Istanbul: The Latest Architecture and News

This new library building design by Akant Tasarim & Restorasyon is desired to be built in addition to Rami Old Military Barracks Restoration Project with a new city museum function which is included in the Istanbul 2010 cultural capital city of Europe program. The Rami Library brings a new perspective to the understanding of librarianship in a national cultural community, and is also totally open to the international community. The building consists of four main parts: library, foyer, event, and auditorium.

Istanbul based architecture office Suyabatmaz Demirel designed the Walk-in Cinema inside the SALT Beyoglu building which is almost a cul-de-sac attached to Istiklal Street, one of the most important pedestrian zones of Istanbul. The 19th century apartment located here was refurbished to be the home of SALT, a non-profit cultural institution which opened just last month and in a very short time became one of the most active cultural institutions in the city. This open platform is designed to host the events, screenings and impromptu public projects that SALT will program and encourage. More images and architects’ description after the break.

The AA Visiting School is a worldwide network organized by the Architectural Association School of Architecture in collaboration with each country they visit. They have conducted events and workshops all over the world, and we’ve covered their visits to Tehran, Muscat, and Mexico City.

In spring 2011, the AA will hold its first Istanbul Global School in collaboration with the Istanbul Technical University. This 10 day long intensive team-based workshop, taught by recent AA graduates/ AA staff, will explore tall structures through vertical growth algorithms by focusing on local crafts.

More information and contact information after the break:

Nabito Arquitectura has recently completed a international concept store for the hand made ice cream company Giolitti in Istanbul, Turkey. More images and the architects description after the break.

Just as many other parts of Istanbul, Sishane-Galata needs to redefine itself in a context that keeps on expanding. Well known for its bazaar-like atmosphere and tight social networks, Sishane-Galata is a not-so-global neighbourhood in a city that seems to constantly grow and stretch itself. Just as Istanbul is being celebrated as a global city at the centre of a vast sphere of economic and cultural influence, the same global, regional and metropolitan powers are forcing so many localities to redefine their functions and identities.