Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) announced that the Ziraat Bank headquarters in Istanbul has topped out. Another important signature is added to the list of modern architecture in Istanbul! Ziraat Bank Headquarters is designed in association with A Tasarim Mimarlik, architect of record.
On reaching this milestone, the landmark project is taking its place as the centre-piece of the new Istanbul International Financial Centre (IIFF) to become a fitting symbol for Ziraat Bank's importance and rich heritage.
“We are delighted to have reached this important milestone on KPF's first project in Turkey. Ziraat Bank is an exemplar of contemporary design that is respectful to its context and the rich history of the country. We believe will become a fitting centrepiece for the new Istanbul International Financial Centre.” says Mustafa Chehabeddine, Design Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox.
The office building extends to more than 350,000m2 and incorporates the bank's headquarters with commercial office space, ground floor retail and below-grade parking.
Both innovative and contextually relevant, the design draws upon the cultural heritage and historic architecture of one of the world's oldest and most diverse cities.
The curving profile of the towers, viewed together with the podium, alludes to a traditional Ottoman calligraphic signature, the Tughra.
The office towers, which rise to 40 and 46 storeys, have been designed to support employee wellbeing.
Amenities include prayer rooms, naturally ventilated areas and planted balcony break out spaces. Double-height atria create different working environments that encourage social interaction across floors.
Designed as separate but interconnected buildings, the podium unites the two towers. A common entrance with an eight-storey atrium is defined by the pebble-like form of the Ziraat Bank's auditorium and conference centre. Bridges cross the atrium at multiple levels, creating visual and physical links.
The building occupies a prominent position within the ICFF, with the podium defining public space.
On the tower glass facades, louvres of various sizes are used to allow high levels of natural daylight whilst reducing glare and preventing excessive solar gain.
In contrast to the simple treatment of the tower facades, the podium is designed with a rich pattern of flat arches and vertical fins, which set up an elegant rhythm.
Team:
Architect of Record: A Tasarim Mimarlik
Structure/SMEP: Arup
Façade Engineers: ALT
Workplace Consultants/Interiors: KKS Strategy
Office interiors: A+I Asia
