhibition features original drawings, models, photographs and films.

> via EAA - Emre Arolat Architects