Biga Urban Square Design

Located in Biga, Çanakkale, the Biga Çiçeklidede Square Urban Design Project was developed as a competition proposal aiming to create a greener, more accessible, and vibrant public space while preserving the historical identity of the town. Shaped around the concept of “An In-Between Space in Biga”, the project seeks to transform the square from a place of passage into a welcoming urban environment where people can meet, rest, socialize, and connect with the town's past. The public square design was developed through an integrated approach combining architecture, urban planning, and landscape design.

Çiçeklidede Square is located at an important intersection between Biga's historic commercial center and its newer residential neighborhoods, where pedestrian and vehicle movements are particularly concentrated. The registered historic Çiçeklidede Tomb, existing mature trees, and the site's sloping topography formed the main starting points of the design. As a Çanakkale urban design project, the proposal aims to establish a more organized, safe, and accessible public environment while preserving existing transportation patterns and pedestrian routes that have been part of everyday life in Biga for many years.

One of the most distinctive architectural features of the project is its green roof design, which follows the natural slope of the terrain. Rather than functioning solely as a building cover, the roof was conceived as a publicly accessible terrace where visitors can walk, sit, and enjoy views of the surrounding town. This approach allows the building to become part of the square while maintaining the natural character of Çiçeklidede Hill and preserving the visual importance of the historic tomb. Green surfaces extending across different levels integrate with the existing trees, creating new public open spaces within the town center.

The intermediate level of the proposed building accommodates traditional craft workshops and social spaces intended to support Biga's cultural heritage. Workshops dedicated to local crafts such as kıspet making, weaving, basketry, and bell making were proposed to bring traditional forms of production into contemporary urban life. A café and semi-open terrace on this level create an urban balcony, offering visitors different perspectives over the square. Through these functions, the urban design proposal extends beyond the physical arrangement of public spaces to encourage cultural activities, social interaction, and everyday community life.

The urban circulation design prioritizes safe and continuous pedestrian movement. While maintaining the existing minibus route and vehicle access, the proposal introduces traffic-calming measures, wider sidewalks, and improved pedestrian crossings around Çan Street. Stairways, ramps, and an elevator connect the different elevations of the square, aiming to make the entire area accessible to children, elderly visitors, and people with disabilities. Selected sections of the stairs expand into amphitheater-style seating areas, creating opportunities for resting, waiting, and small public events.

Urban design and landscape architecture play a central role in establishing the relationship between the project and its natural surroundings. The proposal prioritizes the preservation of healthy existing trees while introducing new green corridors along streets, landscaped medians, and shaded seating areas throughout the square. Olive trees, linden trees, holm oaks, and other plant species suited to the regional climate were considered in the planting strategy. The green roofs and landscaped terraces are intended to improve outdoor comfort during the summer months, reduce extensive hard surfaces, and strengthen connections between existing green spaces within the town.

Material selections were inspired by the natural stone character of the Çanakkale region. Stone finishes, timber surfaces, and microcement-based paving were combined to establish a consistent architectural language. Timber elements at the intermediate level create a warmer and more inviting atmosphere, while curved landscape features and seating elements were designed to respond naturally to the site's topography.

The Çiçeklidede Tomb, one of the most significant historical elements within the project area, was approached with particular attention to its cultural and spiritual importance. A lightweight timber canopy, natural stone walls, and a water feature were proposed to create a quieter and more clearly defined setting for visitors. The proposed stone wall was also conceived as an informational surface presenting the history of Çiçeklidede and helping visitors understand the significance of the site. Through these interventions, the project aims to establish a meaningful connection between the town's historical memory and contemporary public life.

Developed for the Biga Public Square Design Competition, the proposal represents a comprehensive urban design and landscape architecture project in which architectural structures, transportation networks, green spaces, and historical landmarks are considered together. By reinterpreting Çiçeklidede Square while respecting its existing identity, the project proposes a more accessible, lively, and nature-oriented town center for Biga. With its publicly accessible green roofs, urban terraces, traditional craft workshops, and pedestrian-friendly public spaces, the design presents a contemporary approach to public space design, sustainable urban planning, and landscape architecture in Çanakkale.