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Islamic aesthetics in a modern way: the KPF project for Ziraat Bank in Istanbul

23 of January '25
Technical data
Name: ZIRAAT BANKASI
(ZIRAAT BANK)
function: OFFICE
location:

STAMBUL, Turkey

project:

Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)

local architect: A TASARIM MIMARLIK
structure, SMEP: ARUP
construction manager: TURNER INTERNATIONAL
ALT contractor, façade engineers: KALYON İNŞAAT SANAYİ VE TİCARET ANONİM ŞİRKETİ.
office space/interior consultants:
KKS STRATEGY
office interiors:
A+I ASIA
acoustic consultant: MEZZO
signage design:
SYMBIUS
LEED consultant: ALTENSIS
landscape design: DDS
kitchen design: TRICON
AV, IT and BMU consultant:
WSP
lighting design: PJC

calendar:

  • construction

area:

  • total

  • 450 000

Ziraat Bank Headquarters,
designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)

[Material prepared on the basis of the studio's author's description]

U.S. architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) has completed work on the design of the headquarters of Ziraat Bank, located in the financial district of Istanbul, Turkey's largest city. The building, which is the centerpiece of the Istanbul International Financial Center (IIFC), combines modern architectural solutions with the functionality of office spaces. The design takes into account both the contemporary requirements of the working environment and references to the local architectural and cultural heritage characteristic of Istanbul - one of the oldest and most diverse cities in the world.

Siedziba banku Ziraat w finansowej dzielnicy Stambułu

Ziraat bank headquarters in Istanbul's financial district - the twin skyscrapers, 40 and 46 stories high, are almost entirely made of glass

photo by Dirk Lindner © Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)

Functionality and cultural context
In the design of Ziraat Bank's headquarters

Covering an area of 450,000 m², the complex, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) in cooperation with local office A Tasarim Mimarlik, houses the bank's headquarters, auditorium, retail space and underground parking. The project was conceived as a complex of independent but interconnected buildings. The twin skyscrapers, 40 and 46 stories high, are almost entirely glass. Their masses expand upward, and the bases are connected through a common podium.

The geometry of the towers subtly and gradually widens upward, creating a sculptural form that symbolizes the development and growth of Ziraat Bank.

- emphasizes Mustafa Chehabeddine,
chief designer of the KPF.

Siedziba banku Ziraat w finansowej dzielnicy Stambułu

Ziraat Bank's headquarters in Istanbul's financial district - the podium facade refers to decorative screens with geometric patterns characteristic of Islamic architecture

photo by Dirk Lindner © Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)

LEED-certified sustainable architecture

Horizontal slats have been used on the facades of high-rise buildings, the arrangement of which changes depending on the height and orientation of the building. Thanks to this solution, the office interiors are adequately illuminated with natural light, while controlling solar heat gain. The project has received LEED Platinum certification, confirming its high sustainability standards.

Siedziba banku Ziraat w finansowej dzielnicy Stambułu

Ziraat bank headquarters in Istanbul's financial district - interior of one of the skyscrapers

photo by Dirk Lindner © Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)

podium as a space that combines tradition
with modernity

Distinguishing itself from the predominantly glass façade, the building's podium is surrounded by decorative screens, characteristic of Islamic architecture. Designed as an extension of the district's public space, the podium houses commercial establishments on the first floor, accessed through entrances located around the courtyard. The interior of the building is a spacious, bright space, lit by extensive glazing, with massive columns and stone and wood details. The eight-story auditorium is crossed by several bridges that connect different parts of the building, fostering communication and integration between the different zones of the building. Inside the podium is a free-standing, obtuse, sculptural form that serves as an auditorium.

Siedziba banku Ziraat w finansowej dzielnicy Stambułu

Ziraat bank headquarters in Istanbul's financial district - the eight-story interior is crossed by several bridges

photo by Dirk Lindner © Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)

Our concept was that the podium would relate to the rich tradition of regional architecture by interpreting its intricate forms. To this end, a multi-layered structure reminiscent of screens was used to act as sunshades.

- Mustafa Chehabeddine adds.

Siedziba banku Ziraat w finansowej dzielnicy Stambułu

Ziraat bank headquarters in Istanbul's financial district - the interior features a free-standing, sculptural obtuse form that serves as an auditorium

Photo by Dirk Lindner © Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)

spaces that foster cooperation
and social integration

The interior of the towers was designed with the comfort of employees in mind, fostering collaboration and social integration between floors. Workspaces have been diversified, and users have access to shared amenities such as prayer rooms, naturally ventilated courtyards, gardens and rooftop terraces.

Siedziba banku Ziraat w finansowej dzielnicy Stambułu

Ziraat bank headquarters in Istanbul's financial district

Photo by Dirk Lindner © Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)

Use of local materials
and innovative acoustic solutions in the auditorium

High-quality local stone and wooden details were used throughout the building, which is particularly evident in the auditorium, where the walls are covered with double-curved panels of local limestone, cut using CNC technology. Finishing the interior of the auditorium with wood introduces a more intimate feel to the space. The wavy shape of the roof panels was designed to improve acoustics, which affects the quality of sound reception in this space.

Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina

Illustrations provided courtesy of KPF studios.

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