Thursday, June 17, 2010
Emin Onat
Personal Life
Emin Onat was born in 1908 in Istanbul. After going to Numune School and Vefa Highschool, in 1926 he started with his architectural education in Engineering Academy. In his third year of education, he was chosen as a research assistant and he went to Zurich, to continue with postgraduate degree. During his education in Zurich, he continued his studies with Otto Rudolf Salvisber. In 1934, he finished his education and turned back to Turkey.
In 1935, Onat was appointed as assistant teacher in Academy, became Professor in 1938 and chosen as Chairman of Department. When Engineering Academy was transformed into Istanbul Technical University in 1943, he became the first Dean of the new founded Faculty of Architecture. Between 1950-1953, Onat became University Rector and after working as Istanbul Represantative in Parliament between 1954-1957, he continued his studies in ITU.
In his design, he usually regarded contemporary architectural principles aimed to form buildings according to function. In a period of endeavor to create a national style by using elements of traditional Turkish architecture on contemporary buildings, this particularity of his approach, is of high importance for achieving a balance.
Emin Onat, represented Turkey in many national and international platforms. He founded the core of UIA Turkey Section and in 1948, he joined the first general board meeting in Lausanne. In 1946, he was elected as an honorary member of RIBA. In 1956, Onat became honorary doctorate. Emin Onat died in Istanbul, in 17 July 1961.
Birth Place/Date Istanbul/ 1908 – 1961
Educational and Professional Life
| Bachelor's Degree | Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture(1934) |
| Engineering Academy, , (1929) | |
| Secondary Education | Vefa High School (1926) |
Projects
· İstanbul Court House (1971)
· Gümüşsuyu IBM Center (1961)
· Mausoleum of Atatürk (Anıtkabir) (1953)
· Cenap And House (1952)
· Taşkışla Rastoration (1950)
· Yapı Kredi Bank Bursa Branch (1948)
· Bursa Governor Mansion (1946)
· Uludağ Sanatorium (1946)
· İstanbul University Faculty of Science and Literature (1943)
· Emin Onat House / Villa Maral (1939)
· House in Kavaklıdere
Anıtkabir ; Atatürk's Mausoleum
Mausoleum which is the indicator of esteem and love felt for Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is the most meaningful work of art in Turkish Republic. Being located on a point overlooking the city strengthens its structural magnificence. Its architecture, and sculpture and relieves used reflect the War of Independence, establishment of Turkish Republic and personnel characteristics of Mustafa Kemal. Mausoleum is located on a 15,000 square meters area.
· Location: Anıttepe/Ankara
· Data: October 9th, 1944 - September 1st, 1953
· Employer: Ministry of National Defense
· Architectural Design: Emin Onat, Orhan Arda
An international competition was organized to choose a design for Atatürk’s Mausoleum in 1943. The winner of the competition was Prof. Emin Onat and Orhan Arda and the construction of the building started in 1944. The building represent the Turkish history, in particular the independence war, and the great military, revolutionary and leadership qualities of Mustafa Kemal. After the competition of the building, Atatürk’s body was removed to there on 10th of November, 1953.
The Mausoleum was covers a large area known as Mausoleum Hill. Gardens and park surround the building, which reached by special roads. Leading to the Mausoleum is Lion Road, boarded an either side by twenty four lion statues. To the right of the entrance is the tower of Independence, and to the left the tower of Freedom. In front of the tower are two groups of statues depicting three men and three women, who represent Turkish nation.
The period between 1940-1950 years is known as “2nd National Architecture Period” in Turkish Architecture. In this period buildings, monumental structure of which carries weight which give importance to symmetry and hewn stone materials are used, have been mostly constructed. Mausoleum also includes the characteristics of this period.
Seljuk and Ottoman architectural characteristic and embossing elements have applied in Mausoleum in addition to the features of this period. For example a border print, which has been called as saw tooth in Seljuk stonework, which encircles the towers on the point where the walls meet with the roof has been applied on the exterior front. In addition stone embosses called as fortune’s wheel and rosette used in some sections of the Mausoleum (Mehmetçik/Soldier Tower, Museum Directorate) stands out in Seljuk and Ottoman art.
Mausoleum which is one the best examples as of its construction time cover approximately a 750,000 m2 area, and divided into two parts as Peace Park and Monument Block.
Resourse: Özdemir, Gülay, 50th Anniversary of IMO 50 major works of the republican era, Ankara: TMMOB İnşaat Mühendisleri Odası, 2007.
A Visit to the Ankara Palas Hotel / Devlet Konukevi
Ankara Palas Devlet Konukevi is located at İstiklal Caddesi in Ulus Ankara. We visited the building as part of a field trip. The building was designed by Mimar Kemalettin who was a prominent architect of the Early Republican Period in Turkish Architectural History.
The building reflects a classical western influence, with a symmetrical plan and pitched roofs. The elevations are adorned by plaster frames surrounding the windows which is an old western design found in architectures of all societies influenced by the west. One important distinction in this case is the dome which is situated in the centre at the top of the entrance.
Inside, the hotel is again a typical western stone masonry structure. There is a large ballroom which is open at the ceiling and lets skylight in.
The building was one of the first projects of the Foundations Ministry of the newly formed Republic of Turkey. With its evident western influence, the building belongs to the Early Republican Period of Turkish Architecture and played an important role in the initial years of the republic, both symbolically and physically as a centre for political and social gatherings of prominence.
Ankara Palas Hotel / Devlet Konukevi
Ankara Palas was Kemalettin Bey’s first project in Ankara. It was initially designed by Architect Vedad Bey in 1924, however it was built later according to Kemalettin Bey’s new design and opened in 1927. Being located opposite the then National Assembly Building, the hotel served as a “Parliamentary Club” and thus was the venue for important social and political gatherings and events.
It is a three story, ‘stone masonry building with rich decoration and is considered an early example of the Turkish Nationalist style. Its axial rectangular plan comprises ‘a pitched roof with a central entrance surmounted by a dome and flanked to either side by a tower.’ (Archnet)
‘The large balcony with pointed arches on the axially planned rectangular mass’ axis, the raised mass and its domed entrance emphasize its orientalist appearance and monumental aspect. There is a magnificent ballroom receiving daylight from above.’ (Mimarlik Muzesi) The large ballroom still hosts balls, auctions and concerts and has fascinating decorations on its ceiling. A tea and games room opens onto a terrace next to the ballroom. At the back of the building is a dining room, with a capacity for 500 and it was used especially for embassy receptions. The building was used as an office and exhibition area between 1976-1982 by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. It was restored by MOFA and opened as “Ankara Palace State Guest House” with a reception in October 29, 1983.’ (Mymerhaba)
‘The building was completely restored in 1983 as a 60 room state guesthouse with reception, dining room, banquet and tea halls. (Wikipedia) The restoration project transformed this deserted building into the state guest house. The programme includes a reception hall, a banquet hall, a tea hall, 38 guest rooms, and three suites. The main elevation was altered slightly with the introduction of an arched opening above the balcony.’ (Archnet)
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