Winding through Istanbul, the Ayamama River serves as a lifeline for biodiversity and a natural corridor amid sprawling urban development. However, its significance is overshadowed by the immense challenges it faces: pollution from industrial and residential runoff, the encroachment of urbanisation, and heightened flooding risks due to climate change. Despite these pressures, the Ayamama River offers an unparalleled opportunity to reimagine Istanbul’s relationship with its waterways. Recent research undertaken by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s School of Architecture and Planning and the Istanbul Technical University, with the support of Dar’s global collaborative of companies Sidara, crafts a pathway towards a more resilient, sustainable, and thriving river corridor.

Ayamama Swa(m)p – an exhibition hosted by Salt and organised by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) School of Architecture and Planning – translates that academic research into a public experience. This compelling exhibition, on view from November 26 to December 22, 2024, in Workshop IV at Salt Galata, focused on the ecology of the Ayamama River in Istanbul, inviting visitors to engage in a thought-provoking exploration of sustainable solutions for a more resilient urban future.

The exhibition emerges from interdisciplinary research led by Prof. Rafi Segal, in collaboration with climate scientists, urban planners, landscape designers, and architects. It delves into critical intersections of climate change, urban sprawl, flooding, and decommissioned infrastructure, providing insightful reflections on the challenges of urban resilience. The exhibition offers a unique perspective on the Ayamama River, using innovative research to spark public dialogue on ecological and urban challenges.

Curated by Prof. Rafi and Selin Şahin, Ayamama Swa(m)p features three key pieces, including a large map detailing the features of the Ayamama River corridors; a film narrated from the perspective of birds flying over the city; and a set of silkscreen prints by artist Marisa Morán Jahn, which portray the endangered endemic plant Allium Istanbulense. These works translate academic research into a compelling public experience, aiming to raise awareness and encourage discussions about the intersection of ecology, urbanism, and climate change.

This research and exhibition are realised with the support of Dar Group, MIT’s Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism, and MIT’s Future Urban Collectives Lab.

The Dar Türkiye team had the opportunity to visit the exhibition, gaining valuable insights into the project’s vision and objectives.

Dar is honoured to have played a role in supporting this impactful exhibition, which bridges the gap between research and public engagement, addressing crucial environmental and urban issues facing our cities.