Designed by Saraiva + Associados, the design of the present office center in Ataşehir, located on the Asian side of Istanbul, provides a cost effective solution to the changing needs of office spaces. This development plays a significant role in the city and within the financial community since it is seen as an important investment. Therefore, in order to perform as a new landmark in Ataşehir, this new office center, located in a not very privileged spot, aims to be exceptional in an unexceptional context – an iconic complex full of identity and easily recognizable. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The present proposal demonstrates an interplay of volumes mainly structured by the podium and sky-lobby. The base of this complex houses the commercial areas, where the two office volumes rest on top. Considering the two volumes, both towers have the same distinct profile and together they form a world of their own. Towering above the city, these two periscope-shaped bodies stand side by side wrapped in a delicate zigzag façade. This innovative approach presents a screen façade that acts like a solar thermo-skin protection, which in the end materializes the volumetric appearance of the complex.
More specifically, the façade consists of alternating squares of silver cladding and “whisky brown” tinted glass. The effect is sophisticated and elegant. The more a building is pared to the essence of its structural and functional elements, the more a building expresses its efficiency. A pragmatic approach or, if desired, a pragmatic economic competence – “we do not want to deliver the tallest but the most successful”.
Once you enter the building, your world changes. It is about verticality and futuristic experiences. The capsule-like elevators as means of transportation transcends the imagination by taking the user to a memorable journey – they take you step by step, floor by floor to the highest panoramic spot, the sky-lobby. In addition, the endless movement of these mechanical means of transportation contributes towards the animation of the building. By day, their artificial and festive lighting slumbers, while in the evening they start glowing and creating the illusion of a vertical merry-go-round.
Furthermore, the rooftop of the podium consists in the creation of an urban square accessible to all public. Besides being configured to serve as a meeting point, it gives direct access to the towers and it is meant to be the main entrance to the commercial area. Sitting on the south corner of this square, there is an exquisite sculpture emerging from a water feature, offering the site a unique character. Also, as a particular suggestion, in cold wintertime, this screen of water could be transformed into a fine ice skating spot.
Architects: Saraiva + Associados Location: Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey Client: Eria Partners – Real Estate Investment Project Type: Office building Type of Intervention: New construction Gross Construction Area (sqm): 93,788.00sqm Max. Height: Tower A – 109.05 meters above ground; Tower B – 82.60 meters above ground Number of Parking: About 834 spaces Status: Preliminary study Dates: November 2011 – ongoing
