Zorlu Center, Istanbul Real Estate, Architect, Design Competition Turkey

Zorlu Center Istanbul Development

Zorlu Center Development, Turkey: Turkish Building Development – design by Tabanlioglu Architects

10 Nov 2011

Zorlu Center Competition Project

Istanbul, Turkey

Date: 2007-

Design: EAA – Emre Arolat Architects & Tabanlioglu Architects

Zorlu Land, is opened for an international competition. 117 companies applied to the “Zorlu Center Architecture and Urban Design Competition” started in June 2007 and concluded in 2008 by Zorlu Real Estate. 13 international architecture offices have been entitled to participate in the second stage. After the final evaluation Tabanlioglu Project is selected as the co-winner of the competition. In conclusion, the project of Tabanlioglu and EAA Joint Venture Group is now developing the project to join as a new ring to the public domain structure of Istanbul.

Designing the competition project, the geometric features of the land are preserved and enhanced by dissimilar triangles forming the outer and inner surface of the shell in combination with the triangular forms of the blocks.

The shell roofs the retail and recreation zone as well as the convention hall; through the rips on the landscaped surface, the sunken floors benefit the daylight.

The hard and soft landscape compositions of triangles interlace the landscape-roof, which is the footing of the public space, an urban terrace opening to Bosphorus. The roof of the construction becomes the floor of the center.

The hills of the city offer different perspectives of the history, culture, geography and architecture and they create natural neighborhoods. The hills are alive at Zorlu complex; like the hills actually ranging in elevation, 6 dissimilar crystalline towers with special functions and offering 360-degree panorama of the city, unite the cityscape, as well as melting in the dramatic silhouette of the Bosphorus.

5 Triplet towers and a twin tower are designed as triangular prisms as a re-descriptive application of triangle as a model. Framed in a glass skin, the crystalline towers in concert create a visualization of crystal configurations; dissimilar triangular prisms of various heights and positions build up dynamic crossings with reference to nature of contemporary architecture. Aware of the coexistence situations of the mixture and being a feature of urban fabric, each tower respects the other and rises without hindering others’ vista opening to various angles of the city. The transparent figures join the city not as an elegant sculpture but also as a communicative social entity.

Three residential blocks, a lifestyle and a convention hotel, and an office block are positioned bordering the landscaped plaza, above a sunken zone with open, semi-open and closed retail areas and entertainment facilities in addition to the convention hall situated below the two hotels.

The main principle behind the structure is to mimic the behavior of natural crystals. The ambition behind the chosen structural system is to mimic the growth principles of crystals into overall project, done through the design of the roof, towers and the podium. The tower structure starts from the basements, peaking through the roof, which is merged as facade of the buildings.

Vibrant, transparent, multifaceted structures, urban architectural finishes and free-form living spaces provide the sensitive, style-conscious resident and visitor a compelling alternative atmosphere.

The project, a dynamic and impressive gateway, will redefine the experience of contemporary downtown urban living. The mix-use project with wide public spaces and grand-scale buildings, elements of urban and architectural qualities to create a 21st century modern city without compromising the outstanding universal values of Istanbul, is a landmark at the European crossing point.

Istanbul Zorlu Center

Istanbul, Turkey

Date: 2008 – under construction

Design: EAA – Emre Arolat Architects & Tabanlioglu Architects

A landmark project for 21st-century Istanbul’s urban fabric Istanbul Zorlu Center

Istanbul has been home to diverse cultures and societies for thousands of years. The city, where civilizations meet, retains its rich cosmopolitan character and captivates international attention.

On the main axis of the CBD, by the main roads and intersections of the city, Zorlu Complex forms characteristic prospects, panoramas and visual axes in the urban landscape of today’s metropolitan area.

Situated on possibly the most high-profile site in Istanbul, with excellent road connections; the Center has the potential to become one of the city’s most popular destinations. Contrast to a conventional development process, a clear set of precepts respected for developing human settlement in the urban context. The mix-use project houses various building forms with reference to desired functions, from shopping to entertainment, to residential and various accommodation facilities, as well as dining options and social venues, mainly a performance and concert hall with 2500 seating capacity.

Integration of divers function zones establishes a flowing continuity on and below the shell. Optimum daylight is granted in the open and semi-open shopping and leisure areas housed under the shell structure, which is ajar to welcome the sky and views. Above the shell, to broaden the outlook, each high building positioned to hold different vistas without hindering the others’ view; situated at the lower levels, the shopping zone opens to Bosphorus view as well.

The retail story for the Zorlu Center is that it is a sustainable, responsible and energy efficient community led retail offer, not only within its resident community but for the wider Istanbul community.

Potential land use patterns considered from an ecological perspective in addition to topological and functional references. Building infrastructure and urban development concerns solved in the framework ecological concerns. Istanbul is in the middle of a rapid process of enthusiastic urban transformation. The project, a dynamic and impressive gateway, will redefine the experience of contemporary downtown urban living. The mix-use project with wide public spaces and grand-scale buildings, elements of urban and architectural qualities to create a 21st century modern city without compromising the outstanding universal values of Istanbul, is a landmark at the European crossing point. The existence of the property will bring meaning to its surroundings, and as a unique entity, the project will be the bridge.

The project is already under construction and is being developed in cooperation with EAA architects.

The landscape roof is a derivation of the original topography by geometric surfaces. Zorlu Center represents a dramatic environmental focal point for Istanbul. As a strong step in the modern history of the city, pedestrian walkways, shared public spaces and re-forested landscape is created by redefining the zone. With the new soft and hard landscapes and overlooking the city at many angles, a grand park space, a city square is created amid the high rises emerging through the roof-shell which covers the shopping and recreation zone, and the convention hall located beneath it. Through the rips on the landscaped surface the sunken floors benefit the daylight.

The landscape compositions interlace the landscape-roof, which is the footing of the public space, an urban terrace opening to sea and city view. The roof of the construction becomes the floor of the Center.

Tabanlioglu Architects

Location: Levent, Istanbul, Turkey